Rose FreemanExplorer

Have you ever been inside a stump house? This is your chance! Just outside of Seabeck, Washington lies a hobbit stump house tucked into a mossy forest on the shores of Guillemont Cove. Drive to Seabeck, turn right onto Miami Beach Road, bear left onto Stavis Bay road and continue for 4.5 miles. The trailhead is on the left hand side of the road. Hike down to the cove on a wide dirt trail a...

Begin this hike at the Lake Stuart trailhead at the end of Eightmile road just outside of Leavenworth, Washington. The trail follows Mountaineer Creek and leads you across a log bridge over the falls. After the bridge, the trail narrows and steepens through several switchbacks. After 2.2 miles, follow the fork in the trail to the right to continue on to Lake Stuart. When you arrive at a wid...

From Washington Park in Anacortes, Washington we launched our 19' Beachcraft with a deep hull into Puget Sound on a beautiful blue sky morning. The weather and water was favorable for an overnight adventure to Blakely Island! We made our way across Rosario Straight and toward James Island (20 minutes of boating), where we made our first stop for a short hike. The views of Mt. Baker and the No...

From the Log Cabin Resort located on the east shore of Lake Crescent, rent a kayak and spend the day on the water! My husband and I rented a kayak on our honeymoon for a day and explored half of the lake staying close to the east shore.You can see the bridge for the Spruce Railroad trail on the shoreline of the lake and find a rocky beach to rest and eat lunch. The lake has deep waters of and...

Iller Creek hike leads you on a 5 mile loop through lush shaded forest to a ridge with excellent views of the Eastern Washington Palouse. I love the variety of trees through the forest on this hike! Half way through the hike you reach the Big Rocks (Rocks of Sharon) which is a popular rock climbing destination! Continue on through the loop back through a birch forest. I like to hike this lo...

Have you ever dreamed of snow skiing and water skiing in the same day? This March, plan your adventure of a lifetime to Stevens Pass and Lake Stevens, Washington. You will need a winter coat, a wet suit, and a heart made of love for the outdoors.Keep an eye on mountain and lake weather conditions as you plan your day. Stevens Pass is usually open through March. If you choose to go on a snow day...

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named “The Enchantments” draws explorers from all over the world. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Before you set out to camp overnight in the Enchantments, you need to acquire a permit online (Forest Service website) or t...

Looking for a gradual forest hike up to a peak with 360° views of the Cascades? Beckler Peak trail winds through old growth, past rushing waterfalls, and up to a granite summit. From the top, you can see mountains in the Cascades such as Glacier Peak, Mount Baring, Mount Index, Evergreen Mountain, Mount Rainier, and the Monte Cristo Range. You can also see Blanca Lake from the summit! I did...

If you plan to hike to this beach on the weekend, arrive early because the parking lot fills up fast. From the trailhead, hike down through an old forest along a stream to reach Meadowdale Beach Park. Take in the sounds of birds, wildlife, and the stream adjacent to the trail. At one mile you will reach the park and the trail splits directions.At the park there are several attractions for large...

From the south end of the ski area, snowshoe past an old ski lodge along an old access road parallel to the ski hill. Then, ascend Austin Pass (2 miles) following the broad switchbacks. Once at the top of the ridge, follow the road to the left 1/4 mile and take in the views of Artist Point, Mount Shuksan, and Mount Baker.When we started this snowshoe hike the wind was cold and the sky was gra...

This 8 mile loop hike begins from Liberty Lake Regional Park, just 30 minutes away from Spokane! The first mile follows a dry grassy meadow and swamp. Make sure and look for beaver dams and houses! The trail winds up into the hills above Liberty Lake. At 2.0 miles, you reach one of Spokane's last old growth cedar forests.Continue to follow the switchbacks another mile and take in the views ...

Mt. Spokane State Park is just 45 minutes outside of Spokane and a great day trip hike spot! Drive into Mt. Spokane State Park and then to the top of Mt. Spokane until you reach the lower Selkirk Lodge parking lot on the right. Trail 130 begins across the road next to the gate that closes the Vista House road for the winter. Traverse through the trees continue up on the narrow trail for 0.5 mi...

