Mount Baker, Washington

Obstruction Pass State Park is something of a hidden gem on Orcas Island given that its nearby neighbor, Moran State Park, gets most of the tourist attention. What this means is that you can find solitude and quiet, *and* make a visit to the only publicly owned beach on the island. There are seve...

Obstruction Pass State Park is something of a hidden gem on Orcas Island given that its nearby neighbor, Moran State Park, gets most of the tourist attention. What this means is that you can find solitude and quiet, *and* make a visit to the only publicly owned beach on the island. There are seve...

The nine primitive campsites and one Cascadia Marine Trail campsite of Obstruction Pass State Park are the only first come, first serve campsites available on Orcas Island. The campsites themselves overlook a fantastic (and accessible beach) and Obstruction Pass itself. There are four composting ...

If you're looking for a beautiful fall hike with breathtaking views and acres of golden larches, this is it. This trail provides a good workout along with miles of photogenic scenery, including glacier views at the top, making the climb well worth the effort. Easy Pass is also (arguably) one of t...

The trail takes you on a gradual climb up to Heather Lake with beautiful second growth to admire along the way. The trail can be very wet and muddy with many tree roots to catch your toes, so make sure to wear a sturdy pair of tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Dogs are permitted on this trail on-leas...

Start on the West Canyon Trail and then take a left up the View Point Trail. Along the View Point trail you’ll cross a creek. There’s a beautiful waterfall and natural hammock (a log) which is great for a quick snack spot or photo.A few hundred meters past the creek, 1.5km from the start of the...

Day 1 Starting from the Golden Ears parking lot, your journey begins up a relatively small incline passing two bridges and entering the forest. Continue through the forest passing small cliffs and revealing some views of what you are going to climb the next day. Your estimated time it should take...

If you're looking for a challenge and hope to get into the mountains this is a great adventure to set out on.Be prepared: Water, a lot of time, and with an understanding of the elevation gain will be important. This hike to the viewpoint of Alder Flats (overlooking the ears) takes around 2 hours ...

Park your car in the Gold Creek Parking lot ( at the end of the dirt road), and look for a yellow gate at the far end of the parking lot. This will be the East Canyon trail.The first part of the trail winds through the forest and you emerge on an old logging road. Follow this road along with the ...

Golden Ears is well known to those in the Lower Mainland. After staring at the jagged 'ears' from all angle, I finally got to see them up close and in-person. The West Canyon Trail is a gentle 5.5 kilometers on a well groomed path, lined with deciduous trees making it a perfect place to watch the...

Backcountry permits are required to camp on Panorama Ridge ($5) and can be paid online.The trailhead is located at the West Canyon Parking lot. The trail starts out on a relatively flat old logging road. The trail slowly gains elevation over three kilometers taking you through thick green forest ...

Once you arrive in Golden Ears Park, follow the road to the end and look for signs to the Gold Creek Day Area. The road will turn to gravel, and after you cross a small, one-line bridge, you will reach the parking lot.After you have parked, head north past the yellow gate, marked East Canyon Trai...

Lower Falls is found within Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia. Easily accessible from the Gold Creek Parking lot, it is a relatively flat trail snaking along Gold Creek itself. It can be done as an out & back trail, or you can make it a loop by using the connector trail located ...

Moran State Park is an true gem within the beautiful San Juan Islands. The park takes up a large portion of the East side of Orcas Island, the largest of all the San Juans. There are multiple campgrounds within the park along the shores of Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake. For the most relaxing exp...

If you're looking for a taste of the Mountain Loop Highway area, but don't have it in you for a longer, steeper journey, look no further than Lake 22. The trail starts out as flat and well-maintained, from the parking lot, before becoming a true mountain rainforest trail. Water and dampness are f...

Hike the well-maintained Mount Pilchuck Lookout trail through a variety of terrain: old-growth forest and granite boulder fields. At the top, you'll reach a lookout tower perched on Mount Pilchuck. Pilchuck sits on the western edge of the Cascades, which offers up amazing panoramic views once you...