Andy Land (C) 2023
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Play to The Perfect Backdrop for Music
The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, and majestic mountains. It's no surprise that outdoor activities like hiking are popular in this region, offering us outdoor enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature's beauty. Combining this love for hiking with a passion for music, many Musicians are and should be venturing out on hikes with their guitars in tow.
Let's Embark on an adventure while playing guitar against a backdrop of pristine alpine lakes and towering peaks, the Pacific Ocean and lush waterfalls. Breathtaking views provide the perfect backdrop for playing music during hikes, enhancing the overall experience and stimulating our artistic expression—a true testament to the harmonious relationship between music and nature. These locations offer jaw-dropping vistas of Mountains, surrounding peaks, forests, waterfalls, rivers, creeks, one ocean and just the solitude you may need to forget your stresses and stimulate your creative energy. As you strum your guitar, you can immerse yourself in nature's grandeur, finding solace and spiritual enrichment.
I chose these hikes mainly because, most of the 8 are shorter and easier in the way of elevation gains and have no challenging scrambles. Some do start at higher elevation so, pace yourself as you get lost in the wonders of nature.
Before you go: Be sure to purchase a NW trail pass. Where applicable. It can be done online.
Use this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev2_027009 Passes are Daily or longer
You can research these trails and best routes to Trail heads by the names and links provided here.
Many of these areas have little to no internet reception, so if you are going to practice a song from your Tablet or Cell phone make sure you download ahead of time what you wish to reference.
Prep: Safety tip 1. It's important to always read the recent trail guides before you go as conditions can change the trail and the elements can shut down sections of forest roads. Look for postings at trail heads for any new risks or wild life sightings (Bear, Mountain Lions, Sasquatch, etc.). Safety tip 2. Carry safety gear. for real! Safety tip 3. Let someone, NOT hiking with you know where your are heading and the time of your return. REI has a ton of outdoor adventure safety gear. https://www.rei.com/
Make it special and fun. Bring lots of water and at least a rain poncho or plastic bag to cover the guitar(s) and yourself incase of a sudden weather change. Bear Spray. Bug Repellent. Sunscreen. Extra Water. Snacks and some protein and carbs. Sunglasses, a hat or cap. Hiking Shoes. Sanitizing wipes for your hands. Toilet paper. (Be kind, go off trail and dig a small hole (before you go)). Or use the outhouse at the Trail heads. NW trail pass is needed in the Oregon wilderness and available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev2_027009
So, let's get to the easy hikes that are suitable for bringing along these wonderful instruments and highlight some unique features of each trail. While this article is tailored to guitar players it is also open to your instrument of choice. A flute, harmonica, Bongo. Bring whatever instrument makes you happy. Practice securing your instrument to your back pack a day or two before you go. Extra string, Duct tape or bungy cords can be your friend.
In the vast expanse of Northwest trails, several trails cater specifically to us Musician hikers who wish to indulge with their guitars. Here are a few.
Hike 1. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail near North Bend, Washington. Just 30 minutes from Bellevue. 1 hour from Seattle. Many great places to stop and play along the trail. No need to go all the way in but, if you're game, rock out. With its moderate difficulty level and accessible trailhead, it offers hikers ample opportunities to take breaks and strum those guitars while enjoying panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake and surrounding terrain.
5.3 miles Round trip.
1,450 ft Elevation gain
Hike 2. Cape Flattery Trail, located on the Makah Reservation in Neah Bay, in the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. This is NOT in the National Park.
1.2 miles Round trip
240 ft Elevation gain. Very popular hike. Dogs must be leashed.
This short but scenic hike leads through old-growth forests and unveils breathtaking vistas of rugged sea cliffs against the backdrop of crashing waves—a sensory experience that undoubtedly will inspire musical creativity. This hike is great for sunsets. The name Makah, means People Generous with Food in the Salish Language. How bout a song of remote life in a far away place? And amazing people who share food.
Important: To park at the trailhead, you'll need a permit from the Makah Tribe, available at The Makah Marina, The Museum and Culture Center and other areas.
