Hiking and Camping in Oregon/Washington

[dvisic]

I don't know if this is the right forum for this, since most of the other posts seem to be about planning group hangs, but it does say "trip planning," so....

I'm getting ready to go to Vancouver, WA to visit family. My step-brother and I are planning to do a lot of camping and even some easy caving (neither one of us have much experience, but it sounds like fun). We have a few things planned, but I thought I'd ask y'all if there are any "must see" hikes/views/hanging spots/etc. We'll be based in the Vancouver/Portland area, so we'll range out from there.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[JohnH]

I don't know if this is the right forum for this, since most of the other posts seem to be about planning group hangs, but it does say "trip planning," so....

I'm getting ready to go to Vancouver, WA to visit family. My step-brother and I are planning to do a lot of camping and even some easy caving (neither one of us have much experience, but it sounds like fun). We have a few things planned, but I thought I'd ask y'all if there are any "must see" hikes/views/hanging spots/etc. We'll be based in the Vancouver/Portland area, so we'll range out from there.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Mt Hood is a very short drive from there. You can also hike a section of the pacific crest trail starting at the Columbia river to the base of hood if you would like.

[hiker_DC]

Mt. Saint Helens is a short drive (about an hour) north of Vancover. Spend half a day exploring Ape Caves. Then hang your hammock with awesome views of the blown apart mountain.

[dvisic]

Great ideas--thanks to you both. I know we're planning to go to Ape Caves already...do you have any recommendations for the best campsite for that view?

[hiker_DC]

I haven't been in years and have never camped there and don't know what kind of access you would have. The crater faces north near Spirit Lake. I would look up Spirit Lake on the web and find out if camping is allowed.

[Shadowmoss]

It's been cloudy and chilly here lately. I went to Mt. St. Helens on the Saturday of the weekend of the 4th, and couldn't see the top of the mountain, which is the interesting part. It was really cold at 4K ft, where the information building and such are. Still an interesting place, just realize that if there is a low ceiling, you won't see much of what you are (or, at least I was) expecting.

[Widerstand]

In the Columbia River Gorge you should check out Cape Horn and Eagle Creek.

Here are some shots from Eagle Creek Trail and Angles Rest to drool over.

The first two from from Eagle Creek the others are from Cape Horn. The Cape Horn shots are from a winter hike.

[Widerstand]

In the Columbia River Gorge you should check out Cape Horn and Eagle Creek.

Here are some shots from Eagle Creek Trail and Angles Rest to drool over.

The first two from from Eagle Creek the others are from Cape Horn. The Cape Horn shots are from a winter hike.