For our avid hikers and cannabis lovers alike, one of the best ways to spend your Thanksgiving – or the unofficial end of the summer – is to immerse yourself in nature. Luckily, the state of Washington has some of the best hiking trails in the country and is considered to be the recreational mecca for anything outdoors. Some of the most beautiful national parks, such as Mount Rainer and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument reside in Washington State. These natural wonders differentiate the area from any other destination you will ever experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best hikes in Washington to check out this Thanksgiving, and dive into how cannabis can elevate your outdoor experience.
Hoh Rain Forest Loop
The first hiking trail we’ll explore is the Hoh Rain Forest Loop located in Olympic National Park. This trail is perfect for newbie hikers or if you prefer a laid back loop. The breathtaking greenery of the Hoh Rain Forest will captivate you, and when you pair this leisurely hike with cannabis, you enter a space of deeper contemplation and reflection. The Spruce Nature Trail, the Hall of Moses Trail, and the Hoh River Trail are three distinct paths you may choose to venture down, each providing you with a unique perspective of the Hoh Rain Forest.
The Spruce Nature Trail is perfect for observing wildlife, such as elk basking in the forest’s underbrush. The Hall of Mosses Trail is a bit longer of a hike, but the trail’s educational signage will enlighten you about the forest. Finally, the Hoh River Trail is the best trail for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path Thanksgiving adventure. Many people hike this trail backpack overnight in the forest, so don’t forget to pack your cannabis for your camping adventure as you will want to relax after a long day of hiking.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness consists of over 600 miles of trails and contains more than 700 lakes. It is located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a majestic landscape of snow-covered mountain peaks that collide with vast meadows. Many of the trails in Alpine Lakes Wilderness are not for the faint of heart. For our avid hikers, this trail is perfect if you are seeking a Thanksgiving thrill. Alpine Lakes also offers horseback riding, rock climbing, and rafting if you are looking for other exciting outdoor activities. Be sure to give yourself time to unwind and recover from your outdoor adventures by treating yourself to some cannabis. Nothing will rejuvenate you more than experiencing the beauty of Alpine’s crystal lakes and towering peaks while relishing in your cannabis-induced euphoria.
Skyline Trail Loop, Mount Rainer National Park
The Skyline Trail Loop is one of the best ways to experience the panoramic views of Mount Rainer, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. The trail is 5.5 miles long and has the highest elevation in the park. When hiking this trail, you will come across everything from cascading waterfalls to towering glaciers. The trail starts steep, eases up in the middle, and picks up its rigor once you reach Glacier Vista. Keep your cannabis on hand for this hike, as it will no doubt enhance your views of the breathtaking peaks and meadows of wildflowers.
Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park combines everything we love about Washington’s natural beauty into one picturesque hike. This is the perfect Thanksgiving hike for those who live in Seattle as it is only an hour’s drive out of the city. You will enhance the beauty of Wallace Falls with your cannabis, experiencing the trail with heightened senses. This is a 5.6 mile long moderate hike with dramatic views of the waterfalls and the mountains. The Lower Falls is an ideal spot to stop for a picnic and smoke your cannabis before continuing to the Middle Falls. The Middle Falls will provide you with some of the best views in the entire state park. If you choose to hike even further to the Upper Falls, you will have a sweeping perspective of the Olympic mountains and the Skykomish River Valley.
With winter approaching, Thanksgiving is our last opportunity to take in the brisk and bright autumn weather. The beauty of Washington’s hiking destinations will have you both nostalgic for the autumn and refreshed for the winter season. Finally, with the addition of cannabis, you will experience these hikes from a new perspective, gaining a deeper understanding of how you interact with the natural space surrounding you.