Relating to high quality backpacking routes, it’s onerous to do higher than a loop path within the Pacific Northwest. Loops are as logistically straightforward as they’re aesthetically pleasing, the proper compromise between the psychological struggles of an out-and-back and the logistical struggles (learn: automotive shuttle) of point-to-point.
And the Pacific Northwest, nicely, there’s a purpose Oregon and Washington are often known as dwelling to a number of the finest backpacking in america. From rugged volcanic circumnavigations to lengthy regular climbs into alpine wonderland, this area gives a few of every little thing for the adventurous backpacker.
So with out additional ado, listed below are 6 Pacific Northwest backpacking loops I heartily suggest. I’ve had the pleasure of backpacking 5 of those trails myself, and the sixth — the long-lasting Wonderland Path — is excessive on my bucket checklist. Pleased climbing!
While you purchase by way of affiliate hyperlinks on this submit, I could earn a small fee. Thanks on your help! I at all times provide unbiased opinions based mostly on actual expertise from the street and path. Be taught extra.
Timberline Path
Size: 40 milesElevation achieve: 9850 feetMax elevation: 7340 feetLocation: 1.5 hours east of Portland, OregonHiking season: July – SeptPermits: free self-issued at trailhead
Map and path studies: Timberline Path (AllTrails)
Highlights: views of Mt. Hood from each course; plentiful water and tenting; accessible with out automotive by public transport
Challenges: water crossings will be harmful early in summer season; path is usually crowded; some areas of tough path and blowdowns
Probably the most iconic backpacking routes within the Pacific Northwest, the Timberline Path circumnavigates Mount Hood in a dramatic loop. Dipping out and in of steep drainages, the climbs and descents are comparatively quick however add as much as loads of elevation change. Tenting and water are plentiful, in reality water will be too plentiful in early summer season when river crossings are excessive. This path could be very standard as a result of its quick access from Portland; you possibly can even get there with out a automotive.
Damaged Prime Loop
Size: 22 milesElevation achieve: 3520 feetMax elevation: 8300 feetLocation: 1 hour west of Bend, ORHiking season: July – SeptPermits: required, aggressive
Map and path studies: Damaged Prime Loop (AllTrails)
Highlights: beautiful alpine surroundings; quick bite-size backpacking route however nonetheless very satisfying
Challenges: quick off-trail part requiring GPS nav or excellent map and compass abilities; permits will be onerous to get
This beautiful little loop west of Bend, Oregon (an out of doors vacation spot in its personal proper) is ideal for a weekend backpacking journey. The Three Sisters Wilderness is a surprising little alpine paradise rising out from the excessive desert to its east. The route is full of scenic lakes, ridgeline views, delicate meadows, and volcanic crags.
Searching for one thing longer? The 48 mile Three Sisters Loop overlaps with the west aspect of Damaged Prime Loop because it encircles all three Sister peaks (North, Center, and South).
Loowit Path
Size: 28+ milesElevation achieve: 4300+ feetMax elevation: 4880 feetLocation: Washington state, about 1.5 hours northeast of Portland, ORHiking season: July – SeptPermits: none required
Map and path studies: Loowit Loop from June Lake TH (AllTrails)
Highlights: hike round an energetic volcano that final erupted in 1980; rugged and fascinating hike with a lot of selection; much less crowded than many different PNW backpacking routes
Challenges: restricted water late in summer season; unfastened, steep, rugged terrain with just a few rope-assisted scrambles; 9 mile no tenting part
The Loowit Path round Mount St. Helens is extra rugged and difficult, mile for mile, than the opposite PNW loop trails on this checklist. As a result of St. Helens final erupted in 1980, very current by geologic requirements, the panorama continues to be shifting and settling. You’ll cross tedious boulder fields and numerous steep eroding gullies in your manner across the energetic volcano, however the dramatic surroundings and sense of wildness makes all of it definitely worth the work.
