10 Pacific Northwest Rainy Day Hikes

10 Pacific Northwest Rainy Day Hikes

1.  Neahkahnie Mountain Loop – Manzanita, OR

Trail: 8.0 – miles round trip, moderate
Open Year Round
Pets allowed on Leash

This Coastal Mountain stands at 1,680 ft above sea level, boasting views of Nehalem Bay, Manzanita and Cape Falcon. This trail has you travel towards Short Sand Beach and a stunning view of Smuggler’s Cove with a legend as old as the sand. In the late 1600’s a Spanish ship was said to have shipwrecked and buried treasure in the mountain, intriguing treasure hunters near and far. Try your hand at finding the treasure in the viewpoints along the trail.

2. Susan Creek Falls – Idleyld Park, OR

Trail: 1.6-miles out and back, easy
Open Year-Round
Pets allowed on leash
Warning: Watch for Poison Oak
Disabled access trail available

This wide trailed hike is well kept and well covered with Douglas-firs, Oregon white oak, big leaf maple, and other native Oregon trees. Waterfalls over 50 ft over moss-lined cliffs, adding a splash of color to any dreary, rainy day. Pack a lunch and head out past the falls to view one of 7+ falls within a 5-mile radius.

3. Todd Lake Loop – Bend, OR

Trail: 1.7-miles round trip, easy
Open Through November
Pets allowed on leash

Pristine grass grows around this trail as it winds around the waterline of hidden Todd Lake. The trailhead parking offers quick access from the highway and the trail boasts a fairly flat pathway that allows you to take in the natural surrounding wildlife and views of Mt. Bachelor.

4. Drift Creek Falls – Otis, OR

Trail: 3.0 miles round trip, moderate
Open Through Late Fall
Pets allowed on leash

Head over a suspension bridge hanging 100ft over basalt gorge, to a view of the coast range forest. You’ll be hiking down into the forest and climb back out. Enjoy a picnic in the clearing after the bridge and take in the breathtaking waterfall show.

5. Bagby Hot Springs – Mt. Hood National Forest, OR

Trail: 3.0-miles round trip, easy
Open Through Late Fall
Pets allowed on leash

Hike into the Mt. Hood National Forest on a dreary day and soak in Oregon’s natural hot springs. These springs were discovered in 1880 and stay around 120-138 degrees F. Due to its vicinity to the mountain, check road conditions and closures before heading out.

6. Toketee Falls – Idleyld Park, OR

Trail: 0.8 miles out and back, easy
Open Year-Round
Pets allowed on leash

The next time you head to Crater Lake, stop at the breathtaking Toketee falls. This basalt formation frames two-stepped falls carved by the North Umpqua River. Bring your binoculars for birdwatching year-round.

7. Moraine Trail – Mt. Rainier, WA

Trail 3.25-miles round trip, easy
Open Through Mid-Oct
No Pets Allowed

Moraine Trail is nestled in the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier, one of the mountain’s best kept secrets. This trail is the least used, offering incredible views of wildlife. Hike through pristine meadows and descend into a forested trail. Listen closely for the clattering of rocks as they fall and glaciers adjust in wild country.

8. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge – Portland, OR

Trail: 2.3 miles, easy
Open Year Round
Pets allowed on leash

Hike through downtown Portland’s Oak’s Bottom Urban Wildlife Refuge winds through the memorial mausoleum and along the side of Oak’s Amusement Park with an up-close view of the Willamette River.

9. Tamanawas Falls – Mt. Hood National Forest, OR

Trail: 3.6 miles out and back, moderate
Open Through late Fall
Pets allowed on leash

 Beautiful year-round Mt. Hood trail showcases a lava cliff waterfall with a dry cave to soak in the majestic beauty of the falls while escaping the rain. Due to a rock slide covering a small portion of the trail, some climbing is required. There are two wooden bridges to keep in mind when bringing pets and small children.

10. Falls Creek Falls – Carson, WA

Don’t let the unpredictable rain of the Pacific Northwest and foggy fall weather keep you from experiencing the heights of the coastline or the valleys of forest. Always remember to pack dry clothes and an extra pair of dry shoes to drive home in. If you’re hiking at a higher elevation, always check ahead of time to make sure the access roads are open and not succumbed to snow. Happy trails!