Rose FreemanExplorer

Iller Creek hike leads you on a 5 mile loop through lush shaded forest to a ridge with excellent views of the Eastern Washington Palouse. I love the variety of trees through the forest on this hike! Half way through the hike you reach the Big Rocks (Rocks of Sharon) which is a popular rock climbing destination! Continue on through the loop back through a birch forest. I like to hike this lo...

If you're looking for a long day hike or multi-night backpacking trip in the Olympics, add Royal Lake and Royal Basin to your adventure list!   The first mile of trail along the Dungeness River gains a gentle 300 feet.  When you reach the bridge, do not cross it (the trail across the bridge goes to Marmot Pass in the Buckhorn Wilderness).  Take a right and follow the sign to Royal Basin! For ...

“These fleetingly rare sights offer a recipe for what I call ‘the Quest.’ The Quest is the force that motivates us to travel. It’s putting oneself in the perfect place at the perfect time. It’s the insatiable urge to find that quintessential moment.” - Washington AAA Journal The arrival of “golden week” at Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass trail inspired my husband and me to set out on a “larch m...

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named “The Enchantments” draws explorers from all over the world. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Before you set out to camp overnight in the Enchantments, you need to acquire a permit online (Forest Service website) or t...

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 Camp Mystery, just below the final climb to Marmot Pass.  This is the last water source until you...

Looking for a gradual forest hike up to a peak with 360° views of the Cascades? Beckler Peak trail winds through old growth, past rushing waterfalls, and up to a granite summit. From the top, you can see mountains in the Cascades such as Glacier Peak, Mount Baring, Mount Index, Evergreen Mountain, Mount Rainier, and the Monte Cristo Range. You can also see Blanca Lake from the summit! I did...

Did you know that Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the continental United States? This is the place where the Straight of Juan de Fuca collides with the Pacific, creating strong currents and loud crashing waves. This short and accessible hike leads you through a forest to an unforgettably beautiful viewpoint of sea stacks, turquoise water, and ocean as far as the eye can see! W...

The hike to Sol Duc Falls is a simple 0.8 mile walk to a roaring falls on the Sol Duc River. If you’re up for more of a hike, continue on the trail to Deer Lake from Sol Duc Falls. At the fork in the trail, turn left and hike up away from the Lover's Lane Trail. The trail steepens and the rocky switchbacks lead you through a forest of cedar, hemlock, and silver fir trees. At 1.5 miles, cross o...

If you plan to hike to this beach on the weekend, arrive early because the parking lot fills up fast. From the trailhead, hike down through an old forest along a stream to reach Meadowdale Beach Park. Take in the sounds of birds, wildlife, and the stream adjacent to the trail. At one mile you will reach the park and the trail splits directions. At the park there are several attractions for lar...