Lake Stevens, Washington

Starting at the McClellan's Butte Trailhead, right off of I-90 exit 47, head out on the main (only) trail at the trailhad. The first half mile of the trail is quite easy as it meanders through the forest, but don't be fooled or worried, it will get harder. This first half mile has a crossing of a...

If you're looking for a weekend camping getaway to a small San Juan Island and you have a boat of substantial size or experience sea kayaking, this is the adventure for you!Launch your boat from Washington Park in Anacortes and cruise or sea kayak across Rosario Straight to James Island. There i...

The Gold Creek Trail is one of several trails in the Green Mountain region. Although the trail is intertwined with others, it is almost impossible to start down the wrong path. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making this an excellent option for the family.  The trail begins at the e...

This trail starts off going through the forest of fir and hemlock for the first mile. Once you reach the top of the first hill, you will get a glimpse of all the views you will have the opportunity to enjoy later on. As you descend, the trees will start to thin out. The trail follows the ridge l...

Have you ever been inside a stump house? This is your chance! Just outside of Seabeck, Washington lies a hobbit stump house tucked into a mossy forest on the shores of Guillemont Cove. Drive to Seabeck, turn right onto Miami Beach Road, bear left onto Stavis Bay road and continue for 4.5 miles...

The Smithbrook trail starts off with several switchbacks, then continues up to Union Gap where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn south (left) at Union Gap and continue hiking until you reach the gap between Mount Lichtenberg and McCausland, where you get a first glimpse of Lake Valhalla. Ju...

Take Chuckanut Drive to the trailhead which is located directly across from the entrance to Larrabee State Park. A small lot in front of the trail has space for 8-10 cars, or you can park at the State Park and walk across the road (carefully!) to reach the trailhead. Either way you will need a Di...

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 s...

This 2.5 mile roundtrip hike with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation gain is a great winter trip for beginners. The trail is typically well-worn, making it easy to stay on target even in some of the most difficult conditions. If you have route finding and off trail skills, you can venture ou...

Starting in the parking lot at Steven's Pass Ski Resort (roughly 4,062 feet in elevation; I recommend parking in E lot), start by walking between the two main lodges towards the ski lifts. You'll see a trail on the northwest-facing slope that switches back across the mountain - this is the PCT. O...

You start out at Stevens Pass just across the street from the lodge. The trailhead is slightly hidden but it is located to the left of the substation. Parking is plenty before ski-season.  Once you are all geared up, you wanna hit the trail running cause this is a long one to snowshoe. With short...

Skiers or snowshoers looking to explore this route should park in the uppermost parking area at the Alpental ski area. This lot is past the main parking lot for the ski area. After getting your gear on, you can proceed down the groomed access run heading northwest out of the parking area. This ru...

This place is really the stuff of fairy tales. Where else can you find a tiny cabin with 360-degree views of stunning mountain scenery? To the west, you can see all the way to Bellingham and the Puget Sound. To the south and east lie the jagged North Cascades. And the entire northern horizon is ...

Begin at the Park Butte trailhead, trail 603. Hike past the first Scott Paul trail sign a few hundred feet from the trailhead. Continue on and cross appropriately name Rocky Creek heading up on the Park Butte Trail. Continue up the Park Butte trail passing the Scott Paul trail again at about 4,50...

This hike gets crowded fairly quickly so get there early. The parking lot is very large so parking is not really a problem.  There are bathrooms at the very beginning of the trail so I highly suggest using them. However at the top there is also a designated restroom area. Starting at 2600 ft, thi...

This hike shares the trailhead for Snow lake at the Alpental Ski area in Snoqualmie Pass. You'll start out with a great warm up, walking through dense green underbrush and a brief wooded area. Before too long the trail increases in inclination slightly and begins to offer up some small rocky sect...