10 Best Hikes in the PNW with Stunning Mountain Views
The Pacific Northwest is home to incredible mountain landscapes that offer breathtaking views from its many hiking trails.
Here are some of the best hikes across Oregon, Washington, and Northern California that reward adventurers with stunning mountain vistas.
Table of Contents
- Mount Si – North Bend, Washington
- Dog Mountain – Columbia River Gorge, Washington
- Mount Constitution – Orcas Island, Washington
- Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain – Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
- Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Black Butte – Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
- Mount Tallac – Lake Tahoe, California
- Mount Pilchuck – Granite Falls, Washington
- Eagle Cap – Wallowa Mountains, Oregon
- Lassen Peak – Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
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Mount Si – North Bend, Washington
Mount Si is a popular trail near Seattle that offers panoramic views of the Cascades. The 8-mile round-trip hike is challenging, with a steady uphill climb through dense forest.
At the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the Snoqualmie Valley. It’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike, especially on clear days.
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Dog Mountain – Columbia River Gorge, Washington
Dog Mountain is famous for its wildflowers in spring and its stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge year-round.
The 6-mile trail is steep and challenging, but the view from the top, with Mount Hood in the distance and the river below, is worth the effort. The vibrant display of wildflowers in May and June adds even more beauty to this hike.
Mount Constitution – Orcas Island, Washington
Located in Moran State Park, the hike up Mount Constitution provides amazing views of the San Juan Islands and surrounding mountains.
The trail is 7 miles round-trip, winding through forested slopes to the summit, where a stone observation tower offers 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and even the Canadian Gulf Islands.
Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain – Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
This 5.8-mile hike offers spectacular views of Mount Hood from the summit. Starting at Mirror Lake, the trail winds through forest before reaching an open ridge with panoramic views of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and the surrounding wilderness.
The reflection of Mount Hood in Mirror Lake makes for a particularly photogenic stop along the way.
Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The Skyline Trail is a classic hike in Mount Rainier National Park, offering close-up views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding glaciers.
This 5.5-mile loop features alpine meadows, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain views. The trail is especially beautiful in summer, when wildflowers bloom and the mountain is snow-capped.
Black Butte – Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Black Butte near Sisters, Oregon, is a relatively short hike (3.8 miles round-trip) that offers big rewards.
The trail climbs steadily to the summit, where hikers are treated to 360-degree views of the Cascade Range, including Mount Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and the Three Sisters. It’s a great option for a quick but scenic hike.
Mount Tallac – Lake Tahoe, California
Though technically in Northern California, Mount Tallac offers spectacular mountain views that make it a must-visit for PNW hikers.
The 10-mile round-trip hike is strenuous, but the view from the summit of Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and the Sierra Nevada peaks is unforgettable. It’s best to attempt this hike in late summer or early fall, as snow can linger on the trail.
Mount Pilchuck – Granite Falls, Washington
Mount Pilchuck’s trail takes hikers to an old fire lookout with stunning views of the Cascades, Puget Sound, and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier.
The 5.4-mile round-trip hike is rocky and moderately challenging, but the panorama from the lookout tower is breathtaking, especially during sunset.
Eagle Cap – Wallowa Mountains, Oregon
Eagle Cap in the Wallowa Mountains offers one of Oregon’s most scenic alpine hikes.
The 20-mile round-trip hike is challenging and often done as a backpacking trip, but the views of the surrounding peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows are worth the effort. The summit provides an unmatched view of the “Alps of Oregon.”
Lassen Peak – Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Lassen Peak offers a unique hiking experience in Northern California’s volcanic landscape. The 5-mile round-trip hike takes you up the side of a dormant volcano, with expansive views of the surrounding peaks and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The trail is especially scenic at sunrise, when the early light casts a warm glow over the rugged landscape.
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These hikes across the PNW offer some of the best mountain views in the region. From challenging peaks to scenic ridge trails, each one provides a rewarding experience for hikers looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s mountains. Whether you’re exploring the Cascades, the Olympics, or the Sierra Nevadas, these trails are perfect for unforgettable mountain vistas.
Although I love your list you are clearly not from the PNW. No true northwester would list California as a PNW site.
We also talk about a bit beyond. 🙂 Plus northern California is considered PNW by many.
PS – one of us was born and raised here. Thanks, Kristin!