Evan Strandberg
4.0
4.0
4.0
Hidden gem of a trail that goes along the river the entire time. Not too crowded for a sunny Saturday afternoon in April. Adequate parking available and a toilet at the trailhead. Definitely recommended if you’re looking for some true solitude!
4.0
Located halfway between Forks and Lake Quinault, Ruby Beach is a popular spot to explore on the peninsula, and for good reason! After a small hike down to the water, you'll be greeted by beautiful sea stacks and an expansive beach to wander on. Perfect for families, adventurers and photographers alike to take in the views of the Pacific Ocean. Highly recommend going during the day during high tide or bringing a blanket and having a picnic for sunset. Pro tip: check out Kalaloch Beach which is only 10 minutes south from Ruby Beach and has the infamous "Tree of Life"!
4.0
One of my favorite backpacking destinations in the North Cascades. Tucked beneath the menacing looking Black Peak, this is a perfect spot for those wanting to enjoy Wing Lake and the surrounding peaks of the North Cascades. For those feeling more adventurous, you can scramble up to the saddle above Wing Lake or continue up to the summit of Black Peak (which requires Class III scrambling skills and gear) where you'll be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views. This destination is arguably more stunning in the fall during larch season (end of Sept/beginning of October) as the deciduous conifer trees lose their needles and turn a golden yellow color in the process. However, keep in mind this is a very popular area and has gained even more popularity over the years in the fall months during "larch madness." Based on this, going during the summer (or weekdays for that matter) may allow for a bit more solitude Please be advised that a permit is required to stay overnight here (or anywhere in the North Cascades for that matter), which requires obtaining a permit via the permit lottery on Recreation.gov. You will have greater chances of obtaining a permit if you enter the "early access lottery" and are a successful applicant to apply before the general public. Best of luck!
5.0
One of the first hikes I ever did in Mount Rainier NP and one that I return to every few years because it's just that wonderful! This is a well-maintained, moderate hiking trail that starts at Mowich Lake and climbs through the forest for a few miles before opening up into a serene meadow. After hiking a little further, you'll reach the majestic Eunice Lake. While the lake itself is gorgeous, I recommend continuing upwards on the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout trail. Once you reach the fire lookout, you'll have a stunning view of Mount Rainier and Eunice Lake down below you. If you are adventurous enough to hike down in the dark (safely) with a headlamp, it's very worth staying for sunset to see alpenglow on Mount Rainier.
4.0
After climbing a forest road for roughly an hour and navigating through countless potholes (4WD and high clearance recommended), you arrive at the unmarked trailhead with a small parking lot. If it's full, you can park back down the road a bit. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through old-growth forest. Once the trail gets a bit steeper, you'll begin traversing a forested ridgeline before the trail opens up into small meadows. Every once and awhile, White Chuck and other nearby peaks will pop out into view. You'll continue following the trail up to a false summit where the trail opens up to a scree field, White Chuck towering above you. At this point, you can decide if you want to turn back around or continue hiking up. For those feeling adventurous, continue making your way across the scree field and up the south side of the mountain for better views, including views of Mount Pugh and Glacier Peak. While I didn't make it up to the true summit, those who have (Class III) scrambling skills and gear would be greatly rewarded with the view from the top. I plan on returning here in the near future to do exactly that! A great hike for families if you're just hiking up to the false summit but even better if you are wanting to continue up. Personally, I love this hike because you start at ~5K elevation so you don't gain as much as you might on other trails in the area and still have stunning views in most directions. Highly recommended if you're looking for an underrated gem and willing to brave the pothole-ridden road :)
4.0
One of my favorite waterfalls on the Olympic Peninsula! A minimal effort high reward trail that takes you to the base of a gorgeous 130' waterfall, with access to an upper and lower viewpoint. This can be combined with other smaller adventures in the area if you're trying to pack in some sights in a day. If you're looking for true solitude, I highly recommend going during the week or on a rainy day to avoid encountering crowds. The winter and spring months will have the falls at maximum flow from the rain.
4.0
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