Hike of the Week

Hike of the Week: Glacier Basin

2008-07-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

Brilliant wildflowers help soften a rugged backdrop in Glacier Basin

Glacier Basin

A minefield of wild beauty above Monte Cristo

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 12.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,050 feet
Green Trails Maps: Sloan Peak, WA- No. 111, Monte Cristo, WA- No. 143
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Note: Northwest Forest Pass required.
Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 31 miles to Barlow Pass. Hike begins by walking up gated Monte Cristo Road.

Start by following the closed-to-vehicles road to the mining—turned ghost town of Monte Cristo. At 1.0 mile the South Fork of the Sauk River must be forded or search for a log crossing. Safe in low water, avoid the ford during periods of heavy rain and snow melt. Continue another 3.0 miles enjoying excellent river and mountain viewing along the way. After passing a campground, cross the river on a foot bridge and enter the site and remains of the once booming town. At the edge of a grassy flat (once the rail yard) locate the trailhead for Glacier Basin. Cross 76 Creek on a good bridge and head up what was once Dumas Street, the commercial artery of Monte Cristo. Pass where hotels, brothels, a mercantile, and residences once stood.
Come to four-way junction continuing straight on old roadway through dark thick forest. Daylight returns soon enough thanks to the work of hundreds of past avalanches. Up an increasingly tighter and wilder valley continue hiking on what is now a downright nasty section of trail. Heading straight up a worn-to-bedrock gully, this is one tough stretch of trail.
Take a break at a ledge at a waterfall’s edge before resuming toil. Thankfully the grade turns gentle once more as the peaks flanking Glacier Basin come into view. Beside you Glacier Creek crashes through rock and snow.
If the creek allows, continue alongside it on grassy bottomlands. If flooded however, pick your way though talus on the original miner’s road located just to the left of a huge tailings pile. A small cascade marks the entrance to Glacier Basin (el. 4,400-ft), a wide expanse of boulder, moraine, snowfields, bubbling creeks, and wildflowers beneath a cluster of jagged ice-adorned peaks.
Now wander the basin taking care not to step on fragile vegetation. You’ve worked too hard to get to this rugged area not to savor its beauty. Sit back and enjoy!

For information on lodging and other attractions near Glacier Basin visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Dirty Face Ridge

2008-07-18T09:31:00.000-07:00

Enjoy good views up Copper Creek to Buckhorn Mountain

Dirty Face Ridge

Make a clean break from Townsend’s crowds

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Buckhorn Wilderness, Northeast Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
Contact: Hood Canal District, Quilcene (360) 765-2200; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Green Trails Map: Mt. Steel WA-No 167
Access: Take US 101 to Louella Road located directly across from the entrance to Sequim Bay State Park. In one mile turn left onto Palo Alto road and continue for 6 miles to a junction. Bear right onto FR 2880; cross the Dungeness River and come to a junction in 1.7 miles. Turn left on FR 2870. In 2.6 miles, bear right at a junction continuing on FR 2870 for 10 miles to the Tubal Cain Trail parking lot. Park here; trail begins .15 mile farther on FR 2860.

Want unsurpassed Olympic Mountains views, but dread having to share them with hundreds of other hikers? Why not consider the trail-less-taken up Mount Townsend then? The trail that sees more hoof prints than boot prints. The trail that can actually provide you with solitude on one of the Olympic’s most popular peaks. The trail up Dirty Face Ridge!
Locate the Little Quilcene Trail just beyond the Tubal Cain Mine trailhead to get cranking up Dirty Face Ridge. No time to warm-up; immediately start climbing steeply. Through a tunnel of rhododendrons reminiscent of the southern Appalachians, you may find yourself humming, “Smoky Mountain Sunrise.” But after crossing a damp little draw and angling up to the ridge to the first viewpoint out to the Buckhorn peaks, it’s pure Pacific Northwest scenery.
A succession of viewpoints follow as the trail rapidly gains elevation attaining the ridge crest. Enjoy precious glimpses below of the Silver and Copper Creek Valleys. Buckhorn Mountain with its twin-peaked “horns” guards the head of the emerald valleys. The Gray Wolf Ridge spans the western horizon.
The grade eases. Alternating between pine groves and crumbling basalt ledges, the trail heads southeast towards Mount Townsend. Enjoy the floral show! Lupines line the way. Look for Pipers bellflower, a rare Olympic endemic clinging to several of the rocky outcrops.
In 2.0 miles a large ledge (el 5,200 feet) invites lounging and is a good place to turn around if your intent was not to see anyone else on the trail. Otherwise, continue a quarter mile in cool forest coming to a junction. Solitude is now over. The Little Quilcene Trail continues left down to a popular trailhead. The Mount Townsend Trail takes off right 1.3 miles to Mount Townsend’s windswept and tundra cloaked summit. Enjoy the views! And get ready to greet plenty of your fellow view-seekers, too!

