Top ten hikes of 2024

12/21/2024

At the end of the year, it is fun to look back at what you accomplished during the year. I selected my ten favorite hikes based on my overall satisfaction from the hiking experience. The beauty of the scenery was the primary factor, which is influenced by the landscape, weather, and seasonal conditions, such as wildflowers and trees. The more varied the landscape the better. Hiking with friends and family also contributes to the quality of the hike, although 4 of the 10 were solo hikes.

Here they are, in date order, with a short explanation of what made it great. For more details and pictures for each of these hikes, check out the blog entry.

5/17/2024 Dog Mountain

An annual tradition for my and my brother is to hike up Dog Mountain in mid-May when the balsamroot flowers are in bloom. The views of the Columbia River Gorger from several thousand feet are amazing, although the winds can be tough, as they were this day.

7/26/2024 McNeil Point and Ho Rock

This classic hike near Mount Hood, in Oregon, has become an annual tradition for me and my brother, thanks to the up-close views of the mountain and late summer wildflowers. We had the added bonus of enjoying the hike with our nephew and his wife.

8/26/2024 Blanca Lake

This lake gets its stunning green (or is it white?) color from the sediment from the glacier above. This hike has beautiful views along the way, but the last stretch to get to the lake is a steep downhill descent, but totally worth the effort.

8/30/2024 Glacier Basin

This hike is one of the best-kept secrets in the area. The first part of the trail takes you to the mining ghost town of Monte Christo, then you climb up through a valley to this magical basin, which I once again had all to myself.

9/21/2024 Mount Dickerman

This leg-burner provides mountain views in all directions. Combine that with fall colors and and ideal weather, and this made for a perfect day on the trail.

10/18/2024 Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm

This challenging hike has it all ... rugged scenery, fall colors, a dusting of snow, mountains in all directions, and a beautiful lake. And last, but not least, mountain goats. Check out my full blog entry for a description of what may be the best hike I've ever done.

10/6/2024 Chain Lakes and Bagley Lakes

This loop hike offers an ever-changing landscape with views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, along with numerous lakes, coupled with stunning fall colors. This time I added on a loop around Bagley Lakes.

10/9/2024 Maple Pass and Lake Ann

The annual tradition of the Larch March is one of the highlights of the year for hiking. This time may have been the very best combination of weather of fall colors, and I got to enjoy it with Ryan.

10/31/2024 Gothic Basin

Gothic Basin is a beautiful combination of lakes, mountain peaks, and valley views. On Halloween Day, the snow was greater than expected, which made for a very challenging but stunning hike.

11/7/2024 Mount Pilchuck

I have done this hike dozens of time, but the trail was closed for repairs for over a year. I got to enjoy this gem one last time before the road closed for winter, joined by two of my work friends and my son.

I'm looking forward to what 2025 brings on the hiking trails. I'll likely do many of these again, but I'll be sure to add new hikes, in hopes of establishing a few more favorites.