My Favorite Pacific Northwest Hiking Trails (and the Camping Gear I Always Pack)

If there's one region that never fails to blow me away, it's the Pacific Northwest. From mossy rainforests to glacier-capped peaks, the hiking here is on another level. Over the past few years, I’ve been slowly checking off some of the most iconic trails—and discovering hidden gems along the way. Here are a few of my all-time favorites, plus some camping gear I’ve actually used on these adventures that made life a lot easier (affiliate links included).

1. Hall of Mosses – Olympic National Park, WA

This trail feels like stepping into a fairytale. It’s an easy loop—perfect for a relaxed day—but the scenery is surreal. The trees are draped in thick green moss, and everything glows with moisture. I did this hike during a misty October morning, and I’ve never experienced anything so peaceful.

Gear Tip: I packed my Ultralight Sit Pad on this one, and it was perfect for a mid-trail tea break on a damp log. Weighs next to nothing but kept me dry and warm.

2. Rampart Ridge – Mount Rainier National Park, WA

This 4.5-mile loop offers a decent workout with a huge reward—epic views of Mount Rainier. I hiked it in late summer when the wildflowers were still out, and I could’ve stayed at the summit viewpoint for hours. You’ll want trekking poles for the incline if you're carrying a pack.

Camping Gear: That night I used my North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent at Cougar Rock Campground. It handled the chilly mountain air like a champ, and setup was super quick.

3. Timberline Trail – Mount Hood, OR

This is the one that tested me. Nearly 40 miles circling Mount Hood, and it felt like every step had a new view: alpine ridges, deep river crossings, and even snow patches in July. I did this over 4 days and saw fewer people than expected, which made it even more special.

Don’t Skip: Waterproof boots and a solid layering system. I lived in my merino base layer and lightweight rain jacket the entire trek.

4. Yellow Aster Butte – Mount Baker Area, WA

This trail wins for wildflowers and panoramic views. It’s a 7.5-mile out-and-back that I tackled on a sunny August weekend. The trail is a steady climb but levels out near the top where the landscape just opens up—mountain lakes, meadows, and 360-degree alpine bliss.

Camp Tip: If you're planning to overnight, bring a good sleep system. I use a compact foam pad and inflatable pillow combo that fits easily into my pack but still lets me sleep soundly under the stars.

5. Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Loop – OR/WA Border

Multnomah Falls gets all the fame, but there are dozens of lesser-known waterfalls tucked along the Gorge that are just as stunning. I like to start early and link a few together. My favorite combo: Wahclella + Elowah + Ponytail Falls. The moss, the mist, the sound—it's an unbeatable combo.

Pro Move: Pack a quick-dry towel and an extra pair of socks. The spray from the falls is no joke, especially in spring.

Final Thoughts + Favorite Gear Round-Up

Hiking in the Pacific Northwest is unpredictable in the best way—sun one moment, drizzle the next. It’s part of the magic, but it also means you need to pack smart. Here are a few items I don’t leave home without:

• 🏕️ North Face Stormbreak 2 Tent – Reliable, waterproof, and spacious enough for two with gear.

• 🪑 Ultralight Sit Pad – Perfect for snack breaks or waiting out a drizzle.

• 👟 Trekking poles, rain jacket, merino base layers, and a microfilter water bottle are all essentials in my kit.