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John Sunich Explorer

I enjoy fishing, trail running, backpacking, whitewater rafting, back-country skiing, camping and spending time with my family.

Out and back trail run to the Enchanted Valley on Memorial Day. Well maintained trail with great views of the forest/mountains/river/waterfalls. Beware of the crowds!

We opted to check out the west side of Broken Top and scrambled up to the top of the ridge 9094’. Great views of the sisters and many more peaks all the way up to Mt. Adams in Washington. Didn’t see another person until we linked back up with the trail on the way back to the car. Wildflowers were stunning! The road to the trailhead was a blast if you like off-roading!

Trips don’t get anymore epic than the Middle Fork. It’s what keeps people returning year after year. Can’t wait to make another return trip here!!

Explorer

06/26/17

This is one of my go to areas, close to home, good views and can be a snow shoe trip in the winter Update 6/26/17- Had a great overnight trip to Summit Lake with my 6 year old daughter. Snow still covered the lake and most of the trail but it was compact and easy travel with no post holing. Beautiful views of Rainier, Coplay Lake, Bearhead Mountain. Weather was clear enough to see Tacoma, Seattle, Puget Sound, Mt Baker, Glacier Peak , and the top of Mt. St. Helens.

While going to western I loved this hike on a sunny day or to catch a sunset over the San Juan's. Great location to take somebody from out of town as well.

Growing up I spent a week every August in Neah Bay. The Ozette triangle was one of our favorite hikes. The views put there on a clear day are nothing short of spectacular. The wildlife is also abundant. Additionally the views on highway 112 between port angeles and the turn off to ozette are pretty sweet too. Check out Sekiu and/or Neah Bay while you are out that direction.

Kalaloch is one of my favorite beaches on the Olympic Coast. Easy access from HWY101, nice tide pools, cabins and camping with reservations.

Although it's been a few years since hiked through Spray Park it's one of my favorite spots in MRNP. Can't beat the views on a clear day and avalanche lilies right after the snow melts! Hope to be back soon on a return trip to observation and echo rock.

This is an easy short hike with a nice falls at the end but it sure is busy. Took some extended family and my kids here last spring and the hike to and from the falls was crowded to say the least compared to 10 years prior when I been here. The crowds reminded me of a theme park not what I think of when I envision getting out in nature. Shoot for mid week, early mornings, and/or poor weather conditions if you want to avoid the crowds. Minus the crowds I'd give the location and write up 5 stars.

One of my favorite spots to day hike (we have cabin about 45 min from trailhead) wildflowers are amazing after the snow melts. Louden Lake, Smith lake are pretty sweet too. Many loop hikes and backpacking trips can be done from this area as well.

Great trip Spring, Summer, Fall, and even winter for those diehard boaters. Some of the best camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, and relaxing. This river features a good mix difficulty and overall is very well suited for family trips in the summer. Cant wait to go back.

Growing up in the Seattle area this was one of the popular spots we would take our visitors from out of state. Great place to watch the sunset and walking distance to many popular bars. My wife and I actually tied the knot here legally before our formal wedding ceremony in Mexico. Good memories here!

Nice write up! In January and February this area is frequently used by elk as wintering grounds. Definitely cool to see and an alternative worth checking out during a time when the west side weather can be really sloppy.

One of my favorite places in the state! Have enjoyed many trips out here over the years. Highly recommend seeing this area from the water via boat or sea kayak if you can. So many untouched areas and so much wildlife to see.

Growing up 30 minutes from Mount Rainier, this hike was always a "go to" for showing family/friends from out of town great views of Rainier without the crowds of paradise or sunrise on a busy weekend. Great Photos and Write up!

One of my favorite hikes when I lived in Bellingham. The best views I witnessed up there was right after the first dusting of snow but the fall colors were still bright orange and red.. Very beautiful scene!

One of my favorites since I was a kid. Have many great memories hiking, fishing, swimming. Also accessed relatively easily through the Lake Lillian back door route. Rampart Lakes along with Lila lake and Alta Mountain show spectacular colors in the fall.

Great write up! Will second the boat/kayak if you intend to fish. Also there are some other small lakes in the area if takhlakh is too busy. As well as many good day hikes.

Have hiked all around this area and can't recommend it enough. Beautiful terrain for both day and overnighters. Great write up Scott!

I haven't been there in 10+ years, thanks for reminding me of this place. Great photos too. Falls are pretty impressive during a big rain stone too. I'm going to have to make a side trip the next time I'm headed over north cascades highway.

Middle Fork is a trip of a lifetime!

Great Alpine Lake! Awesome to get a view of the lake from one of the many peaks surrounding or from the top of Aasgard Pass.

Love this hike it has been a quick favorite for day hikes for years for me, have even done it after work some days Can do longer day trips over to rampart ridge, rampart lakes, rachel lake, and up to Alta Mountain.

Great hike! thanks for sharing