Balch Creek–Dramatic Ravine a Forest Park highlight

South Whidbey State Park—Amble among ancient trees above the sound

January 24, 2019 |

Quick Facts: Location: Whidbey Island Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 2.3 miles Elevation Gain: 200 feet Contact: South Whidbey State Park Notes: Discover Pass Required: Dogs must be leashed Access: From the Clinton Ferry Terminal on Whidbey Island follow SR 525 north for 9.4 miles turning left onto Bush Point Road. After 2.2 miles road…

Padilla Bay Dike Trail–shore fine hike in the Skagit Valley

December 26, 2018 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skagit County Land Agency: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Roundtrip: 4.8 miles Elevation Gain: 30 feet Contact: Padilla Bay NERR Access: From Burlington (exit 231 on I-5) proceed through roundabouts and head west on Josh Wilson Road for 6.4 miles. Upon entering the village of Bay View turn left onto 2nd Street…

South Indian Island — Enjoy peaceful shoreline strolling along a line of defense

December 12, 2018 |

Quick Facts: Location: Indian Island near Port Hadlock Land Agency: Jefferson County Parks Roundtrip: 4.0 miles Elevation Gain: 70 feet Notes: Detailed information can be found in Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula (Mountaineers Books) Contact: Jefferson County Parks Access: From Kingston, drive State Route 104 turning right onto SR 19. Then continue north for 9 miles turning right onto…

Yost Park– Slice of Nature in the heart of Edmonds

December 5, 2018 |

Quick Facts: Location: Edmonds Land Agency: Edmonds Parks and Recreation Department Roundtrip: About 1.5 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 300 feet Contact: Edmonds Parks and Recreation Access: From Everett or Seattle take I-5 to Exit 179. Then head west on 220th Street SW for 2.1 miles. Turn right and head north on 96th Ave…

Old Mine Trail — Gold above the Carbon

November 14, 2018 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mount Rainier National Park Land Agency: National Park Service Round Trip: 3.0 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 350 feet Green Trails Map: Green Trails Mount Rainier National Park 269S Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Notes: Dogs prohibited; Drones prohibited; National Park fee or Interagency Pass required Access: From Buckley, follow SR 165 south. At…

River View Quarry Trail─Trail along the Snohomish River is a cut above

April 19, 2018 |

Quick Facts: Location: Lord Hill Regional Park Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 2.0 miles Elevation Gain: 275 feet Access: From Monroe, exit SR 522 onto Main Street heading west and immediately coming to a roundabout. Bear right onto Tester Road and proceed 3.0 miles to a T-intersection just after passing under SR 522. Turn left and proceed to South…

Index Town Wall –Steep and stunning hike above the Forks of the Sky

November 16, 2017 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skykomish River Valley near Index Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 2.6 miles Elevation gain: 1,300 feet Green Trails Maps: Alpine Lakes Stevens Pass Map 176S Contact: Washington State Parks Notes: Discover Pass required; Dogs must be leashed Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for 36 miles. Turn left onto North…

Swan Lake and Butte–listen to the cry of the loon

May 25, 2017 |

Quick Facts: NOTE: Road to Swan Lake has been damaged due to winter storms and may not be open. Call Republic Ranger District for road status (509) 775-7400 Location: Colville National Forest, near Republic Land Agency: US Forest Service Roundtrip: 3.1 miles Elevation gain: 360 feet Contact: Colville National Forest Notes: Dogs permitted on leash, but…

Nakashima Barn─Northern portal to long distance Centennial Trail

April 18, 2017 |

Quick Facts Location: SR 9 just south of Skagit County line Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 8.0 miles Elevation Gain: Minimal Access: From Arlington (junction of SR 530-SR 9), follow SR 9 north for 7.6 miles turning left into park. Proceed .1 mile to parking area. Notes: Dogs must be on leash. Contact: Snohomish…