Big Gulch─ Explore Mukilteo’s deep ravines

Cougar Mountain Wilderness Peak Loop

April 15, 2021 |

No views, but lots of big trees and pretty cascades Quick Facts: Location: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Land Agency: King County Parks. Distance: 3.9 mile lollipop loop. Elevation Gain: 1200 feet. Contact: King County Parks. Green Trails Map: Cougar Mtn/ Squak Mtn No. 203S. Notes: dogs permitted on leash, Warning: car break-ins frequently occur…

Fort Flagler Loop─Old defense post now protects undeveloped Puget Sound coastline

April 8, 2021 |

Quick Facts: Location: Marrowstone Island Land Agency: Washington State Parks Contact: Fort Flagler State Park Roundtrip: 5.6 miles Elevation Gain: 200 feet Access: From Kingston Ferry Terminal, follow SR 104 west for 15 miles turning right onto SR 19. Continue north for 9 miles to Chimicum turning right onto Irondale Road and proceeding 1.6 miles…

Rainbow Falls State Park

March 25, 2021 |

Stroll through groves of Old-growth above the Chehalis River Quick Facts: Location: Chehalis River Valley Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: up to 3.0 miles Elevation gain: 300 feet Contact: Rainbow Falls State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; dogs must be leashed Access: From Chehalis (exit 77 on I-5) follow SR 6 west for 16…

Capitol Peak

March 12, 2021 |

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…

Island Center Forest

March 6, 2021 |

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…

Tolmie State Park

February 20, 2021 |

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…

Dash Point State Park

February 13, 2021 |

Make a dash for more than 10 miles of trails! Quick Facts: Location: Federal Way Land Agency: Washington State Parks Distance: more than 10 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 475 feet Contact: Dash Point State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; dogs permitted on leash, Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Tacoma (Mountaineers Book) Access: From…

Mercer Slough Nature Park

February 6, 2021 |

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…

Lookout Loop

January 30, 2021 |

A good grunt to a so-so viewpoint in a great new forest preserve Quick Facts: Location: Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Land Agency: Whatcom County Parks Round Trip: 4.0 miles Elevation Gain: 850 feet Contact: Whatcom County Parks Notes: dogs permitted on leash, trail open to mountain bikes Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Book) Access:…