Washington

Start by checking in at the Trout Lake Ranger station to pick up a Cascade Volcanoes pass for $10-$15. Continue the South Climb trailhead at the Cloud Cap Campground. Some hikers overnight here for an early start the next day. Sign out a wilderness permit at the trailhead and follow the South Climb ...

For the most of the hike, the mountain is hidden behind the firs that surround the hiker as they gain elevation. Because of the dense forest the trail is remains in for most of the hike, it is nicely shaded and pleasant to wander through. At about 2 miles in, the trail leads the hiker into various m...

Third Beach trailhead is off of La Push road and is 4 hours outside of Seattle anyway you cut it. Two options once you're on the peninsula: Drive up from the south for awesome ocean views around Kalaloch, or drive down from the north and be blown away by Lake Crescent. Give yourself time too, becaus...

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 Lak...

The trail system in the 1,300 acre Grand Ridge Park can currently can be accessed from two lots: High Point and Central Park, with a new lot at Duthie Hill still under construction. To get to the High Point lot take exit 20 off of I-90 (coming from Seattle), take a left and pass under the freeway an...

The climb to Buckhorn Mountain above Marmot Pass is a must see for every PNW adventurer with the endurance to tackle nearly 14 miles and 4,400 feet of gain. Listen to the rushing waters of the Big Quilcene River as the trail gently traverses up 5.5 miles to Marmot Pass. Be sure to filter water at Ca...

Just northwest of Spokane, in Ford, Washington, there is a stretch of road along the Spokane River that has a few Avista parks. These parks are not marked on the roadway and even looking at Avista's website does not give a clear description of their locations. From Spokane, Take 291 W to Charles Roa...

An alluring State Park for its massive waterfall display, Wallace Falls is a high traffic destination along Highway 2, but don't overlook Wallace Lake as the falls steal the limelight. Head East on Highway 2, once you enter the town of Gold Bar keep on the lookout for the State Park signs and turn l...

This hike is only doable if you are already on Stuart Island! There is no public transportation to Stuart Island, so you must already be there or have a plan to be there in order to complete this hike. I frequent this island during the summer months and it is one of my favorites. I always stay in Pr...

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 every ...

Set within the Mount Baker hiking wonderland, the Fire & Ice Trail may be the easiest and most family friendly hike set within the park. About ½ mile beyond the Heather Meadows Ski Area and about a mile before Artists Point, you’ll encounter the sign for the Austin Pass Picnic Area. It’s a rathe...

This trail starts off going through the forest of fir and hemlock for the first mile. Once you reach the top of the first hill, you will get a glimpse of all the views you will have the opportunity to enjoy later on. As you descend, the trees will start to thin out. The trail follows the ridge line ...

Starting at the Hyas Lake trailhead north of Cle Elum, it's a meandering easy hike through the woods for about 5.0 miles up to Deception Pass. You gain 1100 feet through this first five miles to the junction with the PCT. From here take a left to continue on the Lake Clarice Trail towards Marmot Lak...

Narada Falls and Reflection Lakes Loop is a great way to explore around Mt. Rainier National Park while avoiding most of the crowds that flock to Paradise and on the trail up to Panoramic Point. Free copies of the Paradise Area Trails can be picked up at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center or...

The North Cascades Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the country. A popular, but long bike ride is to ride from Marblemount on the West side of the Cascades to Mazama on the east side. But for those who aren't up for an epic ride, there is an out and back option from Mazama on east side ...

Sholes Creek Falls is not easy to reach, but it is entirely worth the journey. The creek plunges over a two-tiered drop in stages of 62 and 103 feet into a massive amphitheater, which flows into Bar Creek. The waterfall is framed by massive columns of volcanic rock that dwarf the falls, in compariso...