Backpacker Magazine: Columbia River Gorge: Backpacking and Camping Trips, Hikes, Adventures, Topo Maps, Aerial Photos.

Portland, OR: Hamilton Mountain

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Climb high above the Columbia Gorge on this 6.9-mile loop to a skyline of volcanoes, peaks, and endless green hills.

Portland: Ruckel Ridge Loop

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Locals coined this 8-miler the "toughest hike" in the Columbia Gorge. It gains roughly 3,500 feet from Eagle Creek to a highpoint with picturesque views.

Portland, OR: Wahkeena Falls to Sherrard Point

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
This 14.6-miler rewards hikers with wildflower meadows and views over four monster peaks.

Vancouver, WA: Klickitat Trail (Warwick to Swale Canyon)

BACKPACKER Review
This 10.2-mile out-and-back explores a section of the Klickitat Trail, a scenic rail-trail that winds through rolling rangeland and colorful river canyons.

Portland, OR: Hamilton Mountain

BACKPACKER Review
Climb high above the Columbia Gorge on this 6.9-mile loop to a skyline of volcanoes, peaks, and endless green hills.

Vancouver, WA: Table Mountain via Pacific Crest Trail

BACKPACKER Review
Follow the Pacific Crest Trail across wooded creeks and steep rock gardens to a broad summit overlooking the Columbia River Gorge on this strenuous 15-mile out-and-back.

Vancouver, WA: The Syncline

Climb the grassy slopes of The Syncline trail network to enjoy a bomber descent and breathtaking overlooks above the Columbia River Gorge.

Eagle Creek - Benson Loop

Beginning and ending at the Eagle Creek trailhead. Down to Tunnel Falls and then back a little to where the trail ascends up onto the Benson Plateau.

Portland, OR: Munra Point

One of the Gorge's steepest and most enjoyable trails, the path to Munra Point features several challenging scrambles and five-star views across the Columbia River.

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What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.