My Top 3 Hikes (Thus Far)
In my adventures, I have experienced the thrill of many trails, but three hikes stand out as my favorites so far. Each one of them has unique features, and they have left me with unforgettable memories. I am excited to share with you these incredible hikes: Snake River Trail, Iceberg Lake, and Colchuck Lake.
Snake River Trail
The Snake River Trail is located in Hell’s Canyon, Nez Perce National Forest, Idaho. Hell’s Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America. This was my first backpacking trip in Idaho, where I camped at Pittsburg Landing and stayed overnight at the Kirkwood Ranch along the Snake River. The journey is quite long, up to 28 miles (out and back), but I managed to cover 12 miles of it. The trail ranks as Moderate/Hard in terms of difficulty. As a word of caution, Poison Ivy covers some areas of this trail, and rattlesnakes are prevalent.
Iceberg Lake
Next on the list is the Iceberg Lake located in Glacier National Park, Northern Rocky Mountains, Montana. The entire hike is a scenic view. As you walk on the ridge lines of this trail, you are transported into a magical world. I took a beautiful photo of the lake in late-June. The trail is about 9-10 miles long and shares the same difficulty level as the Snake River Trail. However, this trail comes with its own unique warnings: grizzly bears and bighorn sheep are prevalent. It is always advisable to carry bear spray for safety.
Colchuck Lake
Last but not least is the Colchuck Lake in The Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Cascade Mountains, Washington. The beauty of this lake is breathtaking. It’s a popular hike nestled in the Cascade mountains. It’s a strenuous trail, which makes the views at the lake that much better. The trail is approximately 8-9 miles long and again, its difficulty level is Moderate/Hard. Here, you should be prepared to share the trail with mountain goats, which are common in this area.
Each of these hikes has its own charm and challenges, but the experience they offer is worth every bit of effort. Whether it's the deepest gorge of North America, a gorgeous lake in the Rockies, or a popular hike in the Cascade mountains, these trails have enriched my love for the outdoors and deepened my connection with nature.
If you're interested in more adventure stories and wish to explore the human connection with mountains, feel free to visit
thehumanmountainconnection.com
Happy hiking!