For information on lodging and other attractions near Diry Face Ridge visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Independence Lake

2008-07-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Quiet misty carefree morning at Independence Lake

Independence Lake

A great hike for the 4th of July or any other day during the summer

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 7.5 miles (includes road walk)
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Green Trails Maps: Silverton, WA- No 110
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 26 miles. At Milepost 26, just beyond the entrance for the Big Four Picnic Area, turn left onto FR 4060 (signed “Coal Creek Road”). Follow this gravel road for 1.9 miles to where it is closed for further travel due to storm damage. Find a place to park and begin hiking up road.

Another normally easy and fairly short hike made longer due to a series of rough winters wreaking damage on access roads and the Forest Service’s inability due to lack of funding to fix them. Still, there’s a plus side of sorts to washed out and closed roads. You get an opportunity to stretch your legs out you won’t be sharing your destination with too many others.
Follow Forest Road 4060 on a gradual ascent through mature forest and old cuts and a few clearings in between. Enjoy sweeping views south over the South Fork Stillaguamish Valley and to impressive Big Four Mountain across the river.
After about 2.6 miles of road walking pass the trailhead for Coal Lake. This little lake surrounded by old-growth timber can be reached by following a side trail right for .1 mile. Arrive at the official trailhead for Independence Lake after another .4 mile.
Now follow real trail leaving an old cut for primeval forest. Beneath giant hemlocks, the trail travels on a level to gently descending course towards the lake. However, while the grade is easy, the way is rough. Plenty of exposed roots and rocks aim to slow you down. After a half mile on the trail cross a rocky stream bed and begin a short climb regaining the 200 feet you just lost. Independence Lake greets you a quarter mile farther.
Sitting in a rugged little basin at 3,700-feet and flanked on the west by ancient trees and on the east by rocky slopes, Independence Lake is a pleasing enough spot freeing you from the travails of the civilized world! Find a nice spot to while away the afternoon or cast a lure.
North Lake, a most worthwhile objective can be reached by continuing up trail for another 2.8 miles. However, it is a rough trip requiring much elevation gain and lost. And since you already had to hike a great distance due to the road closure it is best to leave North for when the road reopens allowing you an easier start.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Independence Lake visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Mount Rose

2008-07-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet views of Lake Cushman from Mount Rose

Mount Rose

How sweet are thy views!

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Staircase Area, Southeast Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 6.4 miles
Elevation gain: 3,500 feet
Contact: Hood Canal District, Quilcene (360) 765-2200; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Green Trails Map: Mt. Steel WA-No 167
Access: From Shelton, travel north on US 101 for 15 miles to Hoodsport. Turn left onto SR 119 proceeding 9.3 miles to a T-intersection with FR 24. Make a sharp left and continue on SR 119. In 1.7 miles SR 119 ends and road becomes gravel. Continue for one more mile to the trailhead located on your right.

Consider Mount Rose an alternative to nearby Mount Ellinor. When half of Olympia is crowding Ellinor’s summit like goats in a salt lick, you just might be savoring the sweet offerings of Rose all to yourself. But be forewarned. This is a challenging hike; one of the steepest trails in the Olympics. But, it’s worth every ounce of sweat expended; from beautiful high elevation old-growth forests to knock-out views of Lake Cushman 3,500 feet directly below.
Starting on an old road, this is the only level walking you’ll see on this hike. Switch to narrower tread and start switchbacking to the heavens. A carpet of salal lines the trail. Uniform second growth with a few remnant giants offer needed shade. Despite the roar of a distant creek, the slope is dry.
After one mile and one thousand feet of climbing a bench with a view of Lake Cushman invites a break. Now enter the Mount Skokomish Wilderness, one of five protected wilderness areas within the Olympic National Forest. Just shy of two miles after passing a small cascade reach the summit loop junction (el 3,050 ft). Take the trail left; it’s shorter and steeper, leaving the more gradual option for the descent, relieving your knees.
The summit loop climbs 1,300 feet in just over a mile mostly through cool old-growth to reach the 4,300-foot forested summit. Don’t despair, for a small vertigo-inducing rock outcropping juts out of the forest providing panoramic payoff. Directly below is Lake Cushman, waters sparkling in the summer sun. Lightening Peak and Timber Mountain rise majestically behind it. The Skokomish Delta, Black and Willapa Hills and Mount Rainier are all visible from this pulse-rising promontory.
After your rosy outlook, continue on the loop. Along a forested ledge, the trail makes a 1.7 mile saner return to the loop junction. Now brace your knees for the brutally steep descent.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Royal Lake visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Engles Grove

2008-06-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

Marvel at giant cedars that appear to hold up the sky

Engles Grove

Celebrate old cedars and the re-opening of the Mountain Loop Highway

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Darrington
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 5.7 miles (includes road walk)
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Green Trails Maps: Sloan Peak, WA- No 111
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Access: From Darrington head south on the Mountain Loop Highway for 16 miles (pavement ends at 9.0 miles) to the junction with FR 49 (signed for North Fork Sauk Trail). Turn left (east) and follow FR 49 .8 mile to where it is currently closed due to winter damage.

