These Western Adventure Towns are the Best Hiking Home Base
Whether you are looking for a grand outdoor adventure or a cozy sanctuary away from it all, America’s western mountain towns have something special for every type of traveller. Come summer these charming alpine towns nestled amongst soaring peaks and lush green landscapes provide some of the best hiking this country has to offer. Not to mention sun-soaked alpine lakes, booming wildflowers and jaw-dropping vistas every direction you look.
We rounded up our favorite west coast mountain towns to use as a hiking home base -
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is an endearing Bavarian themed town located in the Cascade Mountains in central Washington. This little adventure town has it all - beers, brats, pretzels - oh, and endless opportunities to hike, mountain bike, climb, float or fish the Wenatchee. There are dozen of trails accessible directly from town and miles and miles of trails that begin a short drive away in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. These hikes yield picturesque views of the surrounding Pacific Northwest - iconic peaks, shimmering alpine lakes and high mountain basins - a true adventure lover’s playground. The crown jewel of this area is the Enchantments Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness but there are plenty of choices in the region that will feel like heaven on earth to any adventurer.
Don’t miss homemade ice cream at Whistlepunk, a freshly baked pretzel at Rhein Haus or the challenging yet rewarding hike to Colchuck Lake.
Bend, Oregon
Bend sits along the Deschutes River in Central Oregon, nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the high desert to the east. With such different landscapes in each direction, visitors enjoy views of both dry, rabbitbrush covered high desert and towering, snow-capped peaks. The town is an outdoor mecca with a touch of urban luxury that appeals to adventure enthusiasts of every kind. There are hundreds of miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, every river activity imaginable, powerful waterfalls, and expansive views of the surrounding Three Sisters, Mount Bachelor and Mount Jefferson. Not only does the town claim the highest number of sunny days per year in the state, it also has the most craft breweries per capita which means it is beer o’clock after every sun-loaded hike. One trip to Bend certainly won’t feel like enough - you’ll be planning your return before you even head out of town.
Don’t miss a beer cold at Crux Fermentation Project, ocean rolls at Sparrow Bakery, sunset at Sparks Lake or a hike up to No Name Lake.
Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes is a quintessential mountain town destination. The town is perched way up high in the skies close to 8,000 ft, nestled into some of the Sierra Nevada’s most iconic peaks and perfectly located to enjoy all that the Eastern Sierra has to offer. Nature is on Mammoth’s doorstep with hundreds of miles of trail to explore on bike or foot, including sections of the famous long-distance Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. There is a unique national monument just outside of town, nearby hot springs, over a hundred deep blue lakes and Yosemite National Park’s eastern entrance a short drive away. You really cannot go wrong with Mammoth in the summertime and you’ll be thinking about this pristinely beautiful town long after you leave.
Don’t miss the grilled peach & goat cheese flatbread pizza at Mammoth Brewing, sunset at Minaret Vista, a day hike to Duck Lake or a float on nearby June Lakes.
Stanley, Idaho
Stanley is a tiny, rustic mountain town in Idaho known for it’s majestic Sawtooth Mountain backdrop. The town is nestled between the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains with a never-ending list of exciting activities for adventure seekers. Between the Salmon River flowing next to town, ample hikes that end at clear blue alpine lakes, the abundance of natural hot springs and small town charm, Stanley feels like a true slice of mountain heaven. Stanley is located in the Dark Sky Reserve making it one of the darkest places in the US with almost zero light pollution. It’s worth a visit for star gazing alone - the night skies are out of this world!
Don’t miss a Stanley Baking Co. goodie, a picnic basket from Stanley Supper Club for your adventure of choice and an iconic hike to Sawtooth or Alice Lake.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Colorado is known for it’s picturesque Rocky Mountain towns dotted throughout the state, each with it’s own character and outdoor gems. Crested Butte is at the top of our list with it’s authentic old-town charm and easy escape into the nearby wilderness. Crested Butte is located in southwest Colorado in the Elk Mountains where summers are filled with vibrant greenery and aspens, a sea of wildflowers and stunning vistas. The area has no shortage of spectacular hikes begging to be explored for hikers of every ability and interest, most of which take you deep into a natural wonderland .
Don’t miss a stroll down Elk Ave, a cup of joe at Camp 4, a slice from Secret Stash, an off roading journey to Emerald Lake and a hike up Green Lake Trail.