Pasayten Wilderness, Washington

Direction are from Mazama, WA.  From Mazama drive west on the Lost River Road for approximately 19 miles to Hart's Pass.  Note that the pavement ends around 7 miles from Mazama and the road becomes FS RD 54. The drive up to Hart's Pass is fairly exposed in one spot and has unnerved several of my ...

With fall coming quickly, that means larch fever. Views of the North Cascades, Methow Valley, and fall colors all at 7000 feet, doing the short hike of just over 2 miles up to the Goat Peak Lookout will not disappoint.The hike begins in a beautiful forest you'd expect too see at 5500 feet. The al...

Many cross country ski trails begin at the Mazama trailhead, located in the town of Mazama, just off of Highway 20. This area offers the perfect jumping off ground for a day on the trails.   Follow the interior short and flat Inn Run Loop trail to get your legs warmed up. For a longer route, cho...

The pin above is a small gravel parking lot which is clearly marked as "Trail Head" from the road. Once you park you are within eye shot of an information station and the trail is marked as "Suspension Bridge Access." Walk past this sign and continue on the well-groomed trail eastward for just sh...

Looking for a distinctive high-country hike just east of the pass? Cutthroat Pass is a hearty day hike perfect for gaining elevation and views with every step. It's even more dynamic as a point-to-point, exiting via the Pacific Crest Trail if you have two vehicles. Also great for a one-night back...

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 larch meadows on the approach to Mt. Frosty are known for 2 things: 1. Wild flowers during the summer and 2. Larches during the autumn.The trail climbs up the south end of Lightning Lake; it is well groomed and graded all the way up. The steepest section is the climb out of Lightning Lakes – ...

From the Blue Lake Trailhead, hike approximately 1.5 miles to an obvious clearing with subsidiary trails that depart uphill and right at a stream crossing. These trails will eventually lead up granite slabs and converge into a main trail. Follow the cairns or aim generally for the southern-most s...

Blue Lake is a fantastic alpine lake along a moderate trail in the sawtooth North Cascades, featuring views of some of the most impressive peaks in the range. A 4.5-mile out-and-back gaining about 1,100 feet, the trail to Blue Lake Trail features summer wildflowers, autumn Larch and jagged snow-c...

This hike begins in the middle of Manning Park, with a drive up to the trail-head. This means you get all the benefits of alpine views and fields of wildflowers in the summer months, without hiking the elevation gain.  Manning Park is on the Crowsnest Highway (BC-3). Across the highway from the ...

Take Hwy 20 to Rainy Pass, and park at the trailhead on the east side of the highway. Begin on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), heading towards Cutthroat Pass. The trail winds it's way towards the pass at a gentle grade over 5 miles. As the trail ascends, you'll leave the forest behind as you ente...

Starting at Rainy Pass trailhead, you'll proceed to skirt high above Lake Ann on a marvelously maintained trail. Without realizing you're about to arrive at a pass, you'll come to Heather Pass, where you'll need to take a right. Continuing straight is also a popular hike, especially during peak l...

From Rainy Pass, take the trail to Ann Lake (pictured with island and wildflowers). About 1 mile into hike, you'll reach a fork. Take the right trail to Heather Pass. From Heather Pass, take boot trail through talus field to Lewis Lake (pictured with green water and drift wood in foreground). Onc...

Starting at the Heather-Maple Pass Loop Trailhead, jump onto the trail that will take you counter-clockwise along the loop. After about 1.25 miles, you will come to a split in the trail, take the right path and continue for just under a mile until you reach Heather Pass. Off to the right there ar...

This hike begins at the parking area across from the Rainy Pass Trail Head. It is on the north side of Route 20. There is a larger parking area a little further down Route 20. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is 2600 miles long and links the borders of Canada and Mexico as it travels through some of...

If you have a whole day, then this trip is for you. Being three hours from Seattle has its perks. You get the views without the crowds. This hike is perfect for snowshoeing while the road remains open. Once closed it becomes extremely hard to get to, so make sure you get there while you can. Bein...