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“We Need the Tonic of Wildness”
“We need the Tonic of Wildness,” wrote Henry David Thoreau in the 1840s while living on Walden Pond. Back then, Walden Pond was an island of wild surrounded by farms and a newly industrializing landscape. Thoreau constructed a tiny cabin in a grove of pine and oak above a cove on the placid kettle pond.…
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…
Glacier 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…
Larch 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…
Ninety 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.…
A 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…
Cougars 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.…
Mille 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…
Okanagan 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…
Hang 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…