Not Far Far Away: 4 'Star Wars' Planets You Can Hike to Here in Washington

You don't have to travel to a galaxy far far away to imagine yourself partying with Ewoks on the forest moon of Endor or fighting to stay warm on the ice world of Hoth (we recommend wool and fleece over tauntaun guts). While you anticipate GiveBIG and the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, you can find  your own connection to the force on the trails of Washington.

We've compiled a few ideas to ignite your imagination, and we'd also love to know where in Washington you feel most like you're immersed in the Star Wars universe. (Share in the comments below.)

Hoth: Blue Glacier

Hike through old growth forest along the Hoh River until reaching the heavily-crevassed Blue Glacier. The seracs and endless ice will make you feel as though you've stepped out of a hidden rebel base to patrol for Empire forces on the hostile surface of Hoth.

The Blue Glacier cascades down the valley ahead at the endpoint of this trail. Photo by woodswoman.

Dagobah: Old Sauk River Trail

Hike it, you will. Certain sections of the Old Sauk River Trail mirror the eerie swamp of Dagobah. This family-friendly trail is worth a visit, even if you aren't looking for a Jedi master.

Trees on the beach along the Old Sauk River. Photo by Todd Rohn.

Tatooine: White Bluffs

Hike through sand dunes on this trail through a natural coulee. The arid landscape of the White Bluffs will feel like the deserts of Tatooine. And at White Bluffs, you don't need to worry about stumbling into the Great Pit of Carkoon.

Sand dunes along the trail. Photo by Hikingqueen.

Endor: Lena Lake & West Fork Foss

The old growth forests found along many of Washington's trails evoke a stroll among the giants of Endor. Visit Lena Lake in the Olympic Peninsula or the West Fork Foss River off of Hwy 2, and you'll find yourself looking up and picking out trees you'd most like to live in with a few Ewoks for neighbors.

(Left) Fog in the forest on the Lena Lake trail. Photo by lijsuk. (Top right) Morning light through mossy firs along the West Fork Foss River trail. Photo by Chris Meder. (Bottom right) Hiker crosses bridge on the East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley trail. Photo by banana slug.

Bonus: Summer backpacking trips for stargazing

If you're more interested in the stars than the planets, then perhaps a stargazing backpacking trip this summer is in order. Here are a few suggestions, along with upcoming meteor showers.

Navaho Pass is a nice place to visit for photos of the night sky. Photo by MikeOnAHike.

Family hiking tip: turn your kid into a Star Wars fan (by hiking!)

Are you a Star Wars parent who can't get your Disney Princess-obsessed kid to give a hoot about hiking or the Millennium Falcon? Make the fact that Princess Leia is now a Disney princess work for you.