Went hiking today to Rattlesnake Ledge in Washington state

I think #1 is interesting. But, IMO, it would help if you went in tighter (no shoreline visible - but still the reflection), and didn't center it - though its not too bad. And if you want to keep it B&W, I would edit it to make it more contrasty.
 
You really should try a circular polarizer filter.

would a polarizer be helpful for sunny days and for taking hiking-type pictures like those?

Yes. Polarizer's are almost useless on cloudy days, unless you have water in your shot, then it will let you remove reflections. Polarizer's are great for taming harsh mid-day light, removing reflections, darkening skies to create more contrast between the clouds and the sky, and saturating colors. I never shoot any landscapes without one on.
 

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