United States

Lily Pad Lake is a well known destination just outside of Silverthorne and in the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. The trail may be heavily trafficked on the weekends, but solitude can still be found in the early mornings or during the weekdays. The trail starts at the Lily Pad Lake Trailhead, just to t...

You can reach this area off I-90.  Take exit 38.  If you are coming from the west (Seattle) take a right after exiting the highway and continue for about 2 miles.  You will drive under I-90 and then come to a parking area.  This is it!  If you are coming from the east it's even easier, turn right...

Starting at the Graves Mill Parking area, head up the yellow blazed trail that is marked by a big cement marker. The trail will follow closely beside the gorgeous Rapidan River. Hike for half a mile until you come to the intersection of the Staunton River Trail. Turn left (do not cross the river)...

These white sandstone formations, splitting out of the forest, are a worthwhile sight as you climb up to gain a great vantage point of the valley. Spend some time exploring the rocks - the nooks & crannies are full of surprises. You can turn this into an overnighter by staying at the campgrou...

Choose from Trout Lake (1.6 miles each way with 500 feet of elevation gain), Copper Lake (4.2 miles each way with 2400 feet of elevation gain), or Big Heart Lake at 7.3 miles each way, with 3300 feet elevation gain). There are plenty of camp sites if you decide to go overnight at any of the lakes...

The parking area contains ample parking, bathrooms and covered picnic tables. The clearly marked trail head sits to the south of the circular parking area and welcomes hikers, trail-runners, mountain bikers, and dogs. The trail is a 7 mile loop that consists of 4 smaller trails that are clearl...

Hiking to Choke Creek Falls is easy! The hike down to the waterfall is less than a mile and the payoff is a scenic two story waterfall. From the curve in Phelps Road, take the gated forest road downhill about 1/3 of a mile to a clearing. From here, the trails splits. Take the trail to the right,...

Looping around a freshwater lake surrounded by tranquil natural scenery, Green Lake Park trail is considered by many to be Seattle’s go-to running spot. I love it because it’s an urban run that doesn’t feel like one. It’s especially popular with beginning runners and the after-work/weekend crowd....

The trailhead starts from the Abol Campground inside of Baxter State Park. I would highly recommend staying the night before so that you can get an early start on the hike as it can be an all-day affair.   For the first 1.4 miles, you meander along a stream bed through a densely wooded forest, t...

Lake Cascade sits at about 4700' above sea level, the starting point for this snowshoe (or light nordic skiing). To arrive, follow signs on hwy 55 in Cascade for Lake Cascade State Park. Any car will do, including the Prius, to get to Lake Cascade, but watch the weather for snow storms. Pay $5 do...

From the North Head parking lot located at the end of N Head Lighthouse Rd, make your way to the lighthouse by following the lighthouse signs at the parking lot. There's a path to the right that you can take that will take you to a view point (the walk to this viewpoint is short and easy). The ...

It is something fantastic if you know how to use a standup paddle board. Being able to paddle from one lake to another where no roads can reach via a small channel with natural geysers going off and trout rising to morning and afternoon flies. The water being, in some parts, very warm because of...

Fallen Leaf Lake is truly one of the more beautiful places in California. Separated from Lake Tahoe by just a one-mile strip of land, it feels worlds away from the crowds and fuss. The campground has over 200 sites that can be reserved here. There are endless hikes nearby including Mount Tallac a...

To visit the falls, take US-74 west from Bryson City to exit 64 . Take a left at the exit and drive on Alarka Road for about 10 miles. Follow the road all the way to the end where you will find a turnaround. Don't make the mistake of following the forest service road (it is gated), as it is not ...

The best place to park is on Catoctin Hollow Road in the parking lot that's on the same side of the road as the lake. It's not a huge lot but we were here mid-summer around 10 am and found a spot easily. The trailhead is on the other side of the street from this parking lot; there is a sign letti...

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...