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...
What to Wear for a Hike in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska
This post is all about what to wear for a hike in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. As I talked about in my post about hiking for absolute beginners, you don’t need a lot of gear to get started with hiking. You may not bring the exact same things...
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...
Spectacular Skyline Trail Loop at Mt Rainier
The Skyline Trail loop absolutely has it all and is a truly gorgeous hike from Paradise in Mt Rainier National Park. Wildflowers? Yes. Marmots? Yes. Epic Mountain views? Yes. Glacier views? Yes. Fall Color? Yes. This trail is extremely popular and parking can be impossible on summer weekends (see...
Silver Falls Loop Hike in the Entiat Valley
Silver Falls in an absolute gem of hike located in the gorgeous and lightly traveled Entiat Valley between Wenatchee and Lake Chelan in Central Washington. This is one of Washington’s most gorgeous waterfalls and can be enjoyed with a fraction of the people of some of the others that...
Best Alaska Itinerary by an Alaska Guide
The best Alaska Itinerary for you depends on how you like to travel and how much time you have so I’ve curated five options for you to choose from, from road trips to car free adventures! I lived in Alaska for many years and still spend several weeks a...