An essential part of my hike planning is what will I eat before and after my hike (thus the name of my blog). Although I follow a whole foods (mostly paleo/primal diet), I don’t hold to dogma and I do what is right for me. And this is where my Must Hike Must Eat Pacific Northwest Eating Guide comes in.
At home it is no problem but when on the road eating paleo can mean compromise. With the closing of Cultured Caveman in Portland, there really are no paleo dedicated restaurants in the Pacific Northwest (or much of anywhere else).
So for the most part, I travel with my own food. But if hiking or adventuring with friends it is inevitable they will want to stop for grub. These are a few places I have found where I can find something on the menu that comes close to my health goals and maybe you will, too. Several of these are on my Pacific Northwest Eating Guide to visit for the first time, this is as much for me as it is for you!
For those of us who are more selective about our food, we know that finding a place that is accommodating and wants to make the customer happy is half the battle. Even if they don’t have something on the menu for you, a establishment that wants to serve you something you can eat makes all the difference.
Some tips to keep in mind:
- A restaurant that labels their menu for dietary considerations is a best friend. Check online ahead of time and go prepared with a restaurant suggestion.
- One can’t go wrong with salad and added protein or a burger without a bun and side salad. Just ask to leave off items not wanted.
- Very few restaurants use 100% extra virgin olive oil, carry a few packets. Chose singular dairy in a salad over what might be in a salad dressing as a great flavor choice for a primal option.
- Unless they make their sweet potato fries from scratch, most have a gluten coating. Ask.
- Gluten free breads are not more nutritious than regular bread so if trying to follow strict guidelines, save them for when real hiker hunger strikes.
- Short of sneaking food into a restaurant, a natural foods store with a deli offers the most control over a meal.
An “*” indicates a dedicated gluten free establishment.
If you would like a copy of this Pacific Northwest Eating Guide in a portable and easy to read PDF format, sign up for the Must Hike Must Eat Newsletter and I’ll send you a free copy!
Mount Baker Highway (SR 542) and Chuckanut Drive (SR 11)
North Fork Brewery, Glacier WA
This is a popular stop on HWY 542 (Mt. Baker) when I hike with my meetup group. Needless to say, they have beer (and a few ciders). They serve locally sourced meals and we order a mix of pizza and salads. I usually get their spinach or antipasto salad and a pint of their own homemade root beer on draft. you may even find a tasty dessert like gluten free Death by Chocolate…
Chair 9, Glacier WA
I like the Spinach salad or the Black Angus sans the bun.
Boundary Bay, Bellingham WA
I don’t always drive into B’ham after hikes on Chuckanut Drive and Blanchard Mountain but when I do, I stop at Boundary Bay Brewery. A popular spot in downtown, you will find yourself surrounded by a great mix of Western students and locals. They have a delicious menu, locally sourced and designed to compliment their brews. I love their Harvest salad or lamb burger which they will put on a gluten free bun but I usually just have them put it on the salad side that can come with the meal.
Fiamma Burger, Bellingham WA
Various burger options with a gluten free bun or a Burger In A Bowl where they will put your burger choice on a bed of spring greens!
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza, Bellingham WA
Gluten free crust and vegan cheese options.
For hike suggestions along SR 542, check out my trip reports here.
North Cascades Loop Highway (SR 20)
*5 B’s Bakery, Concrete WA
This is a wonderful treat one block off HWY 20 in Concrete, WA as you head up the Cascade Highway (turn at the old concrete stacks). I personally love their cinnamon rolls but they have a wide selection in this dedicated gluten free café; they serve breakfast and lunch along with a variety of cookies, breads, pot pies, calzones, PRETZEL DOGS, etc. They have indoor seating and coffee brewing in the morning. It is no wonder they are one of the original establishments on the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide.
Birdsview Brewing Company, Birdsview WA
My meetup group loves stopping at The Birdsview Brewing Company after hikes on HWY 20, especially because they are dog friendly. Their blue cheese and apple salad is divine and they offer ciders on tap in addition to a plethora of brews. And they offer gluten free buns and cookies from 5 B’s Bakery!
Methow Valley Ciderhouse, Winthrop WA
This is an annual stop on our fall Cascade Loop road trip. Plenty of ciders to choose from and I love their salads and housemade coleslaw! They also have ample outdoor seating and live entertainment. We love to stay the Pine Near RV park in town and walk here for dinner. Just take a headlamp for the walk back!
