Explorer Series
EXPLORER SERIES
Explore something new.
Get outside with Columbia Credit Union and the Washington Trails Association to discover something new with our Explorer Series! We’re highlighting a new hike around town each month that’s perfect for enjoying the beauty of the Northwest with the whole family.
Pick up a CUSTOM STICKER to commemorate your hike at any Columbia CU branch and ENTER TO WIN our weekly prize drawing when you get out and explore.
EXPLORER SERIES
Explore something new.
Get outside with Columbia Credit Union and the Washington Trails Association to discover something new with our Explorer Series! We’re highlighting a new hike around town each month that’s perfect for enjoying the beauty of the Northwest with the whole family.
Pick up a CUSTOM STICKER to commemorate your hike at any Columbia CU branch and ENTER TO WIN our weekly prize drawing when you get out and explore.
Collect a Custom Sticker
Stop by any Columbia Credit Union branch to collect a custom sticker commemorating your adventure.
Enter to Win!
Our contest is now closed. Thanks for getting out on the trails with us this summer!
Fill out the form below for a chance to win a CUSTOM RTIC COOLER plus FREE MEMBERSHIP to the Washington Trails Association. Have you picked up your sticker yet? Tag us on social media with your sticker out in the wild and we’ll enter you for a free membership as well!







FEATURED HIKE FOR SEPTEMBER
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highest Point: 100 feet
- Length: 2.0 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Just west of I-5, over 5,000 acres of marshes, woodlands, and grasslands provide a haven for more than 100 species of birds, fish, and waterfowl. The area offers year-round exploration via trails like the Oaks to Wetlands Trail and the seasonal, accessible Kiwa Loop, along with a loop road perfect for scenic drives. At the trailhead, a culturally significant tribal plankhouse welcomes visitors and serves as an educational hub. Hikers can enjoy estuary views, meander through old-growth forests, and discover native plants highlighted by interpretive signs. Seasonal migrations bring a variety of birdlife—from cranes to geese—making this refuge a vibrant destination in every season.
FEATURED HIKE FOR SEPTEMBER
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge







- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highest Point: 100 feet
- Length: 2.0 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Just west of I-5, over 5,000 acres of marshes, woodlands, and grasslands provide a haven for more than 100 species of birds, fish, and waterfowl. The area offers year-round exploration via trails like the Oaks to Wetlands Trail and the seasonal, accessible Kiwa Loop, along with a loop road perfect for scenic drives. At the trailhead, a culturally significant tribal plankhouse welcomes visitors and serves as an educational hub. Hikers can enjoy estuary views, meander through old-growth forests, and discover native plants highlighted by interpretive signs. Seasonal migrations bring a variety of birdlife—from cranes to geese—making this refuge a vibrant destination in every season
FEATURED HIKE FOR SEPTEMBER







Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highest Point: 100 feet
- Length: 2.0 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Just west of I-5, over 5,000 acres of marshes, woodlands, and grasslands provide a haven for more than 100 species of birds, fish, and waterfowl. The area offers year-round exploration via trails like the Oaks to Wetlands Trail and the seasonal, accessible Kiwa Loop, along with a loop road perfect for scenic drives. At the trailhead, a culturally significant tribal plankhouse welcomes visitors and serves as an educational hub. Hikers can enjoy estuary views, meander through old-growth forests, and discover native plants highlighted by interpretive signs. Seasonal migrations bring a variety of birdlife—from cranes to geese—making this refuge a vibrant destination in every season.
FEATURED HIKE FOR AUGUST
Moulton Falls
- Elevation Gain: 90 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highest Point: 570 feet
- Length: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Moulton Falls Trail offers a scenic, family-friendly hike along the Lewis River, starting from the overflow parking lot near Lucia and Sunset Falls Roads. This mostly flat, wide trail features picturesque views from an arched footbridge, forested riverbanks, and the option for adventurous detours to Big Tree Falls or up the steep Bells Mountain Trail. The drive itself—part of the Clark County Scenic Drive—is worth the trip, passing volcanic rock formations and lovely waterfalls like Lucia Falls. Hikers can enjoy picnic spots, forested paths, and photo-worthy vistas, with opportunities to extend the journey or loop back via additional trails when conditions allow. It’s a peaceful escape that blends natural beauty with just enough optional challenge to suit every type of explorer.



