Cairn Basin, near Welches, Oregon

This trail is an Oregon classic. Hike up the Vista Ridge trail through the remnants of the forest that used to exist there before the devastating Dollar Lake fire of 2011. Once you emerge out of the scorched hill, you enter a wonderland of alpine meadows, icy brooks and an explosion of wildflowers (in early August) all under the imposing view of the north face of Mt Hood. There are also quite a few huckleberry bushes, which should be ripe by early September -- although in August you are bound to find a few early ripe ones. This trail is truly a jewel of the Pacific Northwest.