Michael GabbertExplorer

Set within the Mount Baker hiking wonderland, the Bagley Lakes trail is an easy, family-friendly hike with alpine lakes, copious amounts of wildflowers, and striking views of Table Mountain. Compared to the notoriety of many of the other hikes within the area, this is a hidden gem. There are actually two option to get on the trail. The first is about ½ mile beyond the Heather Meadows Ski Area a...

The toughest part of this hike is finding the start of it. The start of the hike isn’t marked and there are a small handful (2 or 3) of places to park when you do find it. I’ve placed a map in the photos section to outline the parking spot and the easterly direction of the hike you’ll take up to the ridge. The key to finding the spot is that after the S curve in the road you’ll drive about 0.5 ...

A strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, Deception Pass and the bridges that span it are a fascinating day trip from Seattle. Located 82 miles from Seattle, a 90 minute drive will get you to the Deception Pass State Park. Once here, there are a myriad of activities to do - explore Pass Island (the tiny island between the two bridges which span the pass), visit Lighthouse Point, o...

A tiny gem within the San Juan Islands, Posey Island is a perfect kayak camping spot for novices, experts, and everyone in between. While the Island only has 2 campsites, each can be reserved ahead of time if you are going May 15th - September 30th. Reservations open each year starting Jan 2nd @ 9am. To make a reservation call 360-378-2044 (Lime Kiln Point State Park). On weekends, it's limited...

The 2nd most visited section of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is a beautifully restored and a relatively accessible spot of the wall. Located 43 miles from Beijing, it can take between 1 ½ to 2 hours to drive to the entrance. Note that you’ll have to park slightly away from the actual entrance and take a bus up to the gate once parked. Be prepared as the area surrounding the entrance of the...