Ten Hikes for Right Now

Sit back and enjoy the views atop Mount Zion in the Olympics. Photo by Dreamteam.

It's July 7, 2011, and we know how hard it is for hikers to find trails that are both snow-free and qualify as worthy "summer" hikes. The high country is still socked in with copious amount of white stuff, and even trails that often are snow-free by Memorial Day remain tantalizingly off limits.

What's a hiker to do?

Do Your Research. Several forest roads are closed right now - either for maintenance or because of snow or damage. Many trails are under snow or are impassable due to dangerous stream crossings or blowdowns.They are too numerous to mention them all here, so after choosing your hike, go to our Ranger Station Info page where you will find links to road and trail conditions and phone numbers for the ranger stations.

Check Trip Reports. A first hand account from another hiker is the best way to learn about conditions. Hikers can Trip Reports on wta.org - and they do! This time of year we average nearly 200 Trip Reports per week. You can find out a lot before ever setting foot on the trail.

Practice Safe Hiking. Due to the unusual conditions in the mountains - from steep snowfields to challenging stream crossings - we have recently updated our Hiking Safety Tips page. It covers many of the things you need to know to come home safely. Please give it a read, be prepared, and give yourself permission to turn back if conditions warrant it.

Choose One of These Trails. We've scoured Trip Reports and analyzed snow levels to come up ten excellent hikes to fit this year's early-to-mid-July hiking conditions.

1. Tronsen Ridge (Blewett Pass)

Everyone's favorite flower on Tronsen Ridge is Tweedy's lewisia. Photo by Jim Kuresman.

One of the Cascades' premiere wildflower hikes is at its peak right now. Walk the colorful ridgeline and soak in the views of the Stuart Range, and you won't be disappointed. Since the trail is off of Blewett Pass, you'll find sun here when the west side of the mountain is cloaked in clouds. Just go soon, before it gets too hot and before motorcycles are allowed in (July 15). Recent reports indicate that the best access is via Five Mile Road, but a high clearance vehicle is still recommended. >> Read more

2. Mount Zion (Olympics)

While most of the other peaks in the eastern Olympics are still under snow, this trail offers you a quick, snow-free summit and far-reaching views to please every hiker. And if you go soon, you should be right on time for the trail's famed rhody show - they were just starting to bloom over the Fourth of July weekend. >> Read more

3. Third Beach - Toleak Point - South Wilderness Coast (Wildcatter Coast)

However far you go, and whatever name you call it, this stretch of Olympic Coast between La Push and Oil City is spectacular. Third Beach makes a pleasing and easy day trip, and is especially a favorite for families. Toleak Point is a fantastic destination for an overnighter. And the 17-mile traverse is a surprisingly challenging two to three-day backpacking trip if you can arrange a shuttle with two cars. >> Read more about Third Beach.
>> Read more about Toleak Point and the South Wilderness Coast.

4. Colchuck Lake (Enchantments)

If you don't already have an Enchantments permit, you won't be able to camp here (though you will want to). But you can still day hike! Colchuck Lake is one of the most sublime destinations in the entire state, and believe it or not, it is mostly snow-free. Get a work out on the ascent, and then bathe in the beauty. You'll want to come back again, permit in hand. >> Read more

5. Driveway Butte (Methow)

Driveway Butte is one of the Methow's best early season hikes. Photo by Kim Brown.

Balsamroot abounds on this trail in the Methow. Go before it's gone! It's reported to be quite the show. But flowers are not this trail's only charm. You can get a work-out here - more than 3000 feet in four miles. You can get to 6000 feet without snow. You can see how quickly plants regenerate in a burned forest. And you can absorb the broad views from Driveway Butte. >> Read more

6. Big Creek and Otter Falls (North Bend area)

Waterfall enthusiasts should not miss Otter Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the state. And what's more, hikers get two waterfalls for their efforts on this hike. If only you didn't have to get there by driving the axel-shaking pot-holed Middle Fork Road (which may be paved some day). But that just might keep the crowds down too. >> Read more

7. Kachess Beacon (Snoqualmie Pass)

Hikes that leave from the top of Snoqualmie Pass are still snowed-in, but head east a little ways and the story is different. Ascend to an old air traffic beacon off of Kachess Ridge. Wildflowers and inspiring views await. >> Read more

8. Goat Lake (Mountain Loop Highway)

With several roads along the Mountain Loop Highway closed this summer, and snow in some places as low as 3000 feet, it is more challenging than usual to find a hike in this usually reliable region. If you haven't been to Goat Lake before, it may be the year to go there. It's popular, to be sure, but offers so much for hikers: waterfalls, a gorgeous large lake, and two routes that disperse the crowds. >> Read more

9. Little Ranger Peak (Mount Rainier area)

Harry's Ridge at Mount St. Helens is provides an excellent lunch spot. Photo by Eric Jain.

Oh boy, is hiking ever a challenge this July at Mount Rainier! What makes the park so great is that you can drive to high-elevation trailheads. Only problem: the trails are covered in snow. But what if you expanded your scope to include areas nearby? Aha! Little Ranger Peak - a summit waiting to be climbed. Try it out. >> Read more

10. Harry's Ridge (Mount St. Helens)

The west side of Mount St. Helens is ready for hikers! From the Hummucks Trail to the South Coldwater Lake Trail, there are places to go hiking and let your imagination go wild. Think about what this landscape looked like 30 years ago and marvel at how much has come back in the ensuing years. And then look into the mouth of the volcano, which is all the more impressive with a bit of snow. >> Read more