Hike 3. The Gifford Pinchot Forest. Lower Lewis River Falls, Wa., is a secret Guitar Op begging for you.
.7 miles round trip
66 ft elevation gain. There is about 1 mile of unpaved road leading in. It's 2 wheel drive. Any car should have no problem, just go slow and look for potholes. I don't recommend the exact spot I photographed Lower Lewis Falls from. I am knee deep in the middle of the Lewis river. If you are inclined, this area was believed to be where a NW Hijacker jumped out of his commercial flight with $200,000 in 1972. Can you find it. Just write a song about being a bandit.
In the autumn, the Lewis River water levels drop significantly and allows you to walk out on top of the Falls. From a safe vantage, play to the changing, chanting leaves and soft babbling water. In the spring, you may see Kayakers shoot down the drops. In the spring, play from the shore and trails. A bit off the beaten track, this area has two amazing waterfalls within several miles and short distances from parking. I believe Lower Lewis is the better to play at. Viewpoints above the river allow you to play your favorite hiking songs.
A Mostly level elevation and home to many spring flowers, Trillium and even rare flowers like Calypso bulbosa await your eyes. In the autumn you may see exotic mushrooms like, Amanita Muscaria, Pictured below and the purple mushroom, Shrimp Russula.
Back across the river. Into Oregon. The Mount Hood Territory has a few simple jaunts to warm up on. The region is home to Spotted Owls, Cougars, Black Bear, Elk, Many Deer and amazing Mountain flowers in the spring. Many mushrooms in the fall.
Hike 4. Elk Meadows
2.2 mile round trip
100 ft Elevation gain
The drive in can be confusing. Park in the Elk Meadows/Sahale Falls Trail head, which is a short distance in from the turnoff.
This hike is a truncated version of the trail. It is my favorite jumping off place. The trail has seasonal Huckleberries alongside it, but be sure you know how to identify the berry. Stay on the Elk Meadows trail till you arrive at your 2nd creek, Newton Creek. A beautiful view of the Mountain waits for your sounds if you are game to cross. Newton is carrying fresh glacial run off from Mt. Hood. Stick your toes in, feel them go numb. Or play it safe and just play guitar. Let the view and sounds of the Creek lead your inspiration and strumming.
The best view is from the middle of the wash. Each year trail managers build a creek crossing over Newton with fallen timber. You may cross the tree bridge on your feet if you have good balance or shimmy over and find a good spot up or down stream to enjoy. But the main bank alongside the creek is fantastic to enjoy your music. And is safer. Don't cross on foot through the creek. Trust me!
On the trail about half way in you will cross a small, legit bridge, over Clark Creek. This can serve as a substitute for Newton Creek but it doesn't have the same spaciousness and views.
Hike 5. Lookout Mountain.
2.8 miles round trip.
560 ft Elevation gain
A family friendly hike with a great view of the surrounding countryside and Mt. Rainier, Jefferson, Adams and Mount Hood. Good place to view the night sky from too. Just bring your GPS and headlamps if you plan on leaving in the dark.
Hike 6. White River Trail
200 ft minimum to 3.2 miles, if you go big.
50 ft Elevation gain to 700 if you go the distance.
The amazing view starts immediately. This area is off a massive parking lot and a wide open hike. It's the wash of a once raging run off river. It offers stunning views of Mt. Hood and the night sky. This is very easy and offers many areas to set up guitar playing stations. Very family friendly and pet enjoyed. You may find some WiFi at the edge of the lot near the road but it's sketchy. Tune that guitar. Let it Rock.
Hike 7. Umbrella Falls
.7 miles Round trip
100 ft Elevation gain
A beautiful waterfall, awaits you up the road from the Elk Meadows hike, listed above, or search your maps for Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Bowl off 35. Park on the pull offs on the way in. I found this popular shortcut after hiking 4 miles to Umbrella Falls a few years ago. The short hike and great waterfall makes this a easy, exciting hike so you can save your energy for playing guitar and taking in the serenity. You can walk to the top of the falls and if the water levels are right there is a small pool up there. Down below there are many places to set up guitar camp and enjoy the river and waterfall. So get ready for astounding views of the Mountain, at least from the road. And play away to the sounds of the forest and our magnificent planet under the Pine canopy.
