San Juan Island, Washington

The Sooke Hills is a geographic region of low hills with elevations between 350m (Mt. Wells) to a high of 682m (Mt. Empress), located in the area bounded on three sides by Highway 1 to the east, Highway 14 to the south and the Sooke River to the west. Though heavily logged 100+ years ago, in the ...

The trail to Locust Beach is very easy to find. Parking on Locust Avenue is available from dawn to dusk on the side of the road, and in a small gravel lot. Follow the road towards the water, and continue right on a small but well-marked trail down to the beach. Be careful - the stairs are kind of...

The Kinsol Trestle is a highlight of the Cowichan Valley Trail, which travels from Shawnigan Lake to Lake Cowichan and then onward to Duncan. The trestle is easily reached via a 1.3km, wheelchair accessible section of the CVT from the trailhead on Renfew Road. Originally built in 1911 for the r...

Driving up to the park entrance: take a right to drive towards the barnyards, playgrounds, covered picnic areas, historic house and community gardens, and access to the Snoqualmie River.  Or, drive straight and park outside of the fragrance gardens and historic house/ museum, and take a walk to a...

The HikeThe hike there isn't short, has several steep sections, and ends at the top of the mountain. There are cliff warnings at the top, so be careful as you explore the view! The steepest portions are at the beginning and right at the end. The trail is very well maintained (because it is so pop...

The trail begins on the Pacific Northwest Trail, which ascends quickly up the side of Blanchard Mountain. The trail contains several switchbacks which wind through second-growth alder, Western red cedar, and Douglas fir forest. After about one mile there is an overlook with a bench that offers a...

Sitting very close to the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, facing west towards the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the open Pacific Ocean, East Sooke Park is a unique and magical place for a hike or trail run. Your first visit will spark the desire to keep returning, to keep explor...

Just walk straight past the restroom to find the start of the trail route. The Bluff trail heads up a set of stairs to the top of the hillside on the right. After climbing the stairs, you come right up on farmland (Ebey's Prairie), with a grassy two-track trail leading up toward the top of the bl...

The sunset is amazing at Sammish Overlook. The view is the definition of panoramic and you almost have to strain your eyes because there is so much to look at. Plan to arrive before sunset if you want to capture some photos. This is a great "date spot" and you're likely to see couples up here pic...

These two quaint lakes in the Chuckanuts are a must-do for people looking for a day hike, short camping trip or steep trail run in the Bellingham area. Starting at the trailhead off of Old Samish Road, one begins the 2 mile ascent to the two lakes. The first 1,400ft climb has its fair share of up...

The Sooke Potholes seem to have something for everyone. Those seeking quick and easy beach access can enjoy short, well-groomed trails that lead straight to the pebble beaches from each of this spot’s multiple parking lots. There are also a number of paths leading to viewpoints overlooking the ri...

Skagit Valley is an important agricultural region of Washington State, but the prettiest time of year to attend is during the spring when flower season takes hold. Daffodils first, then tulips, and then irises bloom and cover fields as far as the eye can see. The Skagit Tulip Festival is held eve...

You can walk on or take your car on the ferry. Either way gets you to the same views. Make sure you sit on the right side of the boat (and it sometimes turns around once leaving the dock). Set up on the upper deck, and prepare yourself for an unbelievable show. Make sure you check out the onboard...

This trail offers amazing views of Mt. Baker, Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands, and the Cascade Mountains. The Point Wilson trail is located in Fort Worden State Park on the Olympic Peninsula, along the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The trail is 2.5 miles round trip, and is accessible regardless ...

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...

Located in Sooke, between the Sooke Harbour and the Juan de Fuca Strait is Whiffin Spit Park. An easy 2.4km out and back trail with minimal elevation gain that you can walk to the end and back in about an hour. The dog-friendly gravel trail takes you down the spit to the end where you will find a...