Hikes And Runs You Have To Do This Summer

With summer right around the corner the itch to get out and about is in the air. With that said, I pulled out my books, talked to my friends, researched the web and decided to have a plan to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and organized runs and races across the Pacific Northwest.

I, of course, being one that likes to talk decided to write it up and share with all of you in hopes I save you some time and you spend your time making your own plan.

Now before you say no or brush it off, the first thing one must remember is that it doesn’t matter what level of experience you have.  There really is something for everyone, and I mean everyone as far as age group and level of challenge goes.

The point is to get started and trust me once you do will find yourself needing more and more so I have listed several options that will keep you busy until the first drop of rain arrives with fall.

So let’s start with a run for you and your four-legged friend. You heard me right. This is a run where you can take your pup! The Dog Gone Run is a 5K run/walk in Bend, Oregon at Riverbend Park. If this peaks your interest, mark your calendar because it is all happening June 13th.

Not planning your summer in Oregon? Need something more in the Vancouver area? You have to check out the Vancouver USA Marathon Weekend. With two options to choose from (half marathon or full marathon), you will for sure find that inner runner in you or feed that adventurous spirit you already have by improving the time you got in your last marathon. Don’t wait too long; it’s taking place June 21!

If you are more of an evening kind of person, check out the Twilight Run, a 5k run at Cook Park in Tigard, on June 27^th.

If you are looking for something closer to the Willamette Valley, consider the Half or Full Marathon at Oakridge Oregon, June 13^th.  Not interested in the marathon piece?  Then try their Mountain Hike (4 – 5 miles), which crosses over the Willamette River foot bridge.

However if fireworks is what’s on your mind there are plenty of options for this coming 4^th of July. One to do for sure is the Central Point, Run for Freedom. It’s an early one so you get to enjoy all day long with family and friends once you are done.

Want a bigger challenge? Go and do the 10k Rogue Farms Run at 8:00 am. Interested in wine? Well say no more! The Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon is a destination race! Beautiful scenery and post-race wine and music festival offers the full package for you to enjoy it all on August 8^th.

Well enough with theme runs and races. Let’s talk about something for our kids. Your young athlete must check out the Tualatin’s Annual Tryathlon on June 6th. If you have a child or youth between 6 and 17, then this is the place to be at. A combination of swim, bike and run is what your active kid needs to keep the adrenaline high or maybe get them to finally take a nap?

Now if organized runs or races are not your cup of tea, do not worry! There are plenty for you to enjoy on your own time and at your own pace. Below are some of Oregon and Washington’s favorite hikes. Some are short, some are long. Some are easy and some are hard, but no matter they are all one of a kind!

Finding yourself in a beachy kind of mood? I have a great suggestion for you. Pack up and head to the coast to try out Cascade Head (North of Lincoln City). This is a simple one-mile hike through the forest with a phenomenal coastline view to enjoy.

Want tide pools? Well then Secret Beach is for you. It’s a simple, beautiful one-mile hike!

If sea level is not what you want but still want to be on the beach, you have to try out Cape Kiwanda (Pacific City). Great dune to climb and an amazing view once you get to the top. The best of both worlds for sure!

One mile not enough? Then try Bandon Beach.  This is a five mile hike with lots of tide pools and rocks.

Leading a young group of hikers? Are you a parent or the cool aunt/uncle yourself?  Then you must become familiar with Little Niagara Falls in Yamhill County. This is a perfect two-mile hike through the forest with an amazing view of waterfalls.

Looking for a bigger challenge? Then make a stop by Silver Falls (Silverton). I have personally hiked it several times and every time, I see something new. This is one of those flexible hikes. You can make it short, but you can also go the full 25 miles for sure and enjoy the 10 beautiful waterfalls Silver Falls offers you.

And since we have hit the serious notes, let’s make it interesting by kicking it up a notch. If you are looking for an experience, consider the seven mile hike Dog Mountain in Washington.

Now if you are heading south, then you must check out the nine mile South Sister hike (Sisters, OR).  Perfect view sunshine or snow!

Want to explore more in Washington? Please make a stop at Ape Cave’s in Cougar, WA. It’s been a couple of years since I went but I have to say I am due to go back. One thing I do recommend is wearing long sleeves and taking a flashlight because this one mile hike does get dark!

Last but not least I have to mention Smith Rock Park. This three-mile round trip is one of the most rocky and monumental spots in Oregon. With Crooked River in the middle of it all and Monkey Face halfway into the hike, it’s definitely a place to visit so you can enjoy the view once you hit the top.

I could go on and on but I believe this is a good start if you are considering runs and hikes once summer starts. And why wouldn’t you?  We live in the Pacific Northwest! We have it all! With that said I of course can’t end this without mentioning the Hood to Coast run.

I hear it is phenomenal and a must for those that love running and looking for an adrenaline high. This is the mother of all races as it’s a 197 miles long run. This coming August 28-29, 1,050 teams from all over the world will meet to experience a run of a lifetime.

I am personally already registered and ask that you root for my team as it’s a first for all twelve of us. So if you haven’t registered, please do! If you already have then let’s plan on meeting there!