Hi there,
I just wanted to introduce myself. Originally from the midwest, I've been in awe of the geography of the Northwest. I'm an intermediate hiker/backpacker who has been to some wonderful areas around PDX and farther (loved backpacking into Jefferson Park with friends), and looking for more. We are most interested in backpacking/hiking to lakes and rivers with swimming potential, which is heaven to us. We have an 11 year old who has been resistant to long distance hikes, so we've been keeping the distances on the short side, but looking to expand that.
We recently had our eyes opened to the Central Cascades, and will be looking for more recommendations there.
barry