Columbia Mountain─Historic peak overflows with autumn colors

Northern State Recreation Area

November 30, 2023 |

Wander the former farm grounds of a state mental health hospital Quick Facts: Location: Skagit Valley Distance: more than 7.0 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 400 feet Contact: Skagit County ParksDetailed Information: Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Books) Notes: dogs permitted on leash; park open dawn to dusk. Access: From Exit 230 on I-5…

Heybrook Ridge–From the town of Index to stunning views of Mount Index

November 23, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skykomish Valley Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 3.4 miles Elevation Gain: 780 feet Contact: Friends of Heybrook Ridge Map: Green Trails, Alpine Lakes West Stevens Pass no. 176S Notes: Dogs allowed on leash Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for 35 miles turning left onto the Index Galena Road (just…

Clallam Bay Spit — Explore Washington’s deserted and spectacular North Coast

November 16, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Strait of Juan de Fuca, North Olympic Peninsula Land Agency: Clallam County Parks and Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 2.1 miles Elevation Gain: minimal Contact: Clallam County Parks Notes: Dogs permitted on leash Access: From Port Angeles follow US 101 west for 5.4 miles to SR 112. Continue west for 44 miles on SR 112 to the community…

Clara and Marion Lakes

November 9, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mission Ridge, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Land Agency: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Roundtrip: 3.2 miles Elevation Gain: 960 feet Green Trails Map: Wenatchee/ Mission Ridge, WA- No 211S Access: Follow US 2 to Wenatchee turning south onto SR 285 and continuing for 4.5 miles until it turns east to cross the Columbia River into…

Wallace Falls –A classic series of falls and classic hike, fun for all

November 2, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skykomish River Valley Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 5.6 miles Elevation gain: 1,200 feet Green Trails Map: Alpine Lakes West Stevens Pass 176S Contact: Wallace Falls State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; Dogs must be leashed Access: From Everett follow US 2 for 28 miles east to Gold Bar. Just before…

Heather Lake — placid lake in a rugged cirque

October 26, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 5.0 miles Elevation gain: 1,100 feet Difficulty: moderate Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway Special Series 111SX Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Access: From Granite Falls, follow the Mountain Loop Highway east. One mile beyond the Verlot Visitors…

Twin Falls Lake–Hike to a secluded lake between two waterfalls

October 19, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Washington Department of Natural Resources Roundtrip: 8.8 miles Elevation gain: 1,200 feet Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop HIghway 111SX Contact: Northwest Region Ranger District WA DNR (360) 856-3500 Notes: Discover Pass required; trail beyond Ashland Lakes sees little maintenance, is extremely difficult and not…

Maple Pass — Lofty North Cascades Loop lined with larches and long ranging vistas

October 12, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: North Cascades Highway –Rainy Pass Land Agency: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Roundtrip: 7.2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet Green Trails Maps: Ross Lake North Cascades 16SX Access: From I-5 north (Exit 230 ) in Burlington, head east on SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) for 98 miles to Rainy Pass near Milepost 158. Turn right into the…

Lake Ingalls

October 5, 2023 |

Capture breathtaking reflective views of Mount Stuart Quick Facts: Location: Alpine Lake Wilderness, Teanaway Country Round Trip: 9.2 miles Elevation Gain: 2600 feet Contact: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cle Elum Ranger District, https://www.fs.usda.gov/okawen/Detailed Information: 100 Classic Hikes Washington (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Northwest Forest Pass required; dogs prohibited; wilderness rules apply; no camping at lake. Green Trails…