Category: Washington

23 Best Winter Hikes near Seattle without snow

One of the most fantastic things about living in Seattle is that you can hike all year long. Sure, we have dark, short days and lots of clouds and rain, but you can still get outside and enjoy winter hikes near Seattle. There are lots of reasons to get...

Boulder River Trail: Stunning Forest and Waterfalls

The Boulder River Trail is a magical Pacific Northwest forest fairyland along a rushing river that makes for a wonderful hike all year. You can amble along this delightful trail through the Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest for up to almost 5 miles. You also can go a shorter...

What to Pack for Seattle: Year Round Essentials

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases If you’re planning a trip to Seattle or you are getting ready to move here, Welcome!...

Top 12 Golden Larch Hikes in Washington that are not Maple Pass

I know it’s a little sassy to leave Maple Pass off this list of larch hikes (it is an incredible hike after all), but you don’t need my help to find it! Let’s get beyond the most popular and busy spots, shall we? For a few short weeks a...

Grasshopper Pass: Remote Incredible View Hike

Take a life affirming hike to Grasshopper Pass, or anywhere along this gorgeous and fairly mellow section of the Pacific Crest Trail in the North Cascades! Absolutely perfect for fall with gorgeous golden larches and bright red berry bushes set against the backdrop of spectacular mountain scenery. There really...

31 Gorgeous Waterfalls in Washington State

The incredible waterfalls in Washington State are among the most beautiful you’ll see anywhere! There are waterfalls in every corner of this beautiful state. Some waterfalls are viewable a very short walk from parking, others are longer or more strenuous hikes. As a born and raised Washingtonian, I’ll share...

Heather Lake on the Mountain Loop Highway

Heather Lake is a beautiful alpine lake in the shadow of Mt Pilchuck just off the Mountain Loop Highway east of Everett in the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. At just over 4 miles round trip with 1100 feet of elevation gain, this hike is more challenging that it seems...

Lake Clara: Year round mellow hike near Wenatchee

Lake Clara is a lovely little lake a short and mellow year round hike from the Mission Ridge parking lot near Wenatchee. This is a great outing for the whole family to enjoy the forest and a small lake. The trail is almost 3.5 miles round trip with 900...

Hike to Mirror Lake and Cottonwood Lake near Snoqualmie Pass

If you’re looking for a mellow hike to an alpine lake, or a short and not too steep backpacking trip near Seattle, the hike to Mirror Lake is a great option as long as you don’t mind driving on a very rough road. Mirror Lake lies along the Pacific...

Lodge Lake: Less Crowded Alpine Lake Hike at Snoqualmie Pass

Looking for an alternative to some of the really busy alpine lake trails near Snoqualmie Pass (like Snow Lake or Annette Lake)? Lodge Lake is a mellow hike to a much less visited lake along the Pacific Crest Trail. Lodge Lake is 4.25 mile round trip hike with 900...