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

Saint Edward State Park

January 2, 2025 |

Explore a different—and wilder side of Lake Washington Quick Facts: Location: Eastside (Seattle) Distance: more than 9.0 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 500 feet Contact: Washington State Parks Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Eastside (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Discover Pass required; dogs permitted on leash; park open 8am to dusk Trailhead directions: From Bellevue follow…

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…

River Trail

March 23, 2023 |

Hike along rapids at the mouth of the Green River gorge Quick Facts: Location: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Land Agency: Washington State Parks Round Trip: 2.5 miles Elevation Gain: 175 feet Contact: Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Detailed Information: Urban Trails Tacoma (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Discover Pass required. Dogs permitted on leash. Green River contains strong currents—exercise caution…

Twanoh Creek Loop

March 9, 2023 |

Wander a quiet ravine above Hood Canal Quick Facts: Location: Twanoh State Park, Hood Canal Land Agency: Washington State Parks Round Trip: 2.3 miles Elevation Gain: 400 feet Contact: Twanoh State Park Detailed Information: Urban Trails Kitsap Peninsula (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Discover Pass required. Dogs permitted on leash. Access: From Bremerton head west on SR…

Penrose Point State Park

December 8, 2022 |

Madronas, big maples and sweeping views of Mount Rainier Quick Facts: Location: Key Peninsula Land Agency: Washington State Parks Round Trip: 2.5 miles of trails Elevation Gain: 200 feet Contact: Penrose Point State Park Detailed Information: Urban Trails Kitsap (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Discover Pass required, Dogs permitted on leash Access: From Purdy (just north of…

Willapa Hills Trail─ Follow the Chehalis River back into time

November 10, 2022 |

Quick Facts: Location: Western Lewis County Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 10.0 miles Elevation Gain: 100 feet Access: From Chehalis (exit 77 on I-5) follow SR 6 west for 23 miles to the town of Pe Ell. At blinking red light turn left onto 6th Ave and proceed 0.1 mile to Trailhead at old…

Limekiln Point and Preserve

May 19, 2022 |

Orcas, old quarries, and a beautiful lighthouse Quick Facts: Location: San Juan Island Land Agency: Washington State Parks and San Juan County Conservation Land Bank Roundtrip: 2.2 miles Elevation Gain: 265 feet Contact: Lime Kiln State Park or San Juan County Conservation Land Bank Detailed Information: Day Hiking the San Juans and Gulf Islands (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Discover…

North Head Lighthouse–Hike to a headland at the mouth of the Columbia River

March 3, 2022 |

Location: Cape Disappointment State Park, Long Beach Peninsula Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 4.2 miles Elevation gain: 300 feet Contact: Cape Disappointment State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; Dogs must be leashed Good to Know: kid-friendly, snow free winter hike, historic Access: From Kelso follow SR 4 west to Naselle. Turn left onto SR…

Hamilton Mountain — Breathtaking views from above Beacon Rock

April 29, 2021 |

Quick Facts: Location: Beacon Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Land Agency: Washington State Parks Roundtrip: 7.5 miles Elevation gain: 2,100 feet Contact: Beacon Rock State Park Notes: Discover Pass required; Dogs permitted on leash. Green Trails Map: Columbia River Gorge West No. 428S Recommended Guidebooks: Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge, 100…