Wonderland Path
Size: 93 milesElevation achieve: 24,550 feetMax elevation: 7050 feetLocation: Washington state, about 2 hours southeast of SeattleHiking season: July – SeptPermits: required, aggressive
Map and path studies: Wonderland Path (AllTrails)
Highlights: hike round glaciated Mt. Rainier, energetic volcano and tallest mountain within the Cascade vary; discover scenic Mount Rainier Nationwide Park on foot; very well-maintained path
Challenges: aggressive permits requiring fastened itinerary (no dispersed tenting); loads of climb and descent however no more durable than most different loop trails on this checklist
That is the large one! If there’s such a factor as essentially the most iconic loop backpacking route within the PNW, the Wonderland Path round Mount Rainier is it. Considerably longer than different volcano circumnavigations within the area (see Timberline and Loowit trails) and in addition considerably more durable to get a allow for, Wonderland is a high prize of backpacking within the Pacific Northwest. It’s a well-liked path and tenting is restricted to designated websites, however in the event you can snag a allow you’ll undoubtedly take pleasure in a bucketlist-worthy backpacking journey.
Satan’s Dome Loop
Size: 40 milesElevation achieve: 10,200 feetMax elevation: 6900 feetLocation: North Cascades, Washington state, 2.5 hours northeast of SeattleHiking season: July – SeptPermits: reservation for Ross Lake campsites, free self-issue allow at trailhead
Map and path studies: Satan’s Dome Loop (AllTrails)
Highlights: spectacular North Cascades surroundings; hike and camp alongside huge Ross Lake which extends into Canada
Challenges: a lot of elevation achieve, together with a 5000 foot climb in 6 miles; be careful for bears, I noticed two throughout my hike
This rewarding and difficult loop packs in a ton of alpine surroundings and loads of climbing. In actual fact, you’ll climb 5000 ft in about 6 miles if climbing clockwise! The North Cascades, manner up north close to the Canadian border, are shorter than mountains additional south however impressively rugged. Get pleasure from lush forest, ethereal ridgeline, and a protracted stretch of lakeside path on this circumnavigation of Jack Mountain.
Southern Eagle Cap Loop
Size: 36 milesElevation achieve: 9200 feetMax elevation: 9500 feetLocation: Wallowa Mountains, northeast Oregon, 3.5 hours north of Boise, IDHiking season: July – SeptPermits: free self-issued at trailhead
Map and path studies: Eagle Cap Loop by way of East Eagle (AllTrails)
Highlights: superb alpine surroundings in surprising location; attractive lakes; much less crowded trails; elective however extremely advisable aspect journey to Eagle Cap summit
Challenges: out of the best way location; a lot of climbing; path will be overgrown in locations
The Wallowa Mountains, generally referred to as the Alps of Oregon, rise unexpectedly out of japanese Oregon’s desert scrub. They’re a bit out of the best way for many of us, however nicely definitely worth the drive for alpine surroundings rivaling elements of the excessive Sierra (in my view).
This loop begins from the much less standard southern fringe of Eagle Cap Wilderness and contains some rougher, less-traveled trails on the best way to the favored Lakes Basin. Convey your climbing legs and a little bit of wilderness confidence, as it’s possible you’ll not see many different hikers on the southern part. For a barely extra accessible route on higher maintained path, look right into a loop ranging from Joseph, OR into the Lakes Basin space.
PNW Backpacking Gear
Listed below are a few of my backpacking gear favorites, used on these PNW trails and lots of others:
For extra of my favourite backpacking gear, with a concentrate on light-weight packing and good worth, see My All-Time Favourite Backpacking Gear.
Extra Backpacking Assets
When you loved this submit, you may also like these:
Or go to the climbing and backpacking part for heaps extra!
In regards to the Creator
Hello there, I’m Alissa, founding father of Exploring Wild. I’ve had the pleasure of climbing the Arizona Path, Colorado Path, John Muir Path, Tahoe Rim Path, and numerous shorter superb trails all through the US and overseas. I like solitude, huge views, and a great light-weight gear setup. Be taught extra right here.
