Autumn brings cool nights, warm days, fall colors, and active wildlife. One of the best ways to enjoy all this is to go hiking. There are dozens of exceptional fall hikes in Southwest Washington and the biggest challenge can be deciding which trail to take.
There is something out there for everyone, and trails for every level of hiker, whether you are a robust walker or someone looking for a gentle stroll. Some of these trails are very popular and busy while others offer solitude.
Some are known for fall colors and others are great places to watch wildlife. So take your pick and get out and enjoy the fine fall weather before the snows fall.
Silver Star Mountain
The system of trails over the Silver Star Mountain area might not seem like a typical fall colors hike. This area was burned over by the Yacolt Burn, and the tops of these ridges burned so hot that the trees have not returned. According to Paul Gerald, the author of “60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland,” that lack of trees means wide-open vistas and ridges covered in brilliant shrubs.
“You can see the rock faces and waterfalls and fall colors,” said Gerald. “There are huckleberries, vine maples and mountain ash that turn bright red, and then yellow.”
Most hikers access the area from the Grouse Vista Trailhead off Forest Road 1200. The route travels over trail numbers 180, 180F, and 180D. The road to the trailhead is not bad and neither is the hike. However, Gerald thinks it is the least interesting of the three main routes.
“You don’t see as much of the open area. You come up through the forest and only see the brilliant fall colors at the top,” he said.
He prefers Ed’s Trail, (#180A). However, the last two miles of the road to the trailhead are really bad. You need a four-wheel drive vehicle with good ground clearance to make it.
It is worth it if you can make it. The hike is fairly easy and beautiful. Take the Silver Star trail, (#180) for one mile south and keep right to take Ed’s Trail. The trailhead is on Forest Road 4109.
The Bluff Mountain Trail, (#172), approaches Silver Star Mountain from the east. Ryan Ojerio, the southwest regional manager of the Washington Trails Association, says the hike is loaded with exceptional scenery.
“It’s a really spectacular trail, but the road to the trailhead is not great,” said Ojerio. “It’s a pretty rugged hike.”
It’s also a long hike at 11 miles, but virtually all of it is through wide-open ridges filled with fall color. The trailhead is along National Forest Road 41.
Silver Star Mountain and its trails are located about 30 miles northeast of Vancouver in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at these trailheads
Cape Horn Trail
This is one of the most popular fall trails in the area so it can get busy, especially on weekends. The trail runs along the ridgetop of Cape Horn where Maples provide the color against the backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge. As you drop lower the views continue until the trail reaches farm country that is dominated by brightly colored oaks and maples.
Once hikers reach the bottom there are scenic platforms that overlook the Columbia River where cottonwoods show off their bright yellows.
The upper Cape Horn trailhead is located along Strunk Road, about a 30-minute drive from Vancouver east along SR 14.
There is no fee for this trail.
Ape Canyon Trail
This trail on Mount St Helens is one of Gerald’s favorites. The trail winds above the tree line for an 11 mile round trip.
“It’s a beautiful hike with tons of vine maples,” he said.
Check snow levels and the forecast before trying this one. The trailhead is on National Forest Road 83.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required.
Siouxon Creek Trail
Beautiful old growth, lush forests, and waterfalls make this trail a spring and fall go-to. It’s also easy and fairly level. The trailhead is along Forest Road 5701.
The trail is approximately 50 miles northeast of downtown Vancouver. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.
Wildlife Trails
There is fall color along these trails, but the real attraction is the wildlife. Waterfowl of all kinds abound, and birders can get a peek at migratory song birds. These are also easy trails with few hills and well-graded walkways.
Be aware that hunting seasons are happening right now, and hikers need to stay away from people that are actively hunting.
Vancouver Lake Trail
Ryan Ojerio likes to take his kids with him when he visits this easy 2-mile trail. It winds through thick forests and an area rich with wildlife and waterfowl. You will need a daily parking pass.
Ridgefield NWR
While you hike this easy trail the flocks of geese and ducks are the draw, but keep your eye out for the Columbian Whitetail Deer. These smallish deer were recently transplanted from the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge for the Columbian Whitetail Deer.
A $3.00 entrance fee is required.
Steigerwald Lake NWR
This hike offers excellent views of the Columbia River Gorge, tons of waterfowl, and marshes. Level and easy, this is a good one for kids and elders. No fees or passes are required but parts of the trail are closed from October 1 to April 1.
Trail websites
The Northwest hiking community is very sophisticated and there is a plethora of excellent websites with descriptions and explicit directions to trailheads that space does not allow us to run here. It is well worth your time to peruse these websites for additional and important information before you head out.
Washington Trails Association: www.wta.org/
Washington All Trails: www.alltrails.com
Oregon Hikers: www.oregonhikers.org/
