Kirkland, Washington

The Tubal Cain Trail, located in Washington’s Olympic National Forest, offers hikers a scenic and adventurous route rich with history. Stretching nearly 20 miles with a 4,465-foot elevation gain, the trail is popular among hikers, campers, and history buffs alike. Its main attractions include a...

Driving Directions: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 54 (signed "Hyak"). Turn left (north) under the freeway and right on the frontage road marked "Gold Creek." After about 0.5 mile turn left (north) on Gold Creek Road (Forest Road 4832), and in another 0.5 mile reach a junction. To the ...

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 ex...

North Lake is everything you could want in a subalpine lake: emerald green hues, cold, clear water, lots of brook trout and far from cell-phone reception. This backpack is perfect when the weather gets hot and sunny, though it does reside in what is known as “the wettest section of the Cascades,...

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 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 ...

Since the parking lot is not plowed in the winter you have to park along the main road next to the driveway toward the hike or at the Gold Creek Sno-Park. Once to the trailhead it is smooth sailing the rest of the hike. When I went the snow was compacted so snowshoes were not necessary but they a...

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...

This is a relatively short hike, at only 2.6 miles round trip, that takes you up to the nearly 5600 foot summit. The hike may be short but it is extremely steep, gaining 1300ft in the 1.3 miles to the summit, so be prepared for a good leg workout. On the way to the top you will walk through field...

Although the drive to the trailhead is mostly over gravel roads, Blanca Lake is a very popular hike. The drive is better for cars with clearance and AWD capabilities.  The trail gets right down to it gaining almost 3,000 feet in the first 3 miles. But don't worry, the hard work is well worth the...

Since Blanca Lake is a very popular place for folks to explore and with the nice and sunny weekend. I drove out Friday night and slept in my Jeep. Got up at 7:30am when folks first started arriving to the trail head.A couple of things to keep in mind before you start this hike. The 7.5 miles ro...

The trail starts by lazily winding through beautiful forest. Fairly quickly, you'll reach a fork for the Upper and Lower Elliot Creek Trails. Both will take you to Goat Lake in about the same distance (~3 miles), but each offers a different take on the area. The lower trail winds along as it foll...

This trail is a perfect winter hike for the average outdoorsmen. Be warned that the most difficult part of this hike is getting to the trailhead in winter. The Mountain-loop highway can be a dangerous drive with black ice, snow, and serious potholes along the way. Take proper precautions like cha...

If you just loved your day hike to Goat Lake so much that you want to return and spend some more time, you're in luck - the lake offers a camping area that holds at least 15 campsites and even comes with a pit latrine. This is a great overnight option if you aren't looking for a difficult hike in...

If you're looking for a long day hike or multi-night backpacking trip in the Olympics, add Royal Lake and Royal Basin to your adventure list!   The first mile of trail along the Dungeness River gains a gentle 300 feet.  When you reach the bridge, do not cross it (the trail across the bridge goes...