Ronald, Washington

This short but sweet snowshoe starts at 3000ft in the Stevens Pass Nordic Center parking lot. The trail head instantly puts you into the trees next to a groomed trail for skiers. Micro spikes will come in handy here, as the path can be a little icy and dusted with snow. After a short little climb...

Mount Si is probably one of the most well trekked hikes around the Seattle area, but one that any hiker-new to the game or an old pro-should experience as least once. I usually use it as a starter hike to kick start the season and highly recommend you get an early start on this one as the further...

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...

The Glacier Basin Trial begins in “D” loop of the White River Campground in Mt. Rainer National Park. Glacier Basin trailhead is popular with climbers who are beginning their ascent of Mount Rainier.  The trail is quite easy and well established after it was severely damaged in 2006. The Trail r...

A short, relatively easy, hike up a forested butte near Rattlesnake Lake. 1.75 miles up with 900 feet of elevation gain, reaching a summit with views toward the north, from Mount Si to Mailbox Peak, and several other peaks in between. Despite such a nice payoff with an easy to get to trailhead, t...

RATTLESNAKE LEDGE TRAIL:The hike to Rattlesnake Ledge begins at the trailhead next to the parking lot at Rattlesnake Lake. From here, you can look up and see the Ledge and rock face that you'll be hiking up toward. The trail begins covered under the forest, which can protect from the elements (su...

The trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the busiest in Washington. Usually, a Saturday or Sunday is a no go for a lot of avid hikers due to the crowds. Adding a little snow and cold diminishes the crowds nicely. While it is no secret, this hike is popular for a reason. The 2 miles it takes t...

The trail starts out poorly, following a jeep road under high-tension wires. Shortly, though, the trail begins to switchback up the south face of Rock Mountain and the views, as well as the wildflowers, are remarkable. After switchbacking up the mountain, follow a ridge-line towards the upper ba...

Begin by driving a fairly smooth Forest Road 6700 for 2.5 miles to the Smith Brook Trailhead and park in the space on the left. Much of the signage has been taken down along the trail, so it may be helpful to bring some written directions with you. The hike begins by keeping close to the road, me...

Little Si, neighbor to the bigger Mount Si is a decent hike for beginners and families with younger children. It is 4.7 miles round trip (including Boulder Garden Loop - 1.5 miles) gaining 1300ft in elevation - Discover Pass required. This trail is very popular, so if you want seclusion avoid thi...

The Shriner Peak Lookout Trail is one of the more demanding day hikes in the Mount Rainier region — a relentless 7.89-mile out-and-back that gains over 3,200 feet of elevation to reach a restored fire lookout perched at the summit. The reward is proportional: unobstructed, panoramic views of Moun...

The Smithbrook trail starts off with several switchbacks, then continues up to Union Gap where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn south (left) at Union Gap and continue hiking until you reach the gap between Mount Lichtenberg and McCausland, where you get a first glimpse of Lake Valhalla. Ju...

Summit Lake, nestled in a small basin just north of Mt. Rainier National Park in the Clearwater Wilderness, has everything a hiker could want in a day-hike or easy overnight backpack. The views, the well-maintained trail, and a perfect distance make this hike a must-do for anybody in the Pacific ...

Formerly the site of an old fire lookout, Bearhead Mountain located in the Clearwater Wilderness, provides great unobstructed views of the north side of Mount Rainier, Little Tahoma, and many other surrounding Cascade mountain peaks. In the summer months you are likely to encounter great wildflow...

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 short, steep hike offers rewarding views that is well worth the vertical challenge. Round trip this hike is only 3.5 miles but you will gain 1400 feet elevation in the first mile. The trail starts off with switchbacks that head straight up the hill then about 200 feet from the wilderness bo...