Mount Vernon, Washington
Top Spots in and near Mount Vernon
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Marblemount, Washington
Lookout Mountain Trail
5.09.06 mi / 4610 ft gainBeginning about 7 miles down the Cascade River Road from Marblemount, the Lookout Mountain Lookout trailhead is on the north side of the road with parking for about 4-5 cars. With about 4500' elevation gain in 4.7 miles, this hike is definitely a thigh burner. The trail begins with a steep climb...Read more -
Victoria, British Columbia
Freedive or Snorkel Ogden Point
Accessible from downtown Victoria, The Breakwater at Ogden Point makes a fun, easy-access shore-dive. I've been freediving here a couple times now and have loved it each time. You can access the granite stepping blocks by a staircase on the left side (if you're facing the water) of The Breakwater...Read more -
Whatcom County, Washington
Winchester Mountain Fire Lookout
4.83.28 mi / 1335 ft gainWinchester Mountain is said to have the greatest reward for least amount of effort in all the North Cascades. One of the last fire-lookouts in the region stands on the summit. Views from the summit of Winchester Mountain are beautiful and dramatic to say the least. Being one of the easiest hikes...Read more -
Whatcom County, Washington
Winter Hike to Winchester Mountain
3.5 mi / 1320 ft gainDespite this trip report being titled "to Winchester Mountain", the fun doesn’t stop there. Even though Winchester Mountain is the most popular summer hike departing from Twin Lakes, this whole area turns into a fun-zone during the winter.Upon reaching higher ground above the lakes, this zone off...Read more -
Surrey, British Columbia
Walk the 1001 Steps Trail
2.00.3 miOne of Surrey's hidden gems, head down to this short trail down a set of stairs that will take you to an uninhabited beach.The zig zagged steps take you down to the Birlington Rail Lines and you can walk along a trail to an opening under the tracks. Head to the beach from here where you will like...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Wallace Falls
4.65.01 mi / 1404 ft gainThe trailhead is located at the far end of the parking lot, next to the info kiosk and bathrooms. It starts out in a wide-open area that shortly leads to stunning views of Mt. Index and Baring Mountain. The trail turns to the left and you're greeted by a beautiful Wordsworth quote carved into a t...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Hike to Wallace Lake via Greg Ball Trail
4.58.2 mi / 1500 ft gainAn alluring State Park for its massive waterfall display, Wallace Falls is a high traffic destination along Highway 2, but don't overlook Wallace Lake as the falls steal the limelight. Head East on Highway 2, once you enter the town of Gold Bar keep on the lookout for the State Park signs and tu...Read more -
Marblemount, Washington
Winter ascent of Trappers Peak
9.78 mi / 3448 ft gainNorth Cascade National Park is home to some of the most rugged and remote mountains in the lower 48 states. Because of this, the area is rarely seen up close and personal in the winter, but there are a few spots where you can see these wild mountains that will defy all imagination. In terms of lo...Read more -
Marblemount, Washington
Thornton Lakes & Trappers Peak
3.710.57 mi / 3885 ft gainTo get to your campground or to Trappers Peak, hike roughly five miles along the trail to ridge, where the trail divides. If you head left you'll go down into lake basis where you can drop your gear. Come back to the divide and head right, which will lead you up to trappers peak. Something to ke...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Climb Del Campo Peak, WA
5.0Begin by parking at Barlow Pass and following the Gothic Basin Trail to Foggy Lake. Most of the trip's mileage is consumed by just getting to Foggy Lake, from here, the summit sits about 3/4 of a mile distant and over a thousand above you.Face the mountain and identify the obvious leftward trendi...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Hike to Goat Lake
4.510.4 mi / 1400 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Camp at Goat Lake
4.310.4 mi / 1400 ft gainIf 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...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Winter Hike to Goat Lake
4.010.4 mi / 1400 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Gothic Basin
4.48.74 mi / 2785 ft gainLooking for a hike that will make you feel like you're in a foreign landscape, but don't have to deal with that far of a drive? Then consider hiking Gothic Basin. This hike is located only 30 miles down the Mountain Loop Highway, which is nearly a hour shorter for people that live in the greater ...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Foggy Lake via Gothic Basin
4.59.78 mi / 3179 ft gainDrive the Mountain Loop Highway to Barlow Pass and park at the pass using your Northwest Forest Pass. (In early or late season, be aware of snow conditions at the pass and, more importantly, along the trail up to Gothic Basin.) From Barlow Pass, start hiking south past the trail gate and in the ...Read more