I love being outdoors, in fact, I would rather be outdoors than indoors. Even in the rain. I guess that makes me a true Washingtonian! The Pacific Northwest has such a wide variety of hiking trails, from thick evergreen forests to lush rain forests to coastline and even dry desert hikes in the east. We are very lucky to be surrounded by nature. Every chance we get is spent hiking with our kids (and dogs) exploring every nook and cranny of this place we call home.
Sauk Mountain – Concrete, Washington
This is my favorite trail of all time AND it helped conquer my fear of heights. Look at all those switchbacks going up the side of the mountain! This trail has it all: Beautiful views in all directions, wildflowers and even a small lake as a reward at the end of the hike.
From I-5 South, take exit 232 (Cook Rd.) towards Sedro-Wooley. Follow the signs towards Hwy 20; after 35 miles then turn left at Sauk Mountain Road (FS 1030).
Stay on this road, ignoring any little side roads, for 7.9 miles to the road’s end and trailhead.
Directions courtesy of the http://www.wta.org
Gold Basin – Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls, WA
O.k, so this trail kicked my ass. I did not reach the end, but I swear I will be back to finish! It’s a tough 9.2 miles round trip, lots of huge boulders to climb. Just when you think you can’t hike anymore you come to a waterfall and are refreshed enough to keep going, but be careful where you walk, part of the trail are sheer rock walls that go straight down the hillside.
Directions courtesy of the http://www.wta.org
Take Highway 92 to its end in Granite Falls. At the T intersection near the east end of town, turn left onto the Mountain Loop Highway. Follow this road 11 miles to the Verlot Ranger Station for maps, permits, and latest trail information. 19.3 miles past the ranger station is Barlow Pass and the end of paved road. Here you will find a parking lot on the left (north) side of the road.
Headlee Pass / Sunrise Mine / Vesper Peak Mountain Loop Highway, Darrington, WA
Best way to start a hike: Walking on a log to cross a creek! This hike was pretty easy to do, with two dogs, we make our way to a rock field. Beautiful views and fun little cave like spots to explore. Our pooch was tired, found a little crevice to nestle into for a nap while we stopped for a drink (hopefully you packed a beer). At this point you can continue on over the pass or head back to the car.
Directions courtesy of the http://www.wta.org
From I-5, take exit 194 for Highway 2 towards Snohomish/Wenatchee. Drive for nearly 2 miles, then take the left exit for WA-204 E towards Lake Stevens for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto WA-9 N and drive for 1.7 miles, then turn right onto WA-92 E. After 1.5 miles on this road, arrive at a traffic circle and take the second exit to stay on WA-92 E.
After nearly 6 miles, arrive at a second traffic circle and take the second exit onto Quarry Road. Proceed through two more traffic circles, always staying on Quarry Road, before arriving at an intersection, where you will turn left onto the Mountain Loop Highway (Hwy 530). Drive for 27.5 miles and then make a right onto Forest Road 4065. Drive about 2.5 miles to the end of this road to the trailhead.
Fragrance Lake – Chuckanut Drive, Bow, WA
Fragrance Lake located off of Chuckanut Drive is a perfect warm up hike to start the spring / summer hiking season. This 5.5 mile round trip hike leads you through old growth forest and loops around Fragrance Lake. Look for the View Point trail that spurs off to the left. It leads to one of the most beautiful views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.
Directions courtesy of the http://www.wta.org
From Mount Vernon head north on I-5 to exit 231, then navigate the roundabouts to head north on State Route 11/Chuckanut Drive. At approximately 15 miles, turn left into main entrance of Larrabee State Park, or look for trailhead parking on the right.
Independence Lake – Mountain Loop Highway, Granite Falls, WA
Looking for a nice rainy day hike? Independence Lake just outside of Verlot is a short mile long hike through the wooded forest to an alpine lake surrounded by wild blueberries. Perfect for a quick get away hike, or bring your tent and stay on the the mossy lake side. If you brought a fishing pole you could try your luck at Rainbow Trout that the WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife have stocked. It’s such a beautiful, almost mythical place you want to hang out there all day.
Directions courtesy of the http://www.wta.org
From the Verlot Public Service Center (11 miles east of Granite Falls), travel east on the Mountain Loop Highway 15.0 miles. Turn left (north) on the Coal Lake Road #4060 and continue 4.8 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.
