7 Spots to Hang Your Hammock in the PNW
Hammock Hot Spots
Sometimes you want to summit a peak and sometimes you want to just kick up your feet. We’re big advocates of building some chill time into our adventures—to allow space to catch our breath, soak in the views, and relax.
Exploration isn’t limited to the tallest mountains, deepest oceans, or darkest caves in the farthest reaches of the world. Exploration is a mindset that guides us to make powerful connections with ourselves and with each other. Exploration can be as simple as a comfortable spot to kick back with friends, write in a journal, read a good book, or take in the scenery.
When you’re in need of some low key moments to unwind in a serene and beautiful place—check out our picks for 7 spots to hang your hammock in the PNW!
Image: West Seattle Blog
Lincoln Park is a charming oasis located in West Seattle. The park don’s many visitors because of its wooded walking trails, scenic beach path, and one-of-a-kind salt water swimming pool. Bring a book and set up your hammock in the upper wooded forest or down on the beach to watch the Fauntleroy ferry make its daily route. We suggest grabbing a delicious donut or treat from The Original Bakery just up the road before indulging in a day of relaxation.
Image: Hip Camp
This clear, blue lake surrounded by mountains is what hammocking dreams are made of. Rent a paddle board to cruise around the lake or explore the charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth. After you’ve wandered a bit, spend the afternoon taking in the epic scenery from your hammock.
Image: Washington Trails
Moran State Park, Orcas Island
Views abound on Orcas Island! Mount Constitution, in Moran State Park, is the highest point in the San Juan Islands and just may be the most stunning place to hang a hammock. Walk the trails through Moran, swim in Cascade Lake, and learn about the history of Mount Constitution before setting up your hammock for a gorgeous sunset.
Image: All Trails
This gem of a spot in Bend, OR sits in the tall ponderosa pines right next to the Deschutes River, ideal for hanging your hammock right along the bank. A great spot to put in your paddle board or kayak, it’s also wonderful for relaxing. You’ll likely see a few eagles and ospreys soaring above. The Deschutes River Trail passes right through here, in case you’re up for a mellow stroll that hugs the river.
Image: Wikipedia
For a true hammock-hanging tree haven (it’s in the name after all) head to Forest Park in Portland, OR. This 5,200-acre park right in the city boasts more than 80 miles of trails. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the country. Stretching along the eastern slope of the Tualatin Mountains, it overlooks Northwest Portland and the convergence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Image: The Gorge Guide
Offering up incredible views of Mt. Hood, Trillium Lake is an idyllic place to lounge. The easy 2-mile Trillium Shoreline Trail circumnavigates the lake. Boating, fishing, and swimming are all the rage in the lake’s chilly but refreshing water. Expect mild summer temps at an elevation of 3,600 feet and lots of shade in the conifer forest. If you want to hang a little longer, check out the campground on the edge of the lake.
Image: Travel Oregon
Just past Coos Bay, OR, Cape Arago State Park has views for days. Hundreds of seals and sea lions bask along the park’s rocky shoreline. There’s a good chance you’ll hear them before you see them! Long used by Native Americans, Cape Arago was first sighted by Europeans during one of Sir Francis Drake’s expeditions in the late 1500s. Scan the horizon for migrating whales and ships entering and leaving Coos Bay. A trail traverses through the park along the cliffs and leads down to several peaceful beaches perfect for exploring the tide pools.