Hikes: Diverse beauty of the Northwest

Hiking: a tradition born out of necessity for Native Americans and pioneers, then adopted by the homeless, now re-appropriated by urban hipsters.

The Pacific Northwest is known to have some of the best and most beautiful hikes in all of North America. This week, I trekked on some of the best local options, in my opinion. I ventured above downtown Portland for the gorgeous Pittock Hike, then to the Columbia River Gorge to visit Hamilton Mountain, and after that loop, visited my home-turf Silver Star – the observatory of mountains. All three of these hikes were a blast and I encourage anyone who has a interest in the outdoors and having a good time to go out and try these places.

Pittock Hike, running up Portland’s west hills, starts at the Lower Macleay Park trailhead and ends at the historic Pittock Mansion. The hike is about 5 miles round-trip. The area is beautiful, something you wouldn’t have guessed was hiding behind the urban jungle. With all natural greens and flowers, the scenery for the hike is just heavenly if you wanna get out of the central city and see the other side. The trail is moderately  tough, so it’s excellent for beginners or people who took a break over winter. At the end of the Pittock Hike, if you haven’t guessed it, is Pittock Mansion, a huge home that overlooks the busy city 24/7. Pittock is nice during the day but if you go during the night, make sure you bring a group of people, because during night the Pittock Hike can be dangerous. The reason I say this is because on our way back down the trail, we heard a man screaming “Help!” but then he went dead quiet.We did stop to look for the man but, as we started yelling back to ask where the man was, the voice went dead. Besides this, Pittock Hike is essential to put on your list for places to hike.

Now to the Gorge, where we visited the Washington  side, at Hamilton Mountain. Hamilton Mountain is a 7.5-mile trail that goes up to the mountain and then loops around the back of Beacon Rock. This hike I remember well from all the blood, tears, and pain I put into it (I fell a lot). Hamilton, just like any other mountain in the Northwest, is gorgeous. What makes this place different, though, is the view into the Gorge. I, personally, haven’t found a better hike. With crystal-clear waterfalls and devastatingly beautiful views of the Columbia River, I would honestly take someone I really cared about on this hike: It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, with all the spots to stop and, uhh… watch bees pollinate the mountain flowers.

This hike, however, is not for beginners, with winding steep hills that literally go on for hours. I haven’t taken so many breaks on a hike in my life. Hamilton Mountain is a place I encourage everyone to check out at least once, especially since it’s overshadowed by Beacon Rock.

Now for my favorite spot to hike, Silver Star. Located almost at the edge of Earth (Yacolt, WA, northeast of Battle Ground), Silver Star Mountain is a 4-mile round-trip hike. But, God, is it gorgeous! The scenery is literally something out of the “Lord of the Rings” movies, with its beautiful  flower-filled plains, drop-dead ridges, and knockout views of the surroundings. At the top of Silver Star, you can see the urban zones of Portland and Vancouver, plus if you look around closely you see Mounts St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood and Jefferson. Silver Star Mountain is a hot spot as well, with mountain bike competitions in the late summers, and a place where people can be seen camping.  Silver Star, out of all three trails, is the farthest away, and the drive up there isn’t easy. If you do choose to make the journey,  take a car that has 4-wheel drive, for the rough road.  Silver Star Mountain is a just mind blowing, and I encourage hikers to go and explore. It’s just too outstanding to miss.

This summer, if you do get a chance to hike I would look into these. These three hikes are all different and show diversity in their terrain and beauty. But if you do choose to hike, don’t be stupid about it. Go with friends – it is never safe to hike alone. Bring plenty of food and water; they don’t have vending machines on the trails, that I’m aware of.

So go get your hiking bag, and, homeys, get out there and explore the Northwest.

Advocate Staff