How To Hike & Bike In Washington & Oregon

In the Pacific Northwest trails cut through the rainy forests outside of Seattle, and along the high mountain deserts of central Oregon. You can take easy strolls to waterfalls and overlooks, or tackle one of the strenuous climbs crossing peaks and transecting thick woodlands. Whether you are a mountain biker or enjoy trails on foot, there are plenty of trails to try -- at all difficulty levels -- in Washington and Oregon.

In Cities

Many Pacific Northwest cities have created extensive parks in their city limits to satiate the appetites of their outdoor-loving residents. You can travel miles of trails in a wilderness setting with these convenient parks. Head to Portland's Forest Park; as the largest city park in the country, it is loaded with trails. Here mountain biking trails are separate from hiking trails to keep them from crossing paths.

In Seattle, head to Discovery Park. Over 11 miles of trails are mapped out in this 534-acre wilderness, leading you past sea cliffs and open meadows, and along Shilshole Bay.

By the Ocean

Discover the ever-changing terrain of the shoreline along a coastal trail. According to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, the 382-mile journey along the Oregon Coast Trail lets you "cross sandy beaches, meander through forest-shaded corridors and traverse majestic headlands." You can begin in the north at the Columbia River, and trek the entire coastline down to Pistol River State Viewpoint at the California border. You can also pick up small sections of this trail for shorter day hikes.

In Washington State there is a 200-mile section of the West Coast Trail. This journey takes you through temperate rain forests and hopping across boulders at the Pacific Ocean's edge.

Inland Wilderness

Follow famous trails cut through the wilderness of Washington and Oregon, which often retraces the historic paths of past explorers. The Seattle Press Expedition Hike is a 44-mile journey from the Elwha River to Lake Quinault, where you hike the path taken in 1889 to map the mountainous terrain. Take your bike down the Galloping Goose Trail on Vancouver Island and tour old railroad lines in the isolated backcountry.

Mt. Rainer National Park, Olympic National Park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Wild Rogue Wilderness are only a few of the public lands that have established trail systems for hikers and mountain bikers. If you prefer day trips, select from the shorter trails or sample sections of the longer routes.

Hiking & Biking Clubs

If you don't enjoy venturing off alone, join a club. There are many groups throughout Washington and Oregon. Often they require only that you just show up. The Sierra Club hosts day hiking trips around the Seattle area. Groups like the Disciples of Dirt Mountain Bike Club take beginners and biking vets on area trails, focusing on fun in the Oregon wilderness.

Considerations

The terrain and climate varies wildly throughout these two states, so check out particulars for the area that you are exploring. Snow, rain and heat can all be issues in the Pacific Northwest, though generally summer is the best season. If you are traveling through the region during the rainy season, bear in mind that the water makes trails difficult or even impassable. You won't have to worry much about altitude; only one peak surpasses 14,000 feet, and most are under 11,000. Some trails, like the Seattle Press Expedition Hike, require a backcountry pass.