Black Diamond

The Franklin Ghost Town trailhead is just a large muddy lot, surrounded by no trespassing signs. When you pull in you will see signs for a $5 day use fee, just fill out the form and drop it in the box. There are two trails that leave the lot, one heads down to the river and is probably a mile round trip. There is lots to explore down there and the views of the river are amazing. In the summer i...

Visited here in August and the water was possibly the coldest I've ever swam in. A great half-day trip as the hikes are easy and the spots are quick to get to. The falls are located just to side of the road with a couple of different places to park. There's a $5 or $10 entrance/parking fee. A great spot to hangout and swim. There's a few cliffs to jump from at your own risk and a rope swing. Th...

The Green River Gorge is one of the best whitewater options within an hour of the Seattle area. This beautiful scenic rocky gorge offers 14 miles of class III-IV whitewater and lots of great play spots for rafters and kayakers. This section of river is often boated in the late fall, winter, and spring months but is typically too low in the summer. Both private boaters and commercial outfitters ...

If you’re looking for a fairly easy hike with a great view at the top, the hike to Rattlesnake Ledge is just for you. The Ledge is located on the eastern end of Rattlesnake Ridge, and is the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake, the Cascades, Mt. Si, and Snoqualmie Pass. But it’s not just the summit that’s wonderful - you’ll spend the entirety of your gradual 1.9-mile ascen...

The trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the busiest in Washington. Usually, a Saturday or Sunday is a no go for a lot of avid hikers due to the crowds. Adding a little snow and cold diminishes the crowds nicely. While it is no secret, this hike is popular for a reason. The 2 miles it takes to get to Rattlesnake Ledge are fairly easy, and the reward is massive. From the ledge you get expan...

Being only a 10 minute drive off the 90, this Lake is often overlooked by the popular Rattlesnake Ledge hike right above. Take exit 32 from the 90E onto 436th SE Ave and continue onto Cedar Falls Rd SE and continue for about 3 miles. At this point, a parking lot will be on your right that is both for the lake and for the hike. Park and walk down towards the lake and enjoy the stunning views! Th...