Have you ever looked outside and thought “Dang it’s so pretty outside, but I don’t know what to do on this nice sunny day?” Well I have got some ideas of things to do on pretty days and even some for crummy days. Enjoying nature is a great pastime but sometimes we need more ideas than just going on a walk in our neighborhoods. Here are some fun or challenging hikes.

• The Ape Caves (Cougar):

Beautiful natural caves made by the lava tubes to the side of Mount Saint Helens formed about 2000 years ago. There are two different trails within the ape caves, the easier trail is best for families of all ages. As long as you make sure you don’t accidentally go on the 1.5-mile hard trail; my family and I did when I was five. The easiest of the trails is ¾ mile long and relatively easy. The harder trail is not for the faint of heart; it has steep inclines and an eight-foot rock wall to climb over to complete the trail. Both trails lead back to the parking lot eventually so don’t fear getting lost. The caves require reservations when the season is open; the caves open on May 18 and stay open until October 31. If the caves sound like your thing, check the Washington Forest Service website to find out what equipment is needed and more information on the caves.

• Nisqually Vista Trail (Ashford):

Most people in Washington know of the great Mount Rainier. It has been watching over us since the time of our birth and will be here after our death. The mountain is a pretty far drive but if you don’t care much about drive time it is a fantastic national park. The mountain itself has trails going to the summit if you feel so daring. If you aren’t too sure about challenging a mountain so soon, there are also small trails near Paradise like the Nisqually Vista trail. This trail is relatively easy even though it seems long. The trail has a lot of fun sights and sometimes you can see wildlife. The trail is open from May 24 to September 2, and is available with a reservation and a pass to the national park.

• Ross Dam (North Cascades Highway, Rockport): 

The trail is near the North Cascades, so it is a bit of a drive, but it’s worth the beauty you see. The trail is 1.6 miles long and has some steep parts. You can see Ross Dam and Ross Lake while on this hike and even get to walk on the dam itself. It is a peaceful trail and not too hard to do.

• Middle Fork (North Bend):

Middle Fork trail is in Snoqualmie, and the history of the trail is very interesting. The trail used to be littered and so volunteers cleaned it up. The start of the trail is a bridge then it gets steeper. It is quite a long trail, but you can always just turn around and alter the trail to your own experience level. You can see waterfalls and pass the Snoqualmie River on the way to beauty; It’s great for families and pets on a leash.

• Rattlesnake Ledge (Snoqualmie Valley, North Bend):

Near Rattlesnake Lake there is a trail that leads to Rattlesnake Ledge. You can peer over the lake and enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises if you get there early enough. The hike is quite steep because the way up is mostly incline; the way down is super easy though, just roll. This hike is best for intermediate hikers and it is beautiful all the way up.