The Pacific Northwest is home to several different mountain ranges. Each range offers a vast selection of types of hiking trails. Hikers can find trails of different levels of difficulty and options for length of the trail. Regardless of the trail you choose, each will offer a breathtaking display of the bounties of nature. Continue reading to find more hiking opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
Slick Ear Trail
Located in Umatilla National Forest, Slick Ear Trail is for foot and horse traffic only. Hiking on this trail offers solitude since it is not frequently traversed. Once you begin your hike, you will soon be trekking along top of the ridge. After about a mile, you will be greeted with open views of the Wenaha River.
At this point you have a decision to make. You can turn back and have experienced a beautiful walk into the forest, or you can continue hiking. As you progress, you will encounter a steep decline until you reach the Wenaha River after about four miles. For those seeking to find more hiking opportunities that include forest interludes, keep going! Sip some refreshing water from the river at the end of the trail before retracing your steps.
Umatilla Rim Trail
For those seeking to find more hiking opportunities that include options for how long and far you hike, take a look at the Umatilla Rim Trail. This hike is perfect for those looking at the segment of their hiking trips. You can access other points to begin your hike since the trail abuts many forest roads.
Hiking the entire trail will let you experience an eight-and-a-half-mile hike. As the trail meanders in and out of forested areas, you will experience one of the great features of the Umatilla Rim Trail, which are its meadows. Each season will bring varying delights of the vistas. As a multi-use trail, you may encounter bikers, horses and their riders. Weekends during the summer months can be a bit busy since this is such a great trail.
Do not forget to leave the trails as beautiful as you found them while you find more hiking opportunities.