Bellevue, Washington

The secret to this trip: Marmot Pass and Boulder Shelter, where you can camp on National Forest Service land. Multiple excellent, large backpacking sites sit just on the edge of the National Park, giving you great access to Mt. Constance and Mt. Deception, two of the tallest peaks in the Olympics...

There are four trailheads that guide you to the top of Mount Townsend, but the most popular choice is to begin at the Upper Trailhead Trail #839 (snow permitting).  The trail gradually climbs while traversing through forested area. While walking through the fir and hemlock trees, you pass three ...

Traveling east from Seattle on Highway 2, take a right hand turn onto Foss River Road (Road 68) just after the township of Skykomish. The pavement ends in 1.1 miles, beyond that be cautious of potholes. Continue along this road for a further 1.3 miles, at which point you will pass under a railroa...

This hike is definitely one of our all-time favorites. The first time we did it was in August 2015 and due to the exceptionally mild winter that year, fall was already beginning to show its colors. We wanted to see it again in the springtime when everything was in bloom, so we decided to go again...

Tucked high in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Tank Lakes has everything you could ask for out of a Washington hike. You start low at the Necklace Valley trailhead just south of Skykomish along Highway 2 and meander five miles to a giant log crossing of the East Fork Foss River. From h...

Starting at an elevation of 3,300 feet, begin the hike on a steep gravel road for 1/4 of a mile. Take a left onto a dirt road that will lead to an area of clear cuts and windy switchbacks.As daunting as this may seem, don't be discouraged. On a clear day, the surrounding peaks of Snoqualmie Pass ...

The upper Foothills Trail from the Fairfax Bridge to Manley Moore can be hiked starting from either end as an "out and back" hike or a "point to point" by shuttling with two vehicles.  Starting from the upper end of the trail you begin by walking under the Kolisch Rd. Bridge, which has the Manley...

We backpacked our way to Lillian Lake and set up camp. There is a trail that lead around the lake and a trail that leads up to Rampart Lakes and Rachael Lake as well. We found a few more camps spots on Lillian Lake, then we noticed that only ONE other camp spot was being used. If you want peace ...

Formerly the site of an old fire lookout, Bearhead Mountain located in the Clearwater Wilderness, provides great unobstructed views of the north side of Mount Rainier, Little Tahoma, and many other surrounding Cascade mountain peaks. In the summer months you are likely to encounter great wildflow...

Summit Lake, nestled in a small basin just north of Mt. Rainier National Park in the Clearwater Wilderness, has everything a hiker could want in a day-hike or easy overnight backpack. The views, the well-maintained trail, and a perfect distance make this hike a must-do for anybody in the Pacific ...

The Brothers is a notable peak on the border of Olympic National Park. The dual summits are a distinguishing feature of the Olympic Range, viewed from Seattle. This is a challenging route, testing a climber's route finding skills, physical fitness, and mental fortitude. From the parking lot, you ...

This hike is very strenuous, but nothing unconquerable! The views at sunset were once in a lifetime and something I will remember for the rest of my life. The first half mile or so of the trail begins in a wooded area then opens up to views of the lower valley. After hiking for about another ½ 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 Mounta...

The trail climbs gently up and is accessible almost every season, weather permitting. Snowshoes 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 sp...

The hike to Upper Lena Lake is a beautiful one. It first takes you past Lena Lake, which is a very popular weekend destination for families. Luckily you're pushing on to Upper Lena Lake that sits in a peaceful alpine meadow with Mt. Lena and Mt. Bretherton towering above. The first part of the t...

Disclaimer: Hiking into the caves is extremely dangerous as there is potential for the ice to fall. We do not recommend hiking inside of them and if you choose to do so, you're doing it at your own risk. This is a short hike at just 2.3 miles roundtrip with little elevation change. The hike take...