Here’s a short hike made a little longer due to a failing road. This help makes this normally easy half mile loop though an impressive ancient grove of monstrous cedars named after legendary forester Harold Engles a bit more of a leg-stretcher, but also draws attention to a looming crisis. But, first let’s celebrate! This Saturday June 28, 2008 the cities of Granite Falls, Arlington, and Darrington are all hosting a grand Re-opening Celebration of the Mountain Loop Highway. Flooding during the winter of 2003 washed out sections of this scenic road making many hiking trails inaccessible or very difficult to reach. But after $10 million in repairs, the road is officially open again and the National Forest Service along with the gateway communities have decided a celebration is in order!
In Granite Falls come for ribbon cutting festivities and a slew of events including a street fair, carnival, car show, 5K Run and more. In Darrington enjoy a “Park Fair” at the Old School Park, where you’ll find art and crafts booths, entertainment, displays, and refreshments. There will also be a car and motorcycle show and other family fun activities. Then take to the Mountain Loop Highway and do a hike, like the one to the Harold Engles Grove.
Follow FR 49 along the crashing North Fork Sauk River passing the North Fork Falls (a worthy diversion) and coming to the Engles Grove trail in about 2.6 miles. Here easily amble among cedars 1,000 years old, saved from the saw from Mr. Engles, a living legend in these parts. It was Mr. Engles who was responsible for building the gravity defying fire lookout on Three Fingers. After admiring these massive trees, head back to Darrington and learn more about Harold Engles with visits to the Forest Service ranger station and town historic society.
Be sure too to voice your concerns with government officials about losing access to the Engles Grove and many of the other wonderful hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway because of trail and road washouts. The Mountain Loop Highway is an incredible portal to amazing hiking but unfortunately overt half of the trails radiating from it are currently inaccessible.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Engles Grove visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Royal Lake

2008-06-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

Soak in sublime beauty at Royal Lake

Royal Lake

Crown jewel of the Olympic Rainshadow

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Northeast Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 14.0 miles
Elevation gain: 2,650 feet
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100; http://www.nps.gov/olym
Green Trails Map: Tyler Peak, WA-No 136
Notes: NW Forest Pass required; Dogs-prohibited at national park boundary (1.3 miles)
Access: Take US 101 to Louella Road located directly across from the entrance to Sequim Bay State Park. In one mile turn left onto Palo Alto road and continue for 6 miles to a junction. Bear right onto FR 2880; cross the Dungeness River and come to a junction in 1.7 miles. Turn left on FR 2870. In 2.6 miles, bear right at a junction continuing on FR 2870 for 6.5 miles to a large parking area just past the Dungeness River Bridge.

A beautiful alpine lake flanked by some of the highest and craggiest peaks in the Olympic Mountains, Royal is a fine objective for strong day hikers. A favorite haunt for backpackers, the trip is long, but mostly gentle weaving through primeval forests and along a crashing creek fed by glaciers.
The trip begins on the popular Dungeness River Trail. In one mile, after gently traversing an ancient grove of towering fir, reach a junction. Head right. Soon after passing another trail junction enter Olympic National Park.
Through thick forest carpeted in moss and landscaped with rhododendrons, the trail heads gracefully up the Royal Creek Valley. The creek crashes and churns through the deep narrow valley. You’ll need to hop over several tributaries; feet-wetters early in the season but none too difficult to negotiate.
Just shy of three miles cross the first of several brushy avalanche chutes. As nettles zap you, look up at a fortress of towering peaks. After 5.0 miles, the way steepens, the trail now ascending rocky and open slopes. Crest a headwall and pause for impressive views up and down the U-shaped valley.
Royal Creek plummets over the headwall, but upstream it flows gently and quietly. The trail too resumes a gentle march, entering the hanging valley housing Royal Lake. With 7,000 foot giants, Mounts Clark and Walkinshaw casting shadows upon you, traverse willow flats and a lovely meadow basin bursting with wildflowers.
After crossing Royal Creek on a sturdy log bridge make one last albeit short climb to Royal Lake. Here at an elevation just over 5,000 feet majestic peaks loom above the quiet body of water. In early summer the shoreline is adorned in purple regalia, thanks to thousands of blossoming shooting stars. A short