Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, Washington

Yes, being just south of the Canadian border might mean it’s a little chilly, but a trip to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is totally worth it. From mountains to valleys, every inch of this forest is absolutely breathtaking. Take, for example, Mt. Baker itself: the snow-capped, glacier-covered active volcano is every hiker’s dream—that is, if they’re not adverse to a little snow. The ascent to Mt. Baker’s summit, called Grant Peak, actually brings hikers over a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice. Pro tip: you’ll want to wear an extra warm pair of socks (or two) for this trip. But don’t worry; for the ice and snow-adverse, there’s plenty else to do in the forest. Tube down one of the pretty rivers that make up the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System, fish for trout in the forest’s numerous lakes, or take your bike, horse or ATV for a spin over 1,500 miles of trails (using your own two feet is, of course, also an option). We have a feeling you’ll hit the sleeping bag with your head spinning with ideas for what to tackle the following day, so make sure your trip to the forest is long enough to take it all in!