Glacier Basin─Strike it rich with great views on this tough hike

Alpine Lookout –Wallow in good views and a chance to see a mountain goat or two

June 12, 2025 |

Quick Facts:Location: Stevens Pass-Lake Wenatchee regionLand Agency: Okanogan-Wenatchee National ForestRound Trip: 10.0 milesElevation Gain: 2,600 feetContact: Wenatchee River Ranger District (Leavenworth): Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Green Trails Map: Wenatchee Lake- No. 145Recommended Guidebook: Day Hiking Central Cascades 2nd editionNotes: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass Required.Several miles of trails on this hike are also open to mountain bikes…

Lower Big Quilcene River─Lowland hike teems with primeval beauty

May 22, 2025 |

Quick Facts: Location: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal District Land Agency: National Forest Service Roundtrip: To Camp Jolly 10.2 miles Green Trails Map: Olympic Mountains East 168SX Elevation Gain: 800 feet Contact: Hood Canal District, Quilcene Good to Know: kid-friendly, dog-friendly, open to mountain bikes, backpacking opportunities, old-growth, exceptional rhodies, Practice Leave No Trace Principles Access: From…

Peshastin Pinnacles — Hike though a magical kingdom of rocky spires

April 3, 2025 |

Quick Facts: Location: Wenatchee River Valley near Leavenworth Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 1.5 miles Elevation gain: 400 feet Green Trails Maps: Wenatchee Mission Ridge no. 211S Contact: Peshastin Pinnacles State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; dogs must be leashed. Access: From Leavenworth follow US 2 east for 9 miles turning left onto North…

Turtlehead — It’s one shell of a view from this Turtleback Mountain summit

December 12, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Orcas Island, San Juan Islands Land Agency: San Juan County Land Bank Roundtrip: 5.6 miles Elevation Gain: 1295 feet Contact: San Juan County Land Bank Notes: Dogs permitted on leash; trail (partial) open to bikes (even days) and horses (odd days) Access: Take Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. Then head…

Sherman Peak Loop– In general, the views are great

October 17, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Kettle River Range, Ferry County Land Agency: National Forest Service Roundtrip: 6.0 miles Elevation gain: 1200 feet Contact: Colville National Forest, Republic Ranger District Notes: Hunting season has begun, wear orange Access: From Republic, head east on SR 20 for 16.8 miles to Sherman Pass. Turn left and follow access road .1…

Granite Mountain- classic fire lookout hike at Snoqualmie Pass

September 26, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Snoqualmie Pass Region Land Agency: National Forest Service Round Trip: 9.0 miles Elevation Gain: 3700 feet Contact: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District North Bend Green Trails Maps: Green Trails, Snoqualmie Pass Gateway no. 207SX Notes: Northwest Forest pass or Interagency Pass required; Alpine Lakes Wilderness use permit required May 15—Oct 31,…

Huckleberry Mountain — Savor solitude high above the Suiattle River

September 19, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Suiattle River Valley Land Agency: National Forest Service Roundtrip: 12.6 miles Elevation Gain: 4500 feet Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest Green Trails Map: Mountain Loop Highway Map 111SX Notes: Glacier Peak Wilderness-wilderness rules apply; Practice Leave No Trace Principles Access: From Darrington travel north on SR 530 turning right…

Mildred Lakes — Brutal trail to a placid trio of backcountry lakes

August 30, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mount Skokomish Wilderness Land Agency: Olympic National Forest Roundtrip: 9.0 miles Elevation Gain: 2925 feet Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District, Green Trails Map: Olympic Mountains East 168SX Notes: Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required Access: From Hoodsport travel north on US 101 north for 13.7 miles turning left onto FR 25…

Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground via Kautz Lake — Head to a fabled land of wildflowers!

August 15, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Nisqually Valley, Mount Rainier National Park Land Agency: National Park Service Roundtrip: 11.6 miles Elevation Gain: 3200 feet Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier National Park 269S Notes: National Park Entrance Fee or Interagency Pass required; Dog prohibited Timed entry pass required for entrance into Mount Rainier National Park (Longmire and Sunrise…