Benchmark Mountain–The meadows here measure up among the best

White Bluffs Hanford Reach

May 18, 2023 |

Wilderness and stark beauty along the Columbia River Quick Facts: Location: Hanford Reach National Monument Round Trip: 7.0 miles Elevation Gain: 500 feet Contact: Hanford Reach National Monument, Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Recreation Complex; Detailed Information: Day Hiking Eastern Washington (Mountaineers Books) Notes: watch for rattlesnakes; pack lots of water Access: From Ellensburg, follow I-90…

Ebey’s Landing—A Sound Hiking Adventure

April 27, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Whidbey Island Land Agency: National Park Service and Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 5.2 miles Elevation Gain: 260 feet Contact: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Suggested Guidebook: Urban Trails Everett Special note: Dogs permitted on leash. Access: Take Washington State Ferry from Mulkiteo to Clinton on Whidbey Island. Continue north on SR 525…

Bridal Veil Falls — Visit after heavy rains for a bridal shower!

April 13, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: US 2 near Index, Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 4.4 miles Elevation gain: 850 feet Green Trails Maps: Green Trails, Alpine Lakes Stevens Pass 176S Contact: Skykomish Ranger District: Mount Baker -Snoqualmie National Forest Notes: NW Forest Pass or Interagency Pass required Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for…

Hidden Lake Lookout

August 25, 2022 |

Savor stunning views from an historic fire lookout teetering on a lofty precipitous knoll Quick Facts: Location: Cascade River Road Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 9.0 miles Elevation Gain: 3,340 feet Green Trails Maps: Diablo, WA-No. 48; Cascade Pass, WA-No. 80 Access: From Marblemount, head east on the Cascade River Road for 9.7…

Green Mountain –Banal is thy name—Breathtakingly beautiful is thy game

August 18, 2022 |

Quick Facts: Location: Glacier Peak Wilderness, Suiattle River Road Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 8.0 miles Elevation gain: 3,100 feet Green Trails Maps: North Cascades Ross Lake 16SX Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Notes: wilderness rules apply Access: From Darrington, travel north on SR 530 for 7.5 miles turning right…

High Rock– The view of Rainier simply rocks from this precipitous peak!

August 11, 2022 |

Quick Facts: Location: Sawtooth Ridge near Ashford and Packwood, WA Land Agency: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Roundtrip: 3.2 miles Elevation gain: 1,350 feet Green Trails Maps: Randle, WA no. 301 Contact: Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station (Randle); Gifford Pinchot National Forest Notes: Dogs are allowed, but should be on leash because of steep and dangerous drop offs.…

Windy Pass

August 4, 2022 |

Easy wanderings high on the Pacific Crest Trail Quick Facts: Location: Harts Pass area Land Agency: National Forest Service Distance: 7.6 miles Elevation Gain: 900 feet Contact: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District Map: Green Trails Methow Valley Pasayten Wilderness 51SX Notes: Northwest Trail Pass or Interagency pass required Access: From Winthrop, drive State…

Iceberg Point — Maritime scenery will leave you frozen in astonishment

January 13, 2022 |

Quick Facts: Location: San Juan Islands National Monument Land Agency: Bureau of Land Managment Roundtrip: 3.8 miles Elevation gain: 380 feet Contact: San Juan Islands National Monument, Spokane District Office BLM Notes: Dogs permitted on leash; do not park beyond Agate Beach Park; access is via private property which owners have generously granted permission—stay on…

Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake — Spiraling peaks, buttressed ridges, and a hauntingly beautiful landscape

August 26, 2021 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Service and Washington Department of Natural Resources Roundtrip: 9.4 miles Elevation Gain: 2,900 feet Green Trails Maps: Mountain Loop Highway 111SX Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 31 miles to Barlow Pass. Hike begins by walking up gated Monte Cristo…