Well folks, it's that time of year again. The Spirit Halloween Stores are popping up in the strip malls and pumpkins are on the shelves just about everywhere you go. With that being said, living in the Pacific Northwest means taking full advantage of the sunny months-which is why this year I am hanging onto summer for as long as I can. If you're like me and want to savor the last bit of sun we get for awhile here is a list of hikes that are perfect for summing up your summer!
Silver Forest Trail- Mount Rainier National Park
This is a perfect trail for any skill level and is located right at the Sunrise Visitor Center just left of the parking lot. Here you will have spectacular views of Mount Rainier as well as beautiful wildflowers lining the trail. The trail is about 2 miles and is relatively flat. If you're looking for a hike that is little effort for a big payoff-this is the one. If you find yourself on the Paradise side of the park I would recommend the Nisqually Vista trail for a quick and easy hike, or if you want more of a challenge tackle the Skyline trail loop.
Panther Creek Falls-Carson
Short and Sweet with a beautiful waterfall payoff is what makes this hike so special. The trailhead starts at the road across from a small gravel parking area. It can be a little tricky as the marker for the trailhead is just small sign up on the trees. Once you turn onto Panther Creek road continue on past the campground. The road narrows and you'll pass by some more campsite scattered near the creek line right off the road. Keep going and keep your eyes peeled for the little sign up on the trees that marks the trailhead. You will know you're there when you see the large pull out/parking area on the left hand side of the road. The trailhead is right across the street from it about 100 feet south of the lot. This is a short trail at about .3 miles with to options you can go up to get a view of the falls from the top or you can go to the left and head down to face the front of the falls. I recommend going down although coming back up is a bit steep. Here you will have an amazing view of the falls but keep kids, dogs close as there is a it of a drop off.
Devil's Punchbowl- Olympic National Park
Make sure you grab your swimsuit or extra clothes for this one because the beautiful water of Lake Crescent is irresistible and this hike will lead you to one of the most incredible swimming holes in the state. This trail is paved with minimal elevation and sits right around 2 miles. You'll follow the trail until you come to the big tunnel that goes through the mountainside. From there you can either turn left to follow the lake the rest of the way to the bridge of the punchbowl or you can go through the tunnel and turn left immediately after exiting. The water at the punchbowl is deep and it's a fun treat to jump off the bridge into the water after you've sweat it out to get there. The color of the water is so blue it almost looks fake!
Iron Creek Falls-Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Perfect hike for small children or when you want something super easy but still very beautiful. The trailhead is located right off the main road with a spacious parking area. This is a great place to pack a picnic and hangout for awhile. The trail down is a short .2 of a mile that leads you to a shallow creek. You can cross the creek to a small beach-ish area perfect for relaxing with the beautiful view of the falls. You can scramble behind the falls where there is a small cave, and swim at the base of falls. If you have kids this place is ideal because the small creek works as a safe haven for smaller children. This is also a great place for rock hounding as you are in the creek bed.
Ape Cave Trail
Ape Caves are a must visit for the summer months in the PNW. There are two different trails here one being easy and the other more moderate. The upper caves are more geared toward adults and older kids but the lower caves are perfect for the small explorers. The upper caves trail is about 3 miles with some scrambles and light climbing through the caves. The lower cave is an easy .3 of a mile but still very fun and rewarding if your skill level doesn't allow for the longer hike. These caves are closed during the winter months, and ideal during the end of summer when the crowds die down and you want a way to beat the heat. The inside of the caves are rather chilly and perfect for a hot late summer afternoon. Be sure to plan ahead, you'll want to bring a coat for inside the caves and a good working flashlight. It gets pitch black down there and a phone light won't cut it. If you're doing the upper cave trail I would recommend a good headlight as you'll wanted to have your hands free. Be sure to also check out Lewis River Falls and the Trail of Two Forests for some extra fun as they are all located on the same forest service road. Bring a picnic and make it a day!
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