September might be one of the most optimal months to go hiking in the PNW. Leaves changing, temperatures cooling and scenic byways getting even more scenic make getting outdoors extremely enticing, especially with the vast spread of mountains, waterfalls and rivers with trails across the region. And what better way to enjoy a long hike than with a cider?
With cideries across the Northwest putting products in cans, it has never been easier to bring along your favorite cider while you hike. So take the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful views the Northwest has to offer with some of the most refreshing ciders from the region.
The Cider: Locust Cider & Brewing Co. New England Amber
The Hike: Wallace Falls State Park
Locust Cider & Brewing Co. — based in Woodinville, Washington, but with now multiple locations across the country — has crafted a cider inspired by traditional ciders of New England. Made with Washington apples, brown sugar and dates, bring this cider along to hike Wallace Falls State Park in the Central Cascades. Located right outside Sultan, Washington, Wallace Falls is fronted with sweeping views of the Cascades and the payoff is a closeup view of the falls themselves. Celebrate hiking this 5.6-mile hike with Locust Cider’s seasonal cider.
The Cider: BC Tree Fruits Cider Co. Apple & Hops
The Hike: Dog Mountain Trail
Based in Kelowna, British Columbia, BC Tree Fruits Cider Co. makes their cider with 100-percent BC-grown fruit. The Apple & Hops cider is made with (you guessed it) apples and hops, bringing hints of grapefruit to the juicy golden fruit. Having a balanced finish, this cider would go great with hiking Dog Mountain Trail, right outside of Vancouver, BC. Noted for its stunning views of the city, sipping this cider while taking in the sights is something short of spectacular.
The Cider: Summit Cider Apricot
The Hike: Independence Lakes Trail
Noted as the first hard cider in Idaho, Summit Cider has been producing cider in 2014. They currently offer two different canned ciders for people to consume. Their apricot cider pairs well with end of summer hiking due to tasting both sweet and tart. Bringing this cider along as you hike the Independence Lakes Trail near Albion, Idaho. This hike offers the chance to relax at not one but two lakes, so pack your cider accordingly.
The Cider: 2 Towns Ciderhouse Made Marion
The Hike: Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail
Head to the beach with this cider. Like the mountains, the weather at the beach is also changing soon. Live out your best beach life with 2 Towns Ciderhouse‘s Made Marion Cider. Crafted with local apples and locally grown marionberries, pack this cider for a trip down the Oregon Coast to Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail. Despite the short length, this hike will deliver you straight to the beach. Pack a beach towel and a volleyball with your cider for a day of fun.
The Cider: Tieton Cider Works Organic Cider
The Hike: Naches Peak Loop
And ode to classic cider, Tieton Cider Works Organic Cider has everything cider lovers crave: tartness, apple flavor and a punch of sweetness. Given how this cider is made with estate-grown, Yakima Valley apples, it would go fabulously while you hike the nearby Naches Peak Loop. Roughly in the middle between Yakima and Tacoma, spend your time on the hike in awe of the one of a kind views of Mount Rainier the trail has to offer. Naches Peak Loop is a fairly simple hike that is convenient for kids while still providing amazing views for adults.
