Travel tales
10 Easy PNW Hikes for Your Next Weekend Adventure
If you’re planning a weekend adventure and want something simple, this guide is for you.
The Pacific Northwest is full of trails that feel calm, refreshing, and easy to enjoy — even if you’re not in the mood for a big climb. This list gives you 10 easy hikes across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho that bring you great views without the struggle.
If you’re planning a weekend adventure and want something simple, this guide is for you.
And hey… if hiking with your pup is your thing, don’t miss our Velcro Dog Excursions page for fun dog-friendly adventures too.
1. Bowl & Pitcher Loop — Spokane, WA
The Bowl & Pitcher Loop is a local favorite for a reason. You start by crossing a charming suspension bridge over the Spokane River, then wind through tall pines and basalt rock formations that look like little sculptures made by nature. The trail is wide, peaceful, and perfect for people who want to get outside without a huge effort.
Why it’s great: Easy loop, close to town, and beautiful all year — especially at sunrise.
2. Discovery Park Loop — Seattle, WA
The Discovery Park Loop is Seattle’s go-to escape when you want nature but don’t want to leave the city. You get everything: forests, meadows, sandy beaches, and the iconic West Point Lighthouse. The views open up in the prettiest ways, and the trail is gentle enough for almost anyone.
Why it’s great: Relaxed, pretty, and easy to explore with lots of open space and ocean views.
3. Silver Falls Loop — Silver Falls State Park, OR
If you want a trail that feels like a PNW postcard, the Silver Falls Loop is it. You walk behind waterfalls, hear rushing water all around you, and step through misty forest air that smells like cedar and rain. Even though it’s one of the more popular Oregon trails, it still feels peaceful when you catch it early.
Why it’s great: Flat, scenic, and packed with fun photo moments.
4. Tubbs Hill — Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The Tubbs Hill Loop is a 165-acre natural park sitting right on the edge of downtown Coeur d’Alene, and it’s the perfect blend of easy hiking + amazing lake views. The main 2-mile loop wraps around the peninsula and gives you rocky shoreline, pine trees, and little hidden spots where you can stop and take in the water. It’s simple, beautiful, and great for all experience levels.
You can hike, explore the rocky edges, dip your feet in the lake, or just enjoy the views. The area has history too — it was once homesteaded by Tony Tubbs in the 1800s, and now it’s a protected public space that locals love.
Why it’s great: Easy walking, lake views everywhere, and super close to downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Tips for visiting:
- Parking is available at the 3rd Street garage or nearby metered street spots
- Trails are rocky and dirt — good shoes help
- There are no private structures; pack out what you bring in
- Dogs must be on a leash
1. Bowl & Pitcher Loop — Spokane, WA
The Bowl & Pitcher Loop is a local favorite for a reason. You start by crossing a charming suspension bridge over the Spokane River, then wind through tall pines and basalt rock formations that look like little sculptures made by nature. The trail is wide, peaceful, and perfect for people who want to get outside without a huge effort.
Why it’s great: Easy loop, close to town, and beautiful all year — especially at sunrise.
2. Discovery Park Loop — Seattle, WA
The Discovery Park Loop is Seattle’s go-to escape when you want nature but don’t want to leave the city. You get everything: forests, meadows, sandy beaches, and the iconic West Point Lighthouse. The views open up in the prettiest ways, and the trail is gentle enough for almost anyone.
Why it’s great: Relaxed, pretty, and easy to explore with lots of open space and ocean views.
3. Silver Falls Loop — Silver Falls State Park, OR
If you want a trail that feels like a PNW postcard, the Silver Falls Loop is it. You walk behind waterfalls, hear rushing water all around you, and step through misty forest air that smells like cedar and rain. Even though it’s one of the more popular Oregon trails, it still feels peaceful when you catch it early.
Why it’s great: Flat, scenic, and packed with fun photo moments.
4. Tubbs Hill — Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The Tubbs Hill Loop is a 165-acre natural park sitting right on the edge of downtown Coeur d’Alene, and it’s the perfect blend of easy hiking + amazing lake views. The main 2-mile loop wraps around the peninsula and gives you rocky shoreline, pine trees, and little hidden spots where you can stop and take in the water. It’s simple, beautiful, and great for all experience levels.
You can hike, explore the rocky edges, dip your feet in the lake, or just enjoy the views. The area has history too — it was once homesteaded by Tony Tubbs in the 1800s, and now it’s a protected public space that locals love.
Why it’s great: Easy walking, lake views everywhere, and super close to downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Tips for visiting:
- Parking is available at the 3rd Street garage or nearby metered street spots
- Trails are rocky and dirt — good shoes help
- There are no private structures; pack out what you bring in
- Dogs must be on a leash
Want More PNW Goodness?
If you love exploring the Pacific Northwest, check out our PNW-inspired art and prints. Each piece captures the colors, moments, and magic of this area.
5. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Trail — Washington Coast
The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Trail is the perfect mix of dramatic cliffs and easy walking. You get ocean views, old-growth trees, and coastal wind that wakes you right up. The lighthouse itself is the best little reward at the end — especially on cloudy days when the moodiness hits different.
Why it’s great: Coastal magic without the climb. A legit “wow” moment on an easy trail.
6. Multnomah Falls Viewpoint — Oregon
Short, sweet, and iconic — the Multnomah Falls viewpoint gives you one of the most famous views in the Northwest with almost zero effort. The paved path takes only a few minutes, and the view of the falls is so good it almost feels unreal.
Why it’s great: The easiest way to get a postcard-worthy PNW shot.
7. Mount Spokane Nordic Trails — Spokane, WA
The Mount Spokane Nordic Trails include a ton of wide, gentle paths that are great for walking, exploring, or even snowshoeing in winter. You get quiet forests, soft light through the trees, and some of the best fresh-air moments on the east side of the state.
Why it’s great: Calm, open, and peaceful — great for people who love “forest bathing.”
8. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge — Olympia, WA
Short, sweet, and iconic — the Multnomah Falls viewpoint gives you one of the most famous views in the Northwest with almost zero effort. The paved path takes only a few minutes, and the view of the falls is so good it almost feels unreal.
Why it’s great: The easiest way to get a postcard-worthy PNW shot.
9. Powell Butte Nature Park — Portland, OR
The Powell Butte Nature Park trails offer soft rolling hills, open sky views, and easy loops that make for a relaxing morning or after-work walk. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Hood peeking in the distance.
Why it’s great: Simple, wide paths with pretty views without leaving Portland.
10. Riverside State Park Trails — Spokane, WA
The Riverside State Park Trails are perfect for anyone who wants that classic PNW mix of trees, water, and wide, easy paths. You can choose shorter loops or wander longer sections along the river. It’s the easiest way to get a nature break without much planning.
Why it’s great: Perfect for last-minute plans and slow, peaceful days.
5. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Trail — Washington Coast
The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Trail is the perfect mix of dramatic cliffs and easy walking. You get ocean views, old-growth trees, and coastal wind that wakes you right up. The lighthouse itself is the best little reward at the end — especially on cloudy days when the moodiness hits different.
Why it’s great: Coastal magic without the climb. A legit “wow” moment on an easy trail.
6. Multnomah Falls Viewpoint — Oregon
Short, sweet, and iconic — the Multnomah Falls viewpoint gives you one of the most famous views in the Northwest with almost zero effort. The paved path takes only a few minutes, and the view of the falls is so good it almost feels unreal.
Why it’s great: The easiest way to get a postcard-worthy PNW shot.
7. Mount Spokane Nordic Trails — Spokane, WA
The Mount Spokane Nordic Trails include a ton of wide, gentle paths that are great for walking, exploring, or even snowshoeing in winter. You get quiet forests, soft light through the trees, and some of the best fresh-air moments on the east side of the state.
Why it’s great: Calm, open, and peaceful — great for people who love “forest bathing.”
8. Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge — Olympia, WA
The Nisqually Wildlife Refuge Boardwalk feels like stepping into a giant outdoor nature classroom. Birds everywhere. Water stretching out in all directions. A long boardwalk that floats over the wetlands. It’s gentle, slow-paced, and perfect for bird lovers or anyone who wants a quiet day outside.
Why it’s great: One of the most photogenic, peaceful walks in Washington.
9. Powell Butte Nature Park — Portland, OR
The Powell Butte Nature Park trails offer soft rolling hills, open sky views, and easy loops that make for a relaxing morning or after-work walk. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Hood peeking in the distance.
Why it’s great: Simple, wide paths with pretty views without leaving Portland.
10. Riverside State Park Trails — Spokane, WA
The Riverside State Park Trails are perfect for anyone who wants that classic PNW mix of trees, water, and wide, easy paths. You can choose shorter loops or wander longer sections along the river. It’s the easiest way to get a nature break without much planning.
Why it’s great: Perfect for last-minute plans and slow, peaceful days.
Tips for Enjoying Easy PNW Hikes
A few simple reminders to make your day better:
- Bring water
- Wear layers (the PNW loves surprise weather)
- Save the trail map
- Pack a small snack
- Start early for calm trails + softer light
More trails. More art. More PNW stories. Stay awhile — you’re in good company.
REcommended Products
-
Extreme 3 Fifteen Sticker
$5.00 Add to cart -
Extreme3 Fifteen Women’s Funnel Neck Faux Cashmere Sweatshirt
$59.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Embroidered Brushed Twill Cotton Cap
$28.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Snowy Desert
$300.00 Add to cart
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Join our journey!
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
We spotlight incredible groups offering essential services and training for outdoor aficionados.
Sign up and receive a FREE Extreme3 Fifteen sticker!