Six Knot, Winthrop WA
If we are staying in Winthrop, we also stop by Six Knot during our “cidery crawl”. Smaller than Methow Valley, this is a little bit more refined of a establishment. They don’t have a full menu, we usually get some appetizers to snack on. Now permanently closed.
The Mazama Store, Mazama WA
You can’t hike in the Mazama area without a stop at the Mazama store. I even wrote up its own post here. Not only do they have some great nosh, they are the hub for local news and forest road information (like if you can drive to Hart’s Pass yet). You can also pick up gear at Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies.
Glover Street Market, Twisp WA
This natural foods market in Twisp is a fun place to stop if you need snacks or a quick bite to eat from their kitchen counter. They focus on local and ethically sourced foods and products.
For hike suggestions along SR 20, check out my trip reports here.
Puget Sound
K Fresh, Everett WA
If you are in the Everett area on one of our great urban trails, you have to pick up a bibimbap bowl from K Fresh. I get them to go on romaine lettuce, so good. And if you are splurging, their shakes are coconut milk based…
Soundbite, Everett WA
An honorable mention in the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide, this is our local cidery. They don’t have food but you can bring some with you, we like Trader Joe’s or Basil’s Thai nearby. Say hello to Rob and Regina for me!
Skagit Valley Co-op, Mount Vernon WA
This is a large co-op located in the downtown area with groceries, a deli and coffee shop. Stock up on your food essentials pre hike! I wrote a post up here.
*Shambala Bakery and Bistro, Mount Vernon WA
The storefront for a farm-to-table business, Shambala is a tasty spot for vegan and gluten free fare. I have a whole post about this restaurant and bakery here. I love their fish and chips AND their wish and chips (a cauliflower version!).
Mammoth Burger Company, Stanwood WA
If you are out at Camano State Park or the Camano Ridge Forest, Mammoth makes a great stop after wandering on the beach or through the trees. They will lettuce wrap your burger!
Front Street Grill, Coupeville WA
A little fancier of a place but if you want to impress that new person you just hiked with, Front Street is a great option especially if you love mussels!
Three Sisters, Coupeville WA
This little market has some great gluten free snacks to pick up and picnic tables outside.
*Revolve Food and Wine, Bothell WA
Another one of those special treat places after urban hiking or biking on the Burke-Gilman, you will find a wide assortment of grain free and locally sourced meals here. A little bit fancier than most of the places on the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide but worth a stop.
Razzi’s Pizzeria
Located in Greenwood, this is the perfect place to come with a group of picky eaters after strolling Green Lake. Traditional, vegan, gluten free and vegan/gluten free menus are loaded with any variation of pizza or salad you can think of.
Ghostfish Brewing Company, Seattle WA
Gluten free beer and an extensive pub menu labeled for gluten free/vegan and dairy free. I have not been to the pub itself but sampled the brews at a Gluten Free fest in Portland.
For hikes in the area, check out my trip reports here.
Mountain Loop Highway (SR 92, 9, and 530)
LJs Bistro and Bar, Lake Stevens WA
Another more upscale restaurant near Frontier Village, you will find delicious tapas and great happy hour specials. The date appetizers earned them a spot in the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide!
Creekside Ale House, Lake Stevens WA
For a more sports bar atmosphere, Creekside is your place. I enjoy a steak salad with a cider from the tap.
Mirkwood Public House, Arlington WA
Don’t be intimidated when you walk through the door or see the tattoo shop on the second floor. The staff are super friendly and the food is free range, organic and locally sourced. And Wednesdays is karaoke night!
Glorybucha, Arlington WA
You might wonder why this lovely place is in the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide because can’t order food at Glorybucha but they have the jazziest kombucha on tap in Snohomish County. Located in downtown Arlington next to the Centennial Trail, stop by and have a flight of some of their delicious flavors. Learn more here!
River Time Brewery, Darrington WA
This is another honorable mention in the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide because there aren’t really a lot of options in Darrington itself but if you want to cold drink or a gluten free pizza (vegan cheese possible) to split, River Time fits the bill. Plus, it is just a fun place to hang out. I share more here.
For hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway, check out my trip reports here.
Stevens Pass Highway (SR 2)
Grilla Bites, Snohomish WA
Burgers, salad bar, smoothies and more, this is a great stop if you are coming back from Lord Hill Regional Park or the Centennial Trail.
