Blog
Three Western Washington Bursting with Autumn Colors Hikes without the Crowds
Seasoned Northwest Hikers know that the best fall foliage hikes in the region involve larch trees. Washington’s larches are legendary when it comes to gorgeous colors. But many of Washington’s larch hikes are also quite popular. It can get downright crowded at places like Maple Pass, Lake Ingalls, and Cutthroat Pass. Fortunately there are quieter…
Read MoreGlacier Meadow’s “Ladder of Doom!”
There is nothing like the element of surprise while heading off into the backcountry. And I generally welcome surprises—especially if they are of the positive order. An unexpected viewpoint–a rare or unique wildlife sighting—a pleasant encounter with a fellow backcountry traveler. But sometimes surprises can be unnerving—finding a trail unmaintained—an encounter with a belligerent animal—or…
Read MoreLarch Madness
October is one of my favorite months to hike. I love the cool nights—warm days—and vibrant foliage. But this is the Evergreen State, where Douglas-firs, western hemlocks, and western red cedars make up most of the vast forests of western Washington. I pine for the deciduous forests of the northern Appalachians where the hillsides turn…
Read MoreNinety Years Young and an Inspiration to All!
I hit the trails for inspiration, redemption, and rejuvenation. A primeval forest grove, placid lakeshore, flowering alpine meadow, and a summit view of a sea of serrated summits can have quite an effect on a restless and anxious soul. The natural world is my opiate, my muse, and my motivator. It has never failed me.…
Read MoreA Hitchiker’s Guide to the National Parks
As I stuck my thumb out and watched several cars drive by, I kept plodding up the busy and unsafe roadway. Finally a park ranger arrived — more specifically a law enforcement agent. Cool, I thought, I’m going to get a ride. That didn’t happen. Instead I got hassled! The law enforcement officer rolled down…
Read MoreCougars in Heat–a Chilling Encounter!
Okay, before I get started here. Absolutely no jokes about attractive older women in pursuit of younger men or randy Washington State University students here. This post is about mountain lions following nature’s orders to make more mountain lions. And it’s about how a few autumns ago I nearly walked in on a mating couple.…
Read MoreMille Grazie for a very Successful Hike-A-Thon
Wow! The 2015 Washington Trails Association Hike-A-Thon is over. I hiked a total of 201.3 miles and thanks to so many of you raised a grand total of $5255 for our trails!! Yahoo! This is by far my most successful hike-a-thon campaign-and I imagine once all of the numbers are tallied-it’ll be WTA’s most successful…
Read MoreOkanagan Mountain- A return after the great burn
I first visited Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park in the spring of 2003 while researching hikes for my Best Hikes with Dogs Inland Northwest book. Located just 10 miles south of bustling Kelowna; this 27,000-acre (11,000 hectare) park is a hiking haven in the heart of the Canadian Okanagan. Roadless and closed to motorized use; it’s…
Read MoreHang Up and Hike!
Okay, I admit it—I have my cell phone in my pack when I hike. Mostly because I don’t leave anything of value (even if it is an old flip phone) in my vehicle when I hit the trail. And it is almost always turned off. But, I have made a few calls from the trail…
Read MoreThe Loneliest Ridge and Valley Trails in the Olympics
Image hiking for 22.5 miles—all but one of those miles on maintained trails—in one of the country’s most popular national parks—and encountering only 2 people—and that was at the beginning of the trip. My intrepid Olympic exploring friend Evan and I just finished an incredible one day journey across some of the park’s loneliest terrain—and…
Read More