Darrington, Washington

The trail starts out poorly, following a jeep road under high-tension wires. Shortly, though, the trail begins to switchback up the south face of Rock Mountain and the views, as well as the wildflowers, are remarkable.After switchbacking up the mountain, follow a ridge-line towards the upper basi...

If driving 13 miles on a forest road, and hiking miles of switchbacks doesn't bother you, your in for one of the most exquisite views that you can get from hiking in Washington state.Just a mile outside of the town of Glacier, turn onto Forest Road 37 and follow it up switchbacks for the majority...

This hike takes you past 5 lakes and a few different waterfalls, so if you don't wish to push on to Big Heart, you won't be disappointed! Start at the West Fork Foss River Trailhead, about 2.6 miles past the Necklace Valley Trailhead. The first mile is relatively flat. Once you reach the bridge t...

Choose from Trout Lake (1.6 miles each way with 500 feet of elevation gain), Copper Lake (4.2 miles each way with 2400 feet of elevation gain), or Big Heart Lake at 7.3 miles each way, with 3300 feet elevation gain). There are plenty of camp sites if you decide to go overnight at any of the lakes...

This is a great introductory glacial climb in the North Cascades with moderate glacial slopes and 4th class scrambling. The reward is outstanding views of the Picket Range, Mt Shuksan and the dramatic Nooksack Cirque. Even though this climb is easy it can be demanding and requires individuals to ...

The trail begins on the Pacific Northwest Trail, which ascends quickly up the side of Blanchard Mountain. The trail contains several switchbacks which wind through second-growth alder, Western red cedar, and Douglas fir forest. After about one mile there is an overlook with a bench that offers a...

The HikeThe hike there isn't short, has several steep sections, and ends at the top of the mountain. There are cliff warnings at the top, so be careful as you explore the view! The steepest portions are at the beginning and right at the end. The trail is very well maintained (because it is so pop...

Start off by traveling along Highway 2 and turning towards the Money Creek Campground. Turn off onto Forest Road 6410 and follow that to the Lake Dorothy Trailhead (about 9 miles).This first section of the hike can be pretty crowded on a nice summer day as the trail is very family friendly and it...

The trail was not crowded although when we got to Snoqualmie Lake there were only a couple camping spots left. The trail up from Dorothy is not too hard at all. The weather was perfect. After passing Dorothy you have to ford a creek where the bridge has been washed out. We went through it on foot...

This trail starts off going through the forest of fir and hemlock for the first mile. Once you reach the top of the first hill, you will get a glimpse of all the views you will have the opportunity to enjoy later on. As you descend, the trees will start to thin out. The trail follows the ridge l...

Blue Lake is a fantastic alpine lake along a moderate trail in the sawtooth North Cascades, featuring views of some of the most impressive peaks in the range. A 4.5-mile out-and-back gaining about 1,100 feet, the trail to Blue Lake Trail features summer wildflowers, autumn Larch and jagged snow-c...

From the Blue Lake Trailhead, hike approximately 1.5 miles to an obvious clearing with subsidiary trails that depart uphill and right at a stream crossing. These trails will eventually lead up granite slabs and converge into a main trail. Follow the cairns or aim generally for the southern-most s...

Located just outside the town of Glacier, WA and 40 minutes prior to Mount Baker Ski area, sits the Horseshoe Bend Trail. A simple and straightforward 6 mile out and back route. To get here, take Hwy 542 towards the direction of Mount Baker. About 4 miles after you pass through the town of Glacie...

Start by driving roughly 2.5 miles up Forest Road 3040, conveniently named E Church Mt Road, to the trailhead. The road is bumpy, but lacking the pot-holes that occupy many of the other forest roads. The only issue comes at 2 miles in where a stream runs over the road and has eroded a small ditch...

The best way to describe the location is due east of Bellingham. After driving through gorgeous roads to reach Twin Lakes Road (fire service road 3065), you are treated to about a 4-mile drive up to the trailhead for Yellow Aster Butte (8.3 miles RT with 2850' of gain) and Tomyhoi Peak. The drive...

Yellow Aster Butte has to be one of the most visually rewarding hikes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for the effort required to get there. Abundant with lush, rolling mountain meadows, hikers can be treated to an abundance of wildflowers, heather fields, and berry patches with dreamy...