Route 2 Taproom and Grazing Place, Monroe WA
A large outdoor seating area and conveniently located in Monroe, this makes the perfect stop. I usually get the steak salad but they often have daily specials. You can find a location in Woodinville, too.
Timber Monster Brewing Company, Sultan WA
Brussels and bacon, need I say more? Now the Good Brewing Pub with American fare, on my list to visit!
River House Cafe, Index WA
They do not have a large menu but the beverage selection (beer, etc. included) was ample. What I like about this place is it is run by the same folks doing the outdoor tours in the area and they love to talk about what they are doing to get folks outdoors. The fact they were also willing to make me a lettuce wrap for my salmon burger garnered them mention in the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide.
Espresso Chalet, Index WA
The Espresso Chalet in Index, WA makes a great stop when hiking on HWY 2. They are in tune with what is happening in the area and are great to chat with. The milk alternatives offered make the longest list I’ve seen at a coffee stand. Don’t forget to look for sasquatch (he’s hard to miss) and check out the view of Mount Index from the back deck.
Smokey’s BBQ, Skykomish WA
New to SR 2, this is one of two restaurants of the same name. We like to get the barbeque bowls, portable little meals with a sample of what Smokey’s has to offer. Plus, you can pay it forward for anyone else who might be in need of a meal. In the summer, enjoy their large outdoor seating after your hike. Not nightshade free but you can keep to paleo with a side of meat, collard greens and a side salad. They have vegan options, too. Now only located in Ellensburg…
Gustav’s, Leavenworth WA
Who doesn’t love Gustav’s in Leavenworth? I order one of their tasty salads and ice tea which they brew themselves.
Yodelin Broth Company, Leavenworth WA
One of my new faves with a lovely view of Icicle Creek on their back patio, you will find burgers with gluten free buns, savory soups and salads in hearty bowls.
South, Leavenworth
Mexican food is often hard as I normally don’t eat much of the ingredients that make it up (all those nightshades, corn and dairy) but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it and ask to leave a few things out. I enjoy the burrito in a bowl at the South restaurant with a shot of tequila, of course.
Dan’s Food Market, Leavenworth WA
If you forgot your food essentials, stop here first! You can also get Jun on tap from Honey Jun brewed just outside town.
For hike suggestions along SR 2, check out my trip reports here. For Snohomish County in general, you will find more here.
Snoqualmie Pass (Interstate 90)
Garlic Crush, Issaquah WA
Shawarma, salads and kebabs, you can piece together some meat and veggies easily!
Agave Cocina, Issaquah WA
One of my favorite memories is eating here after a drenching hike on Tiger and being the only ones not watching the game. For a Mexican restaurant they do pretty well, a great list of salads to choose from and they boast local and sustainably resourced ingredients, as well as gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options.
North Bend Bar & Grill, North Bend WA
The North Bend Bar and Grill is a restaurant I have eaten at several times now with meetup groups. They serve locally sourced food and have a great beer and cider selection. I usually get the salmon quinoa or cobb salad and their menu is labeled for gluten free options. Like gluten free coconut prawns…
Chang Thai & Pho
Chang Thai North Bend This is another place I have eaten at twice and I was impressed with the large menu and the waitress’ repeated assurance that they could do vegetarian if someone needed (AKA accommodating kitchen). Thai food is naturally gluten free; just avoid anything with soy sauce.
The Commonwealth
So conveniently located at the top of the pass, the Commonwealth does have a few salads and ciders on tap so you can enjoy hanging out with your friends post hike. If you can do nightshades, I recommend the beefalo chili.
Basecamp Books and Bites, Roslyn WA
A local favorite with a little bit of everything, Basecamp deserves a leisurely visit. From books, to gluten free snacks to coffee, you will want to explore all the corners (and basement) for yourself. You can even get your Northwest Forest or Green Trails maps you may have forgotten before heading up Salmon La Sac. You can learn more here!
For hike suggestions along 1-90, check out my trip reports here.
Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, White Pass (SR 410, 7, 12, 503)
Farelli’s Wood Fire Grill, Sumner WA
They offer a gluten free pizza crust and label for items with gluten. There are a few nightshade free sauce choices and more than a handful of salads to choose from!
Alpine Inn, Enumclaw WA
Their menu is not large but has variety, you will be sure to find a salad or burger to your liking. They offer gluten free versions of sandwiches, pizza, etc. and the menu is labeled for dietary options.
Cliff Droppers, Packwood WA
Things are a little sparse in Packwood but hand crafted burgers you can get in a lettuce wrap are available at Cliffdroppers along with the local scoop.
