Best Spring Hikes
Capitol Peak
The views rule from this prominent peak near Olympia Quick Facts: Location: Capitol State Forest Land Agency: Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Distance: 17.0 mile loop Elevation Gain: 2300 feet Contact: Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR); South Puget Sound Region Office Notes: dogs permitted on leash; Trails also open to mountain bikes and…
Read MoreIsland Center Forest
Explore an excellent trail system in the heart of Vashon Island Quick Facts: Location: Vashon Island Land Agency: King County Parks and Vashon Maury Island Land Trust Distance: more than 10 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 200 feet Contact: King County Parks Notes: dogs permitted on leash: Trails also open to mountain bikes…
Read MoreTolmie State Park
Explore a small trail network on the Nisqually Reach Quick Facts: Location: Lacey Land Agency: Washington State Parks Distance: 3.0 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 225 feet Contact: Tolmie State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; dogs permitted on leash: Hours: April 20-September 20: 8 a.m to dusk September 21-April 19, Wed—Sunday 9 a.m.-dusk…
Read MoreMercer Slough Nature Park
Hike a slew of trails near the heart of Bellevue Quick Facts: Location: Bellevue Land Agency: City of Bellevue Parks and Recreation Distance: more than 7.0 miles of trails Elevation Gain: minimal Contact: City of Bellevue Parks and Recreation Notes: dogs permitted on leash, Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Eastside (Mountaineers Book) Access: Take Exit 12…
Read MoreBig Gulch─ Explore Mukilteo’s deep ravines
Quick Facts: Location: Mukilteo Land Agency: Mukilteo Parks and Recreation Contact: Mukilteo Recreation Department Roundtrip: 4.0 miles Elevation Gain: 350 feet Access: From Everett follow SR 526 to SR 525. Turn left (south) on SR 525 and drive .5 mile to 92nd Street. Turn right and then immediately turn left into the 92nd Street Park parking area.…
Read MoreLake Sylvia─A great place to log some hiking miles
Quick Facts: Location: Montesano, Olympic Peninsula Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 220 feet Access: From US 12 in Montesano, head north on Main Street past the county courthouse. Turn left onto Spruce Avenue proceeding three blocks. Then turn right on 3rd Street which becomes Sylvia Lake Road for 1.2 miles to…
Read MoreLa Center Bottoms─Wintering bird haven on the East Fork of the Lewis River
Quick Facts: Location: La Center, Clark County Wash. Land Agency: Clark County Parks Roundtrip: 2.0 miles Elevation Gain: 30 feet Special Note: Dogs permitted on leash. Access: From Vancouver, head north on I-5 to Exit 16. Turn right onto La Center Road and proceed for 1.6 miles to the bridge over the East Fork Lewis River.…
Read MoreLime Kiln Trail─Hop onboard for an historic hike along the Stillaguamish River
Quick Facts: Location: Stillaguamish River Valley, Granite Falls Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 7.0 miles Elevation Gain: 600 feet Contact: Snohomish County Parks Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway 111SX Notes: Dogs must be on leash; park open dawn to dusk. Access: Follow SR 92 east to Granite Falls. Turn right onto Granite Ave. Continue…
Read MoreLewis and Clark State Park─Discover beautiful Old Growth Forest along the old highway ninety-nine
Quick Facts: Location: Chehalis River Valley Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 2.0 miles Elevation Gain: 125 feet Note: Discover Pass required; dogs permitted on leash. Access: From Exit 68 on I-5, proceed 2.5 miles east on US 12 to Mary’s Corner. Turn right onto Jackson Highway entering state park in .7 mile. Continue another…
Read MoreTracy Hill — Wild turkeys and sublime views
Quick Facts: Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Land Agency: Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area Roundtrip: 5.0 miles Elevation gain: 1150 feet Difficulty: Moderate Contact: Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area Notes: Dogs permitted on leash. Be aware of ticks and poison oak. Green Trails Map: Columbia River Gorge East No. 432S Good to Know:…
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