FEATURED HIKE FOR AUGUST
Moulton Falls



- Elevation Gain: 90 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highest Point: 570 feet
- Length: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Moulton Falls Trail offers a scenic, family-friendly hike along the Lewis River, starting from the overflow parking lot near Lucia and Sunset Falls Roads. This mostly flat, wide trail features picturesque views from an arched footbridge, forested riverbanks, and the option for adventurous detours to Big Tree Falls or up the steep Bells Mountain Trail. The drive itself—part of the Clark County Scenic Drive—is worth the trip, passing volcanic rock formations and lovely waterfalls like Lucia Falls. Hikers can enjoy picnic spots, forested paths, and photo-worthy vistas, with opportunities to extend the journey or loop back via additional trails when conditions allow. It’s a peaceful escape that blends natural beauty with just enough optional challenge to suit every type of explorer.
FEATURED HIKE FOR AUGUST



Moulton Falls
- Elevation Gain: 90 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Highest Point: 570 feet
- Length: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Moulton Falls Trail offers a scenic, family-friendly hike along the Lewis River, starting from the overflow parking lot near Lucia and Sunset Falls Roads. This mostly flat, wide trail features picturesque views from an arched footbridge, forested riverbanks, and the option for adventurous detours to Big Tree Falls or up the steep Bells Mountain Trail. The drive itself—part of the Clark County Scenic Drive—is worth the trip, passing volcanic rock formations and lovely waterfalls like Lucia Falls. Hikers can enjoy picnic spots, forested paths, and photo-worthy vistas, with opportunities to extend the journey or loop back via additional trails when conditions allow. It’s a peaceful escape that blends natural beauty with just enough optional challenge to suit every type of explorer.








FEATURED HIKE FOR JULY
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Elevation Gain: 55 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
- Highest Point: 60 feet
- Length: 6.8 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a peaceful retreat rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Reopened in May 2022 after an ambitious restoration project, the refuge now boasts 965 acres of revitalized habitat, including wetlands, meadows, and cottonwood groves teeming with over 200 species of birds. Visitors can explore a diverse trail system featuring the Mountain View Trail with vistas of Mount Hood, the multi-use Refuge River Trail along the Columbia River, and the whimsical Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail adorned with sculptures and hidden quotes. With new bridges, restored waterways, and varied terrain, the refuge now invites deeper connection with both nature and art.
FEATURED HIKE FOR JULY








Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Elevation Gain: 55 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
- Highest Point: 60 feet
- Length: 6.8 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a peaceful retreat rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Reopened in May 2022 after an ambitious restoration project, the refuge now boasts 965 acres of revitalized habitat, including wetlands, meadows, and cottonwood groves teeming with over 200 species of birds. Visitors can explore a diverse trail system featuring the Mountain View Trail with vistas of Mount Hood, the multi-use Refuge River Trail along the Columbia River, and the whimsical Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail adorned with sculptures and hidden quotes. With new bridges, restored waterways, and varied terrain, the refuge now invites deeper connection with both nature and art.
FEATURED HIKE FOR JULY








Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Elevation Gain: 55 feet
- Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
- Highest Point: 60 feet
- Length: 6.8 miles, roundtrip
- Kid-friendly? Yes
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers a peaceful retreat rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. Reopened in May 2022 after an ambitious restoration project, the refuge now boasts 965 acres of revitalized habitat, including wetlands, meadows, and cottonwood groves teeming with over 200 species of birds. Visitors can explore a diverse trail system featuring the Mountain View Trail with vistas of Mount Hood, the multi-use Refuge River Trail along the Columbia River, and the whimsical Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail adorned with sculptures and hidden quotes. With new bridges, restored waterways, and varied terrain, the refuge now invites deeper connection with both nature and art.
Connect with Washington Trails Association
Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, protect and champion trails and public lands. Their website is the premier resource for hikers to discover new trail suggestions, find current trail conditions and connect with others who enjoy the outdoors.
Download the Trailblazer app.
Want to know about the latest trail conditions? There is an app for that! Search for “WTA Trailblazer” in the Apple, Google or Windows app stores.
Write a trip report.
Take a minute to help other hikers by telling them about your adventure! Trip reports help not only other hikers, but also WTA and land management agencies.
Volunteer on a trail.
Want to meet other hikers while preserving the trails you love? Join a work party! WTA offers single-day volunteer experiences close to home and backcountry volunteer trips from 3 days to a week. No experience is necessary but registration is required.
Create a My Backpack account.
My Backpack allows you to save hikes that interest you. You can sort your hikes, see where you’ve hiked in the past and get recommendations on new hikes, based on your interests.
Sign up for Trail News.
WTA's monthly email newsletter full of seasonal hike recommendations, outdoor skills, hiker news and events for people who love the outdoors.
Become a member.
As a member, your dollars will be put to work ensuring we have trails for everyone, forever. Your contribution of ANY amount makes you a member. You will be invited to WTA events, earn a discount on WTA volunteer vacations and receive a WTA member decal. With a donation of $20 or more, you'll receive Washington Trails magazine in print.
Download the Trailblazer app.
Want to know about the latest trail conditions? There is an app for that! Search for “WTA Trailblazer” in the Apple, Google or Windows app stores.
Create a My Backpack account.
My Backpack allows you to save hikes that interest you. You can sort your hikes, see where you’ve hiked in the past and get recommendations on new hikes, based on your interests.
Write a trip report.
Take a minute to help other hikers by telling them about your adventure! Trip reports help not only other hikers, but also WTA and land management agencies.
Sign up for Trail News.
WTA's monthly email newsletter full of seasonal hike recommendations, outdoor skills, hiker news and events for people who love the outdoors.
Volunteer on a trail.
Want to meet other hikers while preserving the trails you love? Join a work party! WTA offers single-day volunteer experiences close to home and backcountry volunteer trips from 3 days to a week. No experience is necessary but registration is required.
Become a member.
As a member, your dollars will be put to work ensuring we have trails for everyone, forever. Your contribution of ANY amount makes you a member. You will be invited to WTA events, earn a discount on WTA volunteer vacations and receive a WTA member decal. With a donation of $20 or more, you'll receive Washington Trails magazine in print.
Download the Trailblazer app.
Want to know about the latest trail conditions? There is an app for that! Search for “WTA Trailblazer” in the Apple, Google or Windows app stores.
Create a My Backpack account.
My Backpack allows you to save hikes that interest you. You can sort your hikes, see where you’ve hiked in the past and get recommendations on new hikes, based on your interests.
Write a trip report.
Take a minute to help other hikers by telling them about your adventure! Trip reports help not only other hikers, but also WTA and land management agencies.
Sign up for Trail News.
WTA's monthly email newsletter full of seasonal hike recommendations, outdoor skills, hiker news and events for people who love the outdoors.
Volunteer on a trail.
Want to meet other hikers while preserving the trails you love? Join a work party! WTA offers single-day volunteer experiences close to home and backcountry volunteer trips from 3 days to a week. No experience is necessary but registration is required.
Become a member.
As a member, your dollars will be put to work ensuring we have trails for everyone, forever. Your contribution of ANY amount makes you a member. You will be invited to WTA events, earn a discount on WTA volunteer vacations and receive a WTA member decal. With a donation of $20 or more, you'll receive Washington Trails magazine in print.
CREDIT UNIONS
The credit union movement is going strong.
Lindsey Salvestrin, our President & CEO, joined branch leader Julie Bocanegra on Hello Rose City to discuss the credit union movement and all the benefits of being a member at a place that puts members first:
- How money stays in the community
- Why credit unions can offer better rates
- What local service brings to members
CREDIT UNIONS
The credit union movement is going strong.
Lindsey Salvestrin, our President & CEO, joined branch leader Julie Bocanegra on Hello Rose City to discuss the credit union movement and all the benefits of being a member at a place that puts members first:
- How money stays in the community
- Why credit unions can offer better rates
- What local service brings to members