Hike 8. Is it a hike? Trillium Lake is for the view and water. It doesn't have to be a hike but if you feel ambitious, well, hike around the lake, burn off some energy. The lake has camping and a boat launch. So either walk to the picnic tables, or throw out a lounge chair or wait for it...Float and play. OK, that's up to you, if you want to put your guitar over the water, but the view of the mountain and its reflection in the lake is awesome and visible from shore.
The whole idea of being in the wilderness makes it important to balance the beauty with safety. So my call is always to play from shore at Trillium. Plus the sound of your guitar over the water may ruin the experience for others and draw a different kind of audience then we want as musicians. This area is teaming with boaters, tube floaters and families, so get there early or, go off season to enjoy.
This area stands out due to its accessibility and magnificent mountain views—an ideal combination for musicians seeking inspiration. Breath it in. Find the rhythm of nature.
This area has lots of views of Mt. Hood.
If you want to record covers or original music, get them to online stores and create a side hustle, use this distrokid link. This link will give your auther a small stipend if you sign up through this link:
Bonus Hike. E. Lolo Pass Road from Zig Zag, highway 26, leads to more rivers and short trails/walks to the Sandy river. A few miles after turning off Hwy 26, onto E Lolo Pass Rd, Take the fork to the right onto, 'Muddy Fork Rd'. A short way in, before the bridge, there is some roadside parking and more parking over the bridge.
10 ft Elevation gain
100 ft round trip
This is a lower elevation trail, unlike Lookout Mountain and Elk Meadows.
The Sandy River is a fast narrow river and offers many shady, soothing stops to indulge. Be safe, flowing water is dangerous. Do not risk you, your family or pets. Stay dry. Get in the right Key and play that music. Find a spot. Enjoy.
If you stay on LoLo Pass Road, you will get to more views of Mount Hood.
Combining Northwest hikes with musical pursuits presents an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to embrace both their love for nature and their passion for music. By exploring easy hikes suitable for bringing along a guitar, individuals can indulge in melodic reverie amid stunning landscapes and find inspiration from the shade, views, soft winds and tranquility offered by these natural settings. So, step out on an adventure and venture out on these trails and locations. Feel the vibrations of your guitars melding with the sounds of our planet—and experience first hand the unique joy that comes from combining outdoor activities with music in this enchanting corner of the world. And maybe the energy and environment will inspire a new song that you share with the world. Be in the moment and just let the trees, furry little animals and fellow hikers wow to your sound! And remember, Sasquatch doesn't bother musicians.
Share your music on a streaming service
What to play
You can get a travel guitar, they are light and cheap, but I love bringing my acoustic. The low end one. I'm used to the feel of a full size and I love the sound. Full size guitars may be a little cumbersome, just weigh the plus and minuses, the hikes offered and make a great decision.
Packing tips: If you want the easy way, just put it in a plastic bag and duct tape it around your backpack. Look out for low hanging trees. You may wind up with Pine around your Headstock.
Possible guitar gear to bring or purchase prior to the hiking season are travel guitars. They don't add a huge amount to the weight, Visit Sweetwater, https://www.sweetwater.com/ or guitar centers https://www.guitarcenter.com/ to upgrade your hiking guitar gear.
About the Author. Andy is a NW resident and an outdoor enthusiast. Hiker, Photographer and independent Musician with a love for sharing and Tree Hugging and with lots of new original music and lyrics on the way. Be sure to follow him on Social Media or Subscribe to his You Tube channel.
If you would like to help sponsor this site and articles, It is always appreciated.
All Photos Copyright Andy Land 2023. This article is for entertainment. Be sure you are healthy and consult a Doctor before starting any new exercise. The outdoors can be dangerous and there is no promise that trees won't fall on you and you may fall on the trees. You are responsible for your personal and gear safety.
(This essay has been written for inspiration.) Some corporate links provided are affiliate links.
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