Washington

Starting at the Lava Canyon Trailhead, you will walk on a paved trail down a few switchbacks until you reach the river, where you can go right or left. Either way takes you to the suspension bridge, but I recommend going right if you are following this guide. It will make more sense in a moment.A...

Located along the Hamilton Mountain Trail, the Hardy and Rodney falls out and back hike is a good alternative for those looking for a shorter hike compared to the 7.6-mile hike to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, you will follow the trail through thick trees fo...

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 hike offers some of the best views one can see in the area. On a clear day, you'll get amazing views of Mt. Rainier. The best part is that as you start heading uphill in the first half mile, you'll get great views of McClellan Butte. Once you reach the summit of Defiance at 5584 feet, you'll...

THE TRAIL: On the north side of the bridge, you'll come across Rosario Rd. Take this down to the Bowman Bay parking lot and your trailhead begins here. Take a moment to walk out on the fishing pier or watch what people are catching before you continue south on the trail towards Lottie Bay/Lightho...

Snow Lake is a beautiful lake in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. You can do the 2.6 mile roundtrip hike to the lake as either a day trip or as a backcountry camp. To camp at one of the two sites on the lake you must secure a permit from the permit office at Longmire. The hike to the s...

The Rattlesnake Mountain Trail is often associated with Rattlesnake Ledge, one of the busiest hiking destinations around. But most people don't know that you can continue on from Rattlesnake Ledge another 10 miles to Snoqualmie Point Park. Using the Snoqualmie Point Trailhead, this hike is a wo...

Pixie Falls can be accessed during any season; however it’s most enjoyable during the spring and summer months. This waterfall and swimming hole combo is the perfect way to escape the heat and the crowds. On any given day, there will typically be less than 10 people who access the falls. Pixie is...

The Dog Mountain trailhead is located halfway between Stevenson and Bingen. Look for the big signed parking area just after milepost 53 (Eastbound). The parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak wildflower season, so if you can go on a weekday that would be better. There are 3 trails ...

This hike starts off with a bang! The first thing you do is walk out into a rocky riverbed and get an amazing view of Mt. Rainier. From there, you'll cross a long log bridge to get over the river and head into the woods. After 1.1 miles, you'll come across Carter Falls, and about 100 feet down t...

The ancient rock walls, cave, and falls of Hawk Creek provide an unreal day hike experience! The best time to hike to Hawk Creek cave is early spring/summer before the water level of Lake Roosevelt is back to it's regular level by July. Any age explorer will be inspired on this adventure! Driv...

Parking at Kalaloch Beach 4 provides an easy walk to Olympic National Park's infamous tidal pools. With the correct tide schedule you will be able to explore and see ocean life such as starfish and sea anemones up close and personal. Kalaloch Beach 4 isn't the only place to explore tidal pools. Y...

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...

With activities for everyone, The Cove at Long Lake is the perfect spot to go on a summer day! If you are driving from downtown Spokane, drive towards Nine Mile Falls. Before entering Nine Mile Falls you will come to a dam. At the dam take a left over the bridge. Continue through the little town...

From the south end of the ski area, snowshoe past an old ski lodge along an old access road parallel to the ski hill. Then, ascend Austin Pass (2 miles) following the broad switchbacks. Once at the top of the ridge, follow the road to the left 1/4 mile and take in the views of Artist Point, Mou...

To the trailhead, drive east on highway 2 from Everett. Just past milepost 37 you will see a gravel parking area on the left side of the highway. Wander through a mossy forest that reminds me of Olympic National Park and traverse up 1.3 miles of switch backs to ascend heybrook lookout! Dogs ar...