Category: Washington

The Naches Peak Loop hike is one of my favorite hikes in Mt Rainier National Park and even in all of Washington State! I’ve written about it before, including in my post about Mt Rainier wildflower hikes and my post for a day trip to Mt Rainier. This hike...

I’ve written before about reasons NOT to hike the Mt Si trail, but recently I set out to explore a few of the other trails from that same trailhead, now that the trailhead direct bus service serves it. The Talus loop hike is a terrific alternative to Mt Si,...

This article will talk about Outdoor Activities IN Seattle. Not near Seattle, not day trips from Seattle, actual outdoor activities right in the middle of the city! Seattle is uniquely positioned to provide lots of outdoor activities without leaving the city, with our inland waterways, beaches and forests open...

In the summer, the Annette Lake hike is a great place to enjoy a picnic, take a swim if you can brave the chilly water and to camp if you want to stay longer. In winter, the parking area becomes the Annette Lake Sno Park. Both summer and winter...

During summertime in Seattle, who doesn’t want to get out on the water? But how to do it? Most people don’t own boats, and taking boat trips can be expensive. Sometimes you just want to play around in the water! Luckily, there are some places you can go and...

Looking for a big view of Mt Rainier with views from the whole trail? The Mt Fremont hike is a fantastic choice when the road to Sunrise is open (late June through September)! This hike has views from every step and at 6 miles round trip and 800 feet...

Looking for a close to town hike with a decent view through the forest that has less crowds than some of the other close to town hikes? If so, the Cedar Butte hike might be the trail for you! At approximately 4 miles round trip and 900 feet of...

When the roads on the East side of Mt Rainier National Park open (usually in late May) until they close in the first heavy snows of fall (sometime in November), this Lower eastside trail loop hike in Mt Rainier is the perfect way to get away from crowds, and...

Are you visiting Seattle soon? Moved here recently? If so, welcome! Perhaps you’re a local trying to think of fun places to go with visiting family and friends that will be fun for you too! Or looking for a place to send them while you’re at work? As a...

Friends, Bandera Mountain is AWESOME. It is also CROWDED. By now, you’ll know I’m a big fan of avoiding crowds and don’t normally recommend crowded hikes. However, there are times when it just might be worth it to join the crowd! You can reduce the crowds by going later...