Barclay Lake–placid lake at the base of awe-inspiring Baring Mountain

Ephemeral Trail–Enjoy lasting memories on this Paradise Valley Trail

March 7, 2024 |

Location: Maltby Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 4.0 miles Elevation gain: 200 feet Difficulty: Easy Contact: Snohomish County Parks Notes: Dogs must be on leash; partially open to mountain bikes and horses Access: From SR 522 in Maltby (5.0 miles east of Woodinville; 8.0 miles west of Monroe) head east on Paradise Lake Road…

Heart O' the Forest Trail─Peaceful path in the shadow of Hurricane Ridge

February 22, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Heart O’ the Hills Campground Land Agency: Olympic National Park Roundtrip: 4.6 miles Elevation Gain: 550 feet Notes: Dogs prohibited, National Park Entry fee. Green Trails Map: Elwha North/ Hurricane Ridge No-134S Access: From Olympic National Park Visitors Center in Port Angeles, follow Hurricane Ridge Road (aka Heart O’ the Hills Parkway) south. Continue 5.4 miles turning left into…

Mount Finlayson─This spoil of war now offers peaceful wandering

February 15, 2024 |

Quick Facts Location: San Juan Island Land Agency: National Park Service Roundtrip: 3.5 miles Elevation Gain: 290 feet Contact: San Juan Island National Historic Park Notes: Dogs must be leashed. Access: Take Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Follow Spring Street for .5 mile through town turning left onto…

Lizard and Lily Lakes

February 2, 2024 |

Peaceful wandering near the Oyster Dome Quick Facts: Location: Blanchard State Forest Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Contact: Washington Department of Natural Resources Map: Square One Maps Chuckanut Recreation Area Notes: Discover Pass required to park at trailheads Trailhead directions: From I-5 Exit 240 in Alger head north on Lake Samish Road…

Mowich Lake

January 25, 2024 |

Snowshoe to a “deer” location in Mount Rainier National Park Quick Facts: Location: Mount Rainier National Park Distance: 10.2 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier National Park 269SX Notes: Dogs are prohibited; Route is non-groomed and shared with skiers; National Park pass or Interagency Pass…

Second Beach– Home to First Rate Scenery

January 4, 2024 |

Quick Facts: Location: Olympic National Park Land Agency: Quileute Nation and National Park Service Roundtrip: 4.0 miles Elevation Gain: 310 feet Contact: Olympic National Park, Wilderness Information Center Green Trails Map: 99S Olympic Coast Beaches Notes: Dogs prohibited Access: From Forks follow US 101 north for 1.5 miles turning left onto State Route 110 (signed “Mora–La Push”). Continue…

Swan Lake and Christmas Hill –A very merry hike minutes from downtown Victoria

December 21, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island Land Agency: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Sanctuary Roundtrip: 3.5 miles/ 5.6 kilometers Elevation gain: 325 feet/ 100 meters Contact: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Sanctuary Notes: dogs prohibited Access: From Victoria or Sidney, follow BC 17 (Patricia Bay Highway) exiting onto McKenzie Ave. Proceed east turning right onto Rainbow…

Heybrook Ridge–From the town of Index to stunning views of Mount Index

November 23, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skykomish Valley Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks Roundtrip: 3.4 miles Elevation Gain: 780 feet Contact: Friends of Heybrook Ridge Map: Green Trails, Alpine Lakes West Stevens Pass no. 176S Notes: Dogs allowed on leash Access: From Everett follow US 2 east for 35 miles turning left onto the Index Galena Road (just…

Wallace Falls –A classic series of falls and classic hike, fun for all

November 2, 2023 |

Quick Facts: Location: Skykomish River Valley Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 5.6 miles Elevation gain: 1,200 feet Green Trails Map: Alpine Lakes West Stevens Pass 176S Contact: Wallace Falls State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; Dogs must be leashed Access: From Everett follow US 2 for 28 miles east to Gold Bar. Just before…