Rattlesnake Ledge, Washington

From Skykomish, WA drive east on SR 2 roughly 1 mile and turn left on the Beckler River Road, FS RD 65. Drive north on this road approximately 7 miles taking a sharp right at the pavement's end just before crossing the Rapid River.  You are now on FS RD 6520.  Continue on this road bearing left a...

This is a relatively short hike, at only 2.6 miles round trip, that takes you up to the nearly 5600 foot summit. The hike may be short but it is extremely steep, gaining 1300ft in the 1.3 miles to the summit, so be prepared for a good leg workout. On the way to the top you will walk through field...

We launched our kayaks from Speelyi Beach right into Cle Elum Lake. Surrounded with views of the beautiful Cascades and the Cle Elum Dam on the northwest side, exploring is endless.  Parking: There is a small parking lot at the top of Speelyi Beach or you can drive right onto the beach to launch ...

Point Defiance Park is the largest urban park in Pierce County and it provides a variety of amenities. Located at the very northwest tip of Tacoma, the park provides residents with a much needed retreat from the bustle of everyday life. Point Defiance Park is the place to go if you need a quick d...

The Milky Way and Mount Rainier is a beautiful combination. In order to get a photo of the Milky Way over Mount Rainier you need to be in the right spot at the right time of year. The spot seen in the photographs is a great spot in that it isn't too far of a hike and provides an unobstructed view...

Escape the crowds at Paradise and come enjoy the best views in the park! Start from the visitor's center parking lot and head up the Sourdough Ridge Trail and hike the 1.3 miles to Frozen Lake. Along the way (depending on the season) you'll hike up snow, through glorious fields of wild flowers, ...

I grew up in Washington, but didn't get out to Mount Rainier until I came home for a visit years later. We took advantage of the nonexistent snowpack and headed up in mid-June, which is normally a terrible time to visit (think late summer). There are two main areas in the park, Sunrise and Paradi...

The Burroughs Mountain Trail comes from a series of trails out of the Sunrise Area. First piece of advice is to set your alarm clocks! The parking lot and trails get busy quite quickly, especially in the summer. From the parking lot you will start by taking the Sourdough Ridge Trail up to Frozen...

Park at the Sunrise Point parking lot and find the Palisades Trail at the northeast corner of the parking lot. If you bring along a pair of binoculars, you can stop at the first overlook on the left and scan the adjacent mountain slopes for the white dots of mountain goats. Continue down the trai...

Start out in Crystal parking lot A. There is a small and steep trail that heads up the hill labeled as Silver Creek Trail. The trail follows a horse trail for the majority of the route and gets renamed Bullion Basin Trail shortly after you enter the woods, so when it doubt keep following the hoof...

Mount Ruth presented a challenge as it was a very hot day to be exposed on a ridge for the entire day. The trek begins in White River Campground parking lot and travels along the White River until you exit at Glacier Basin. Crossing the creek you ascend up to the ridge that leads up and up and up...

Getting There From Seattle: Head East on I90 to 405 South, Take the exit for 169 heading towards Enumclaw. I recommend stopping for a bite at the down home, family restaurant called Kitchen in downtown. The food was great with lots of local flavors! Continue on 169 where you will jump on Highway ...

If you plan to hike to this beach on the weekend, arrive early because the parking lot fills up fast. From the trailhead, hike down through an old forest along a stream to reach Meadowdale Beach Park. Take in the sounds of birds, wildlife, and the stream adjacent to the trail. At one mile you wil...

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...

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...