Mirror Lake Snow Hike

Boy, this was fun! Gotta admit, I'm a weenie when it comes to snow. There's something about all the whiteness and cold that I find severely disorienting, probably because I didn't grow up skiing like everyone around here. I mean, I remember paying in the snow as a kid in Chicago, but cold rosy buttcheeks aren't the same as map-and-compass, no-trail navigating in the woods. So a little 3-miler at Mirror Lake was just my speed.

Mount Rainier, Paradise Side

I attempted to climb up to Camp Muir today, and it was hard. I turned back due to time constraints, but in retrospect the time I spent watching a family of black bears would've gotten me to Muir. Ah well, next time! Rainier is just the most beautiful place in the whole world, ever.

McNeil Point, Mount Hood

If you forced me to choose the best day hike within an hour or two of Portland, I'd probably be quick to say McNeil Point. Dollar-for-dollar it beats Cooper Spur, the previous contender, in every regard except maybe sheer altitude. The trailhead is difficult to find the first time, but even a mile or two into this spectacular hike you have unrivaled views of the west flanks of beautiful Hood. Climb past the shelter for up-close glacier views.

10 miles, 5-7 hours

Mount Rainier, Sunrise Side

Hike to Burroughs Mountain on the east side of Rainier. Best bang for your buck alpine views anywhere. Wow. Even the short, easy version of this hike is wonderful.

7 miles, 2- 2.5 hours