The Pacific Northwest is famously an outdoor lover’s paradise, with beloved national parks, hundreds of miles of pristine coastline, and vast areas of remote mountain wilderness. While the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is the most famous path through this region, it’s also home to many other bucket list-worthy long-distance backpacking trails.
But with hikes ranging in length from 80 to 1,500 miles, in environments from desert to the beach, how do you know which hike is right for you? Consider this your flow chart for picking the right trail for you, with details on eight stand-out thru-hikes.
If You Don’t Like Camping…
If you love the idea of a month-long backpacking trip, but not the whole “sleeping on the ground” thing, the Oregon Coast Trail is the hike for you. Stretching 400 miles from the state’s borders with Washington and California, this trail regularly passes through small beach towns, with plenty of access to B&Bs, hotels, and inns. The trail is a scenic blend of time on beaches and time in lush forests, with only moderate elevation gains.
Things to know: Whether you’re staying in campsites or lodging, be sure to book ahead of time. The Oregon Coast is a popular tourist destination, and spaces can fill up quickly.
Towns can be unevenly spaced out on the trail. This means that some days will have to be short (less than 10 miles), and some will have to be long (over 20 miles). Some locations offer lodging, but no other services, so you’ll need to buy food ahead of time. Some sections of the trail require boat rides, which you should reserve in advance. Find more information on the trail’s website.
If You Couldn’t Get a PCT Permit…
For disappointed potential PCTers who failed to nab a coveted permit, the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is a solid alternative. With a distance of 1,200 miles, it’s still a true opportunity to embrace nature, disconnect from modernity, and live that thru-hiker life. Stretching from Glacier National Park in Montana to the coast in Washington, the rugged trail passes through many stunning landscapes, including North Cascades and Olympic national parks.
Things to know: Most hikers start in Montana in July and finish in Washington in September. The only portions of the trail that require a permit are the roughly 200 miles that pass through national parks. The trail can be extremely rugged, with challenging navigation, making it a better fit for experienced backpackers. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association offers many planning resources on its website.
If You Don’t Have Time for the Whole PNT…
Let’s be real: Most folks can’t take several months of work off to go on a thru-hike like the PNT. If you still want to scratch that itch and get a taste of the PNT though, try hiking one of its most scenic sections, the Boundary Trail. This hike stretches 80 miles from the North Cascades to Pasayten; most hikers can complete it in 7 to 10 days. Highlights include high mountain passes, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows in the spring and vibrantly colored trees in the fall.
Things to know: The trail has a total of 9,000 feet of elevation gain, so be sure to come prepared with sturdy footwear and trekking poles. Snow can come at any time of year.
If You Want to Get Real Remote…
Idaho might not come to top of mind when it comes to backpacking, but as the thirteenth-least popular state, it’s got a land of wild land and not many people. The 1,000-mile Idaho Centennial Trail takes hikers through the entire state from north to south, passing through the Sawtooth Mountains, Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, and the Selkirk Mountains. Navigation on the trail can be challenging, so come prepared with both electronic and paper maps.
Things to know: The best resource for planning is The Hiker’s Guide: Idaho Centennial Trail written by two thru-hikers. Wildfires have damaged portions of the trail in the past, so be sure to check current local conditions before embarking.
If You Want Your Mt. Rainier Moment…
Of all the hikes on this list, the Wonderland Trail is the most famous. The 93-mile loop around Mt. Rainier is a social media darling, and there’s a reason why. Its mountain vistas and wildflower-filled meadows seem engineered to go viral on Instagram. There’s no better way to spend a week in this iconic national park. Make no mistake, however: This trail is not for beginners. Each day on trail involves thousands of feet in elevation gain and loss on rugged rock and terrain.
Things to know: Permits are required, and are available via an annual lottery that opens in February. There are 20 designated campsites on trail, so it’s possible to customize your itinerary. You can cache food and fuel on-trail in select locations in advance.
If You Want Something Different…
Did you know that nearly half of Oregon’s terrain is high desert? Rocky canyons, mountainous river basins, and rolling grasslands characterize this unique ecosystem. The 750-mile Oregon Desert Trail explores the this eastern side of the state, passing through the Owhyee Canyonlands, the Steen Mountains, and multiple national wildlife refuges.
Things to know: The Oregon Desert Trail Association has a website and a free guidebook with resources. Planning around water access is the most complex part of the trip. Spring and fall are the best times of the year to complete the trail.
If You’re a Biker, Not a Hiker…
Bikepacking has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there’s a whole trail dedicated to travel via mountain bike. The 700-mile Oregon Timber Trail spans trails and backcountry roads from Columbia River Gorge to the state’s border with California. Bikers stay at a combination of established campgrounds and dispersed camping on U.S. Forest Service land.
Things to know: The trail changes frequently, based on wildfires and logging operations. Find the most up-to-date information on the trail association’s website.
If You Want A Bit of Everything…
The 80-mile William O. Douglas Heritage Trail is a bit of a hodgepodge: It combines sections of the PCT with sections of trails in Mount Rainier National Park and designated wilderness areas, passing through 12 different distinct ecosystems along the way. You’ll get to explore river valleys, the North Cascades, arid shrub-steppes, lush rainforests, and more. Most people take 4 to 6 days to complete the trail.
Things to know: Summer and fall are the best weather windows, but be aware it can rain any time of year. Some of the trail passes alongside extremely fragile lithosol soil crusts, which can take up to a century to recover from damage, so be sure to stay on trail.
