Roadtrip Hikes: Explore the Best Trails
Discover breathtaking hikes and travel tips for adventurers.
Discover Roadtrip Hikes
Adventure Awaits
Join us as we explore breathtaking trails and scenic views. Our blog features the best hiking spots for every adventurer.
Exploring the world, one photo at a time
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There's much to see here. Join us as we explore trails across the US for the summer of 2025! We hope to live stream some of our hikes and create hike compilations to various soundtracks. Stay up to date by following us on X and subscribing to our youtube channel.
Travel Blog
5/29/25 Mt. Rainier Crystal Lake Trailhead
5/26/25 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
5/26/25 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Just off of HWY 410, shortly after entering Mount Rainier is Crystal Lake Trail head. It is the first trailhead accessible off of the main entrance on your left. If you are looking for a quick hike with lots of quick vertical ascent and you want to avoid the crowds, this is a great hike to consider.
The first 30 min ascending the mountain is about a 520 feet climb. As you go up the mountain the climb gradually gets steeper and slightly more narrow. I am not a huge fan of narrow ridge line hikes and I felt fine most of the way up. This trailhead was relatively empty. Its easy to access. It cuts 30 min off of your drive compared to the more popular trails, and it has great training potential.
We only saw a handful of hikers, a pleasant change! The trail is wide enough that you don’t have to worry about steep edges. Though there are various lookout points that scatter the mountains edge that look sketchy at best. The trail follows a river. You can hear the river flowing beneath throughout the ascent up the ridge line.
The trail is not overgrown, and offers plenty of shade. The water is sufficiently far removed so that mosquito repellent isn’t necessary either. This was a wonderful zen like hike in the middle of a quiet forest where solitude reigns supreme. I highly recommend this hike for anyone looking for a quick nature fix, and a great workout.
5/26/25 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
5/26/25 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
5/26/25 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
I have been looking forward to visiting this area of the PNW for three years. I must say that the area did not disappoint. As you enter the park. Picnic tables can be found on your left, along with grills and plenty of space to relax and unwind. There is parking available and trolley service to the various trailheads.
I highly recommend paying for the $20 parking if you plan on doing any hiking at all. It's run by an x-police officer and it's worth the extortion. Seriously keep reading! The crime in this area is rampant, it's unbelievable, unmanageable and there really needs to be alternative ways to pay for security.
We arrived at the trailhead and set off for our hike. Shortly after arriving, we were targeted by locals and approached by at least two different groups. While we felt uncomfortable we locked our belonging up and proceeded on our hike.
Our car window was broken and our belongings were stolen within ten minutes of parking. Twenty minutes later my AirPods gave their last signal near the parks exit. As is typical with these kind of incidents there is not much the police can do for you.
Tourists beware, you are actively being watched, and targeted.
As for the trail, it was beautiful, but definitely not worth the damages and property theft. This one is a drive-by if you can't afford the parking. There is a gift shop with what looked like food service. I wanted to check it out after our hike, but I was so upset about the break-in that we just left early.
About the trail. The trail itself was narrow, and slippery. If you are scared of heights, you will likely be able to ascend 1 hour or so depending on the trailhead before you feel uncomfortable.
I did see some very unique flowers. The waterfalls are gorgeous throughout the whole area and there are plenty of waterfalls to see. Stop for pictures, but stay close to your car at all times.
5/11/25 Mt. Rainier Paradise Trailhead
5/26/25 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
5/11/25 Mt. Rainier Paradise Trailhead
We headed out to the Ashford entrance of Mt. Rainier. The ticketing system has been cancelled for the upcoming season. There were no lines to enter the park. Navigating to the trailhead was relatively easy. The roads were free from snow and dry. Once at the trailhead, snow covered the trailheads. Snowshoes, or crampons are necessary. Hiking sticks and an ice axe is highly recommended. We used crampons but couldn’t ascend very far up the mountain since we didn't have ice axes. The mountain will be melting soon. We saw downhill skiers coming down the mountain. I can't wait for the hiking season to begin!