Des Moines, Washington
Top Spots in and near Des Moines
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Sultan, Washington
Heybrook Ridge
3.71 mi / 856 ft gainAlthough short, this new trail is a great warm-up to the many other trails this area has to offer. Starting immediately across the North Fork Skyhomish River at the new trailhead, you will make your way up this moderately steep hike to the Heybrook Ridge. once you reach the top of the trail, you ...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Backpack from Dorothy Lake Trailhead to Snoqualmie Lake
18 mi / 1900 ft gainThe trail was not crowded although when we got to Snoqualmie Lake there were only a couple camping spots left. The trail up from Dorothy is not too hard at all. The weather was perfect. After passing Dorothy you have to ford a creek where the bridge has been washed out. We went through it on foot...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Hike to Lake Deer via Lake Dorothy Trailhead
12.6 mi / 1600 ft gainStart off by traveling along Highway 2 and turning towards the Money Creek Campground. Turn off onto Forest Road 6410 and follow that to the Lake Dorothy Trailhead (about 9 miles).This first section of the hike can be pretty crowded on a nice summer day as the trail is very family friendly and it...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Heybrook Lookout
4.72.47 mi / 984 ft gainTo 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 ar...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Snowshoe or Ski to Mt. Tahoma High Hut
5.04.5 mi / 2400 ft gainMake the 3.2 - 4.5 mile hike up groomed trails to the Mt Tahoma High Hut (4750 feet) for the perfect winter getaway. Spend the day outside sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and playing in the snow with a spectacular view of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. Afterwards go inside and en...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
See the Milky Way over Mt. Rainier
4.82.52 mi / 322 ft gainThe Milky Way and Mount Rainier is a beautiful combination. In order to get a photo of the Milky Way over Mount Rainier you need to be in the right spot at the right time of year. The spot seen in the photographs is a great spot in that it isn't too far of a hike and provides an unobstructed view...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout Trail
4.65.78 mi / 787 ft gainEscape the crowds at Paradise and come enjoy the best views in the park! Start from the visitor's center parking lot and head up the Sourdough Ridge Trail and hike the 1.3 miles to Frozen Lake. Along the way (depending on the season) you'll hike up snow, through glorious fields of wild flowers, ...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Hike Sunrise Trails at Mount Rainier
5.06 mi / 1200 ft gainI grew up in Washington, but didn't get out to Mount Rainier until I came home for a visit years later. We took advantage of the nonexistent snowpack and headed up in mid-June, which is normally a terrible time to visit (think late summer). There are two main areas in the park, Sunrise and Paradi...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Hike Dege Peak in Mount Rainier National Park
5.03.5 mi / 600 ft gainWhile most hikers who park at the Sunrise Visitor Center head west to get closer to the peak of Mount Rainier, heading east will take you away from the crowds while still providing incredible views. Starting from the parking lot, head north up a set of stairs. When you reach the split in the tra...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Burroughs Mountain Trail
4.69.32 mi / 2270 ft gainThe Burroughs Mountain Trail comes from a series of trails out of the Sunrise Area. First piece of advice is to set your alarm clocks! The parking lot and trails get busy quite quickly, especially in the summer. From the parking lot you will start by taking the Sourdough Ridge Trail up to Frozen...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Summit Mount Ruth, Mt. Rainier NP
10.8 mi / 5090 ft gainMount Ruth presented a challenge as it was a very hot day to be exposed on a ridge for the entire day. The trek begins in White River Campground parking lot and travels along the White River until you exit at Glacier Basin. Crossing the creek you ascend up to the ridge that leads up and up and up...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Camp at White River in Mount Rainier NP
Getting There From Seattle: Head East on I90 to 405 South, Take the exit for 169 heading towards Enumclaw. I recommend stopping for a bite at the down home, family restaurant called Kitchen in downtown. The food was great with lots of local flavors! Continue on 169 where you will jump on Highway ...Read more -
Hoodsport, Washington
Staircase Rapids Loop
5.02.1 mi / 410 ft gainThis trail is great for nature trips and for birding. A national park pass or an entry fee of $25 per car (or $10 fee to walk in) is required for entry into Olympic National Park. Watch out for mud on the trail after rain.Read more -
Eatonville, Washington
Hike to Gobbler's Knob
4.05 mi / 1500 ft gainEntering the Park from the Southwest Entrance, bear left when you approach the forking Westside Rd. This road has been closed a few miles in due to massive rockfall. When you reach the road closure, just park along the side of the road. In Spring and Summer, you should be able to see plenty of ot...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Hike to Upper Palisades Lake
6.6 mi / 1200 ft gainPark at the Sunrise Point parking lot and find the Palisades Trail at the northeast corner of the parking lot. If you bring along a pair of binoculars, you can stop at the first overlook on the left and scan the adjacent mountain slopes for the white dots of mountain goats. Continue down the trai...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Barclay Lake
4.44.4 mi / 607 ft gainWith less than 500 feet of total elevation and 4.4 miles of round trip hiking, the Barclay Lake trail is a perfect hike for beginners, families, or those looking for a quick morning or afternoon jaunt. Yet dont let the simplicity of the hike fool you. The end result of the hike is nothing short o...Read more