Looking for a short adventure hike on a road trip or a beach to hang out at for a weekend? Tubbs Hill features a 2 mile loop trail that winds along the shoreline of Lake Coeur d'Alene and through an Inland Northwest pine forest. You will see wildlife such as deer, squirrel, and many wildflowers in the summer! Several pebble and sand beaches branch off from the trail along the shore. If it's...

If you're looking for a weekend camping getaway to a small San Juan Island and you have a boat of substantial size or experience sea kayaking, this is the adventure for you!Launch your boat from Washington Park in Anacortes and cruise or sea kayak across Rosario Straight to James Island. There is one dock on the west side of the island that fills up quick, so plan to arrive early to guarantee ...

Have you ever explored the ancient caves of the Washington Palouse? Just off of highway 17 near Coulee City the Lenore Lake Caves are a perfect day hike experience. These caves were formed when the area was flooded 12,000 years ago by melting ice. You have to see them for yourself!The trail immediately climbs up above the lake. You will soon be rewarded with views of the valley and lake bel...

To get to the trailhead, drive east on I-90 to Lookout Pass. Turn right into the pass parking lot and continue on the railroad grade dirt road for approximately 6 miles. You will pass several trailheads, but continue on until you reach a fork in the road and a sign for the Stevens Lakes trailhead. Parking and a restroom is on the right side of the road and Stevens Lakes trailhead is on the left...

To the trailhead, drive east on highway 2 from Everett. Just past milepost 37 you will see a gravel parking area on the left side of the highway.Wander through a mossy forest that reminds me of Olympic National Park and traverse up 1.3 miles of switch backs to ascend heybrook lookout! Dogs are allowed on leash.When we hiked here, the sun peaked through the fog to give us spectacular views of ...

Did you know that Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the continental United States? This is the place where the Straight of Juan de Fuca collides with the Pacific, creating strong currents and loud crashing waves.This short and accessible hike leads you through a forest to an unforgettably beautiful viewpoint of sea stacks, turquoise water, and ocean as far as the eye can see! Wat...

Most adventurers travel down Icicle Creek Road to visit Colchuck Lake and the Enchantment Basin.  But, if you're looking for an adventure for a cool summer morning without the crowds, continue past the Colchuck/Stuart forest road and explore this trail!  Expansive views of the entire Stuart range will take your breath away.  The trail begins in a shaded forest and crosses Fourth of July Creek t...

The ancient rock walls, cave, and falls of Hawk Creek provide an unreal day hike experience! The best time to hike to Hawk Creek cave is early spring/summer before the water level of Lake Roosevelt is back to it's regular level by July. Any age explorer will be inspired on this adventure!Drive to Hawk Creek trailhead (47.8109, -118.3104) and begin hiking on a well marked fisherman's trail thr...

The hike to Sol Duc Falls is a simple 0.8 mile walk to a roaring falls on the Sol Duc River. If you’re up for more of a hike, continue on the trail to Deer Lake from Sol Duc Falls. At the fork in the trail, turn left and hike up away from the Lover's Lane Trail. The trail steepens and the rocky switchbacks lead you through a forest of cedar, hemlock, and silver fir trees. At 1.5 miles, cross o...

The trail climbs gently up and is accessible almost every season, weather permitting. Snow shoes may be needed December-February, so make sure and check with the Hoodsport Ranger Station.Just 45 minutes north of Hoodsport (a darling small town on the shores of Puget Sound), this trailhead has space for about 30 cars in a lot off of paved Hamma Hamma road. The trail climbs gently through second ...

From the main parking lot at English camp, follow the wide path east and cross West Valley road to the trailhead of Young Hill. The trail switchbacks several times and leads you past the English Camp cemetery. Continue left on the main trail through the forest of Pacific Madrone trees until you reach a wide open grassy bluff with sweeping views over the bay. Continue to hike another 1/4 mile ac...

Drive north on SR 31 almost to Ione, Washington and turn right on Sullivan Lake Road. Follow the road around the lake to the East Sullivan Lake campground. We had to park outside the campground because of construction and walk to the trailhead.From the marked trailhead, hike through the 0.6 nature walk and turn right at the fork to continue on the lakeshore trail. The next mile winds through...