White Pass Taqueria, Packwood WA
Not nightshade friendly but I was able to make a tasty taco salad before heading up to the pass to snowshoe.
Fargher Lakehouse, Yacolt WA
A little out of the way but you can get a salad or gluten free burger and cider. The staff are ultra friendly and willing to accommodate! I was planning on skipping the bun altogether and going with just lettuce but our waitress was so insistent on preparing one for me and I was starving so I opted in.
For hike suggestions in this area, check out my trip reports here.
Olympic Peninsula, Highway 101
Butcher & Baker Provisions, Port Gamble WA
What I love is you have a combination cafe and market so if you don’t find something on the menu you can pick up a few things like olives and artisanal meat to enjoy. They have a side salad, too, you can doll up.
101 Brewery at Twana Roadhouse, Quilcene WA
Very accommodating staff but you may have more gluten free knowledge than they do. A handful of salads to choose from (shrimp and bacon, yum!) and you could do a burger minus the bun. Now Quilbilly’s Restaurant and Taproom!
Finn River, Chimacum WA
Beautiful scenery on their farm with salad and gluten free pizza options. So many nightshades, though. Thankfully my hubby doesn’t mind eating them for me…
*Nourish Sequim, Sequim WA
More of a fine dining experience, this restaurant sits up above Sequim and offers a dedicated gluten free meal.
Turnip The Beet, Port Angeles WA
A casual spot in downtown, you can pick from a wide variety of salad combinations or make up one of your own to get exactly what you want.
Linda’s Woodfired Kitchen, Neah Bay
Boasting local and wild ingredients, this quaint restaurant is a Neah Bay favorite. I had the most delicious steelhead dinner here!
Sunset West Co-op, Clallam Bay
If you missed the co-op in Port Townsend, you can pick up snacks and homemade deli items here. You can even pull out a Cat Stevens LP and listen to it play in the indoor sitting area.
Pacific Pizza, Forks WA
There isn’t a lot going in Forks healthy eating wise but they do have a gluten free menu. Over the years, the Thrifty Grocery store that shared the parking lot has upped its organic options, too.
Kalaloch Lodge, Kalaoch WA
Not your usual hiker grub stop but they do label their menu for vegan/gluten free.
Serious Pizza, Iwalco WA
If visiting the southern most area of Washington like Cape Disappointment, you have to stop by this yummy spot. They have more options than just pizza and the only thing disappointing is that they are only open seasonally. You can read more about our visit here.
For hike suggestions on the Olympic Peninsula, check out my trip reports here.
Eastern Washington, SR 97, 1-90
Bear Foods Market, Chelan WA
Truth is, we love to go and just check out their chocolate bar section. So many different ones from all over the world. The crepes are delicious and we can always find something cold to drink. Oh, and I love to get their loose leaf Little Bear tea.
Steelhead Cider, Chelan WA
Their upper balcony over looks the riverfront park and is a bright spot on a warm fall day. Pairing chocolate from Bear Market and ciders is fun.
Stehekin Pastry Company (AKA Stehekin Bakery), Stehekin WA
You would have to be living under a hiking rock to have not heard all about the Stehekin Pastry Company and their many scrumptious baked goodies. But did you know they also make some mighty fine salads?? You may even be able to find a gluten free treat or two.
*Cole’s Bakery and Cafe
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner along with a wide assortment of baked goodies, you are sure to be satisfied post hike. they even have a keto menu if you are into that!
For hike suggestions in Eastern Washington, check out my trip reports here.
Portland and Columbia Gorge Area, I-5, I-205, I-84, SR 14
Walking Man Brewery, Stevenson WA
This fun little pub is a town hang out and they make their food from scratch. The menu is labeled for gluten free/vegan and you can get a tasty salad or burger sans bun.
Backwoods Brewing, Carson WA
Huge pub with more than a handful of salads on the menu.
Thunder Island Brewing, Cascade Locks WA
Located at the end of the Thunder Island marina parking lot with views of the Gorge, you will find a few salad options (with protein addons available). You can even pick up some PCT lingo…
Cascade Locks Ale House, Cascade Locks WA
This is a great pub for when you are driving I-84 or starting/leaving the Pacific Crest Trail. I had a perfectly cooked burger on top of a salad and one of the best blackberry ciders ever. They were very friendly (but busy) and you can even “pay it forward to a PCT hiker” when you are there! They offer gluten free/vegetarian on their menu.
