Blog
Ten Ways to Thwart the Crowds on the Trail
If you’ve been hiking for a considerable amount of time, you don’t need to be told that many of our trails have become downright crowded. Yes, we are currently experiencing a hiking boom, and in general that’s a good thing. It’s great to see folks getting outside, bonding with nature, and in general living healthy…
Urban Trails Seattle!
See a whole new side to the city! Features of this guide include: Easy to reference maps Trail distance and high point Indicates trail suitability for walkers, hikers, and runners Trailhead amenities Info for families with kids and for dog owners Sidebars on area history, nature, and sights
Three Christmas Themed Hikes for a Happy Hiking Holiday
Why not start a new tradition (unless of course you have already started) of doing a hike on Christmas day. Here are three Northwest hikes—easy enough for the whole family—and short enough to sneak in before the big feast. And while they’re Christmas-themed, generally they provide for snow-free hiking. So, you’ll have to seek other…
Five Great Washington Rail Trails Part 2 –Great trails to train on!
I love rail trails and some of my favorite running and hiking routes throughout Washington are on rail trails. Rail trails offer safe traffic free running routes. They’re gently graded. They can be found all over the state from major urban areas to the state’s remotest regions. Many rail trails begin, end and connect excellent…
Five Great Western Washington Rail Trails — Great trails to train on!
I love rail trails and some of my favorite winter hiking destinations and year round running routes throughout Washington are on rail trails. Rail trails offer safe traffic free running routes. They’re gently graded. They can be found all over the state from major urban areas to the state’s remotest regions. Many rail trails begin,…
More than 200 Miles and $5000-Thanks for a successful Hike-a-thon
August was a tough month here in the Northwest with excessive heat, wildfires, and poor air quality. But after a slow start I managed to get in gear and completed my Hike-a-Thon for the Washington Trails Association with 205 miles for the month of August. Three hikes alone accounted for 75 miles as I tried…
Classic Hike Threatened with Clear-cut and Trail Closure
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls perched within the craggy forbidden spires of Mount Index is a hike beloved by thousands of recreationists—and it’s one of my and the late Harvey Manning and Ira Springs 100 Classic Hikes in Washington. What many hikers don’t realize however is that the beginning of this hike is on…
Getting My Goat
Quick! Name non-native invasive species in the Olympic Mountains; species that have altered the natural environment. Man, obviously! How about Scotch Broom, purple loosestrife, Robert’s geranium and mountain goats? Mountains goats? Yes, mountain goats, those furry lovable alpinists and members of the cattle family (Bovidae). They don’t belong here. The mountain goat, indigenous to the…
Independence Day Themed Hikes to set you Free!
Happy Independence Day! Hiking and spending time in the outdoors is a great way to celebrate our nation’s independence. Our parks, forests and preserves are one of the best attributes of our nation (along with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of course)! Here are eight great Independence Day themed Washington hikes for you…
Happy 150th Birthday Canada!
I have lived most of my life in two states—Washington and New Hampshire–that border our northern neighboring country, Canada. So naturally being the adventurer that I am, I have made many a trip to Quebec and British Columbia. I love both these provinces for their parks, trails, beautiful landscapes and one of them especially for…