The final leg to Perry Hut was growing on us. The trail cut across the spectacularly barren Gouland Downs, which offered uninterrupted vistas of the mountains around us. Although they were nothing more than hints of rugged slopes floating in the fog, I was enchanted nonetheless. I remember being enthralled with openness of the downs—there wasn’t a sign of shelter or cover in sight.
This spectacular mountain is located in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National forest, and offers a physically-stimulating yet non-technical day hike or backpacking trip. If you choose to tackle Defiance during a sunny day, you can expect to soak in spectacular views of the rugged Alpine Lakes Wilderness. If you hike to the top in cloudy weather, don’t fret: at least you’ve had a good workout.
The waterfall enthusiast can literally wilt with happiness by embarking on this stunning hike through Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. Even Washington residents have no excuse not to make the pilgrimage to this beautiful park, which holds its own against Washington favorites such as Franklin Falls and Twin Falls.
Apparently Mailbox does nothing to facilitate improvement in the arts: all remaining graffiti was of the male persuasion with the exception of one pair of breasts which I assumed was an effort to have minority representation. The quality of the pictorial representations was consistently poor – no budding artists here.
The trail then climbs over rocky outcroppings and through thick forests, offering numerous small creek crossings. The trail ends with a sign that marks the unmaintained trail to Joe Lake and Alaska Lake. Glimpse the beautiful mountain meadow before adventuring onward or following the trail home.
Spray Falls is the pinnacle of many hikers’ visit to the Park, offering up-close-and-personal views of a gorgeous waterfall towering 80 feet in height and 50 feet in width. Because the trail to the falls itself is only .25 miles, it is well worth the side trip.
While Pratt Lake can be a bustling destination in the summer season, the autumn months offer a relief from the rowdy crowds, making it a great time for an overnight trip. Even on a weekend, it is possible to have the whole lake to yourself if you set out in the cooler fall season. Even the mosquitoes are vacationing elsewhere.
Mt Pilchuck offers a handful of fun features in a moderate, interesting dayhike. This trail is easily accessible from Seattle and for a few extra[Read More…]
Staying Warm. Always remember the mantra: “Nothing keeps you warm like hypothermia.” If you are feeling a bit nippy one of the best things to do is to find a nice, frigid alpine like, throw off your pack and jump in with all of your driest clothes on. Although this might make you a little colder initially, after a few minutes you’ll be basking in the heat of hypothermia. Aaaaah, toasty.
“We discovered that most states in the US charge a fee for people to access their State Parks and other state-managed recreation lands,” said Lauren Braden. “Fifteen states have no fee at all. Washington’s $30 Discover Pass is on the lower end, cost-wise, of states that have a fee. We believe that the Discover Pass stacks up pretty well and appears to be a good value.”
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