Crush Cider Cafe, Hood River OR
This is our current absolute favorite place to stop post hike on the Gorge or after venturing in Central Oregon. Some of the finest ciders you will find and some pretty darn good Mexican food from Michoacan Grill in Odell. Definitely not nightshade free friendly or grain free but the chili verde or adobada tacos are my usual choice. If you can do potatoes, my husband highly recommends the German potatoes. Look for weekend specials and chat with Güntram and Sam!
Farm Stand Natural Foods, Hood River OR
Another great place to resupply or pick up portable salads or bone broth when I am being more strict or conscious around my paleo eating. They also stock a local kombucha and fremented foods from Blue Bus Cultured Foods and One Breath Beverage.
Dick’s Primal Burger, Portland OR
The closest thing to paleo but you still have to navigate gluten and dairy. Their menu is well labeled, however, for vegan and gluten free
Back To Eden, Portland OR
Aside from vegan and gluten free baked goodies, you can find some tasty salads.
*Kyra’s Bakery, Lake Oswego OR
This is a must stop for me when I am down in Oregon for a hike. Kyra’s Bakery has a wide selection of baked goods, a café menu with salads, soups and sandwiches and last time I was there they had started serving wine! Items are labeled for dairy, soy and egg free. There isn’t anything I haven’t loved from this dedicated gluten free establishment (Did I mention PRETZEL DOGS?). If the name is familiar, it is because Kyra is a winner of the Cupcake Wars which she did with a gluten free cupcake versus the regular stuff.
*Bierly Brewing, McMinnville OR
If you are looking for a stop when driving back from the coast, this dedicated gluten free beer tasting room is worth a visit. They carry ciders from 12 Bridge Cider Works, also in Oregon. They don’t have a full menu but their baked goods and charcuterie plate will stave off hiker hunger.
For hike suggestions near Portland and the Columbia River Gorge, check out my trip reports here.
Oregon Coast, Highway 101
Pelican Pub and Brewing, Pacific City OR
This is one of the finest views of the ocean while enjoying a salad or bunless burger!
Pacific Kitchen at Nye Beach, Newport OR
Grass fed burgers, fresh seafood and yummy salads await you at Pacific Kitchen.
Rogue Ales, Newport OR
I used to enjoy the one in Issaquah, now they are found only here in Oregon. If you are looking for a great cider with your meal, Rogue will set you up with a burger or salad too.
Eastern Oregon, SR 97, I-84
Ten Depot, La Grande
This was our favorite spot after hiking in the Wallowas and the Eagle Cap Wilderness area. Plenty of veggie and gluten free buns for your burger if you are starving like me and want the extra fluff…
Spork, Bend OR
Loaded with vegan and gluten free options, this place has an Asian flair and lots of flavor. Be sure and try the Thai steak salad!
The Brown Owl, Bend OR
A great little expanded food cart that is located in the same parking lot as Avid Cider that hails from Bend. The menu is labeled for gluten free/vegan and you will have more than a few salads to choose from. And if you can do potatoes. don’t forget the hand cut russet fries.
For hike suggestions in Oregon, check out my trip reports here.
And just for fun, I have added some places I can recommend from outside the Pacific Northwest area, you can look for this section to grow as my travels do!
Colorado
*Just BE Kitchen, Denver
This was one of our favorite finds in downtown Denver. You can read more about our 5 Hour layover here.
Adam’s Mountain Café, Manitou Springs
If you need something hearty after ascending the Manitou Incline, Adam’s has some whole foods meals for you.
United Kingdom
You can read more about the places I enjoyed eating in the UK here, like Frasier’s, Twice Brewed Inn, Byron’s, and *Niche.
I hope I didn’t forget anyone! What are your favorite dishes to order at these fine establishments? Do you have other favorite places you like to go to that I should check out?
Want to see all the suggestions from the Pacific Northwest Eating Guide (plus a few bonus gluten free spots) on the map?
Want to make sure you don’t miss my latest good food finds? Subscribe and get them right to your inbox!
Last edited 11/14/2023
Thank you so much for stopping by Must Hike Must Eat!
If you need some healthy eating inspiration start here:..
Want to know where Must Hike Must Eat has been last? Check out the Latest Trip Reports.
Find out what’s been happening outside the blog:
The Must Hike Must Eat Newsletter keeps folks up-to-date on events both on and off the blog.
If you have a question you don’t want to post in the comments, you can ask them here: