The Pacific Northwest is rich in both scenery and drinking experiences. For both the novice hiker and seasoned outdoors person, few things are better than a summer jaunt ending with a well-earned libation.
While trails, hiking, biking, drinking and, well, everything look a little bit different this summer, there are ways to safely enjoy the great outdoors and a delicious sip following your excur- sion. Be sure to check out the latest advice from the experts, like the Pacific Northwest Trails Association, before you head out.
EASY/INTERMEDIATE TREKS
Wayfarers Campground to Whistling Andy Distillery
1 MILE | BIGFORK, MT
Post up at this panoramic campground looking out over Flathead Lake, just a stone’s throw from hikes, whitewater rafting and fishing in Flathead Lake State Park. Stroll from your campsite to Whistling Andy Distillery and grab some Pink Peppercorn Pear Gin for tent-side martinis. Finish your night, drink in hand, while viewing sunset vistas of the lake.
Oaks Amusement Park to Oaks Bottom to Ancestry Brewing
3 MILES | PORTLAND
Start off at Oaks Amusement Park by the Willamette River. Take the Bluff Trail in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge to the Springwater Corridor of the Willamette Trail to Umatilla Street. End at Ancestry Brewing with a juicy Best Coast IPA. Hungry from your outing? Try a house-made Ancestry Burger with house sauce on a brioche bun.
Paul’s Tomb to Sandhill Wines
2.7 MILES (4.4 KM) | KELOWNA, BC
Explore Paul’s Tomb at Knox Mountain Park. Cruise down to the Apex Trail to further traverse the wet- land landscape. Follow Richter Street toSandhill Wines’ Tasting Bar in Kelowna’s North End and sample the winery’s medium-bodied Gold Medal rosé. Keen to take one for the road? Grab a bottle inside Calona Vineyards Winery Boutique.
Dalco Passage Viewpoint to Coles Bar & Grill
3 MILES | RUSTON, WA
Mosey up to Dalco Passage Viewpoint in Point Defiance Park. Venture past beaches and perhaps spy a harbor seal pup during late summer. Take Promenade Lane to Pearl Street. Walk to Coles Bar & Grill for a Bloody Mary featuring Crater Lake Pepper Vodka. For a caffeine boost try a Coles Coffee spiked with Heritage Distilling Brown Sugar Bourbon.
STURDIER JAUNTS
Carpenters Lake to Thunder Island Brewing Co.
7 MILES | NORTH BONNEVILLE, WA TO CASCADE LOCKS, OR
Take the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Carpenters Lake over the Bridge of the Gods for a robust, dual-state trek. On the Oregon side is Thunder Island Brewing Co., a wildly scenic and popular local watering hole and brewery. Try the Easy Climb golden ale for a spry, light drink or the dark, delightful EkuaNado Red IPA. Savor the brewery’s spacious outdoor patio and its unparalleled views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Annette Lake Trailhead to Dru Bru
6.2 MILES | SNOQUALMIE, WA
A robust yet well-maintained hike through Snoqualmie Pass terrain will get you ready for a nip. Start at Annette Lake Trailhead and snake through tunnels of hemlock and waterfalls. Follow WA-906 to find Dru Bru, a taproom and brewery catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Commemorate your (partial) PCT completion with the aptly named Pacific Crest Ale, a hazy pale ale brewed with locally grown malt and oats.
CYCLING EXCURSIONS
Porcupine Point to Salmon River Brewery
7.5 MILES | MCCALL, IDAHO
Begin your ride at Porcupine Point for the beautiful views of Payette Lake. Follow the road down University Drive to Miles Standish Road or take the Huckleberry Loop to add an extra half mile to your journey. End the spirited excursion at Salmon River Brewery housed in a former train depot in McCall. Relish your trek over a summery Udaho Gold, a crisp and refreshing golden session ale.
Cross Kirkland Corridor to Chainline Brewery
2.5 MILES | KIRKLAND, WA
Pedal proudly on this 10-foot-wide, 5.75-mile crushed gravel trail, starting at the South Kirkland Park & Ride. Just over two miles in on the flat, suburban stroll, make a pit stop at Chainline Brewery , where the bike theme is as strong as the beer selection. Try the Polaris Pilsner, poured from a traditional, side-pull faucet to best enjoy the lager.
HIKING & BIKING RESOURCES
The Washington Trails Association offers guides for the seasons and with kids, plus trip reports.
Oregon Wild uses state-of- the-art cartography software to create useful, cutting-edge technology that accurately maps all of Oregon’s most revered forests and natural areas to hike to the fullest
An online forum, Oregon Hikers, posts an ever-growing and resourceful Field Guide with user updates from trail descriptions, photos, maps and more.
Produced by the city, the Portland Biking Guide is a 20-page tutorial of tips, techniques and “street smarts” to biking in and around the Rose City.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance posts up-to-date news, events, work parties, education and more on its site, including an easily filtered trail guide to help you select the choice route for where and what you’re wish to experience.
