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Chapter 2

Southwest Washington

With countless streams, forested ridges, waterfalls, and rocky viewpoints, southwest Washington has all of the same attributes possessed by other favored hiking areas near Portland. Due to misguided state pride, however, hikers living south of the Columbia River rarely cross the bridge and explore the many scenic trails in the Evergreen State. Vancouver residents appreciate the solitude, but if you are one of those overly provincial Beaver Staters, it is time to take a look at what you’re missing.

Siouxon (pronounced soo-son) Creek features easy trails through a lovely old-growth forest in that rarest of local ecosystems, an unlogged low-elevation watershed. Without the erosion associated with logging, the stream is remarkably clear, splashing through gentle riffles, pausing in quiet eddies, dropping over scenic waterfalls, and sliding through slot canyons. All of this adds up to an enchanting hiking experience. Meanwhile the nearby ridges provide fine viewpoints and trails that challenge the most athletic hiker.