Cle Elum, Washington

The quintessential family friendly hike,  Gold Creek Pond is a simple yet spectacular hike next to Snoqualmie Pass. Easily accessible from the top of the pass (4.5 miles, 12 minute drive), the Gold Creek Pond hike is a simple addition to any itinerary if you're in the area. From Hwy 90, take exit...

Since the parking lot is not plowed in the winter you have to park along the main road next to the drive way toward the hike. Once to the trial head it is smooth sailing the rest of the hike. When I went the snow was compacted so snowshoes were not necessary but they are very helpful. Once to the...

Hike easy switchbacks for almost 2 miles until the trail junction at elevation 4400 feet, then veer right onto trail #1345 toward Squaw Lake and Cathedral Rock. Pass by Squaw Lake on your left (a great place to take a short swim on a hot day) and stay on the trail until you reach another junction...

Robin Lakes have been coined "The Little Enchantments", and once you visit, you'll realize the nickname is strikingly accurate. But while the hike up is no Aasgard Pass, it's far from a walk in the park. When you leave the car at the end of the pothole-ridden Salmon La Sac forest service road, y...

The road in is passable with basically any vehicle, though there are some potholes to be avoided. Start at the Deception Pass Trailhead near the parking lot. There is a quick and easy 4.5 miles as you pass Hyas Lake, then you start climbing up to the trail junction for Tuck and Robin Lakes and th...

Far from the iconic skyline of Seattle, on King County's Eastern boundary, is a lesser known natural skyscraper named Mt. Daniel. At 7960 feet plus, Mt. Daniel's true summit effortlessly juts into the sky as King County's tallest point.From Roslyn, head North for roughly 15 miles on Salmon La Sac...

Start at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead and start to head up the long switchbacks. After running into the Trail Creek trail, keep right heading towards Cathedral Rock and Squaw Lake. There are a couple nice spots around Squaw Lake, about 2.5 miles in, to stop and have a snack. Now head around the l...

This is a great side trip from Backpacking to Marmot & Jade Lakes. Check out the Adventure linked above for directions on how to get as far as Jade Lake.  I would recommend 2 nights at either Marmot or Jade to allow for a full day of exploration from your camp.  From Jade what is described be...

Starting at the Hyas Lake trailhead north of Cle Elum, it's a meandering easy hike through the woods for about 5.0 miles up to Deception Pass. You gain 1100 feet through this first five miles to the junction with the PCT. From here take a left to continue on the Lake Clarice Trail towards Marmot...

After a rough drive to the trailhead you’ll have little time to catch your breath as the trail laces up the mountain side, but with Rainier to distract you, it won’t be long until you’re at the top with a view that is more than enough reward for your efforts. Pay very close attention to the drivi...

This hike starts at the Gold Creek sno-park. You need the sno-park and discover pass for this. Park on the side of the road and start hiking up from there. Hike road up and up and up! It's very compact snow (at the moment, that will change fast with new snow coming in). We ended up leaving our sn...

From Greenwater heading south: Pass the fire station to FR 70 on the left. Follow FR 70 for about nine miles to FR 7033. Take a right and follow the road to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. The trail is in good shape and mostly flat to Greenwater Lakes which is great for families a...

Following along the Greenwater River, family friendly Greenwater lakes Trail #1176 which has minimal elevation gain, winds through a lush green mossy old growth forest.  Along the trail you will cross over several log bridges and pass a couple of beautiful waterfalls.  At just under two miles int...

It's an easy day hike to the Ridge of only 2.5 miles. On the ridge you can relax and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and a view of Leavenworth. I went into the Rangers office to ask for a good spot to take night time photos and this is one of the areas they suggested. Make sure you ge...

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 c...

At the Snow Lake Trail, you start at a elevation of 1400 feet and run up to Nada Lake 5000 feet at 5.6 miles. From here, you make your way to Lower and Upper Snow Lake, 2.2 miles. There are a lot of campsites in this area, but you have to apply to stay the night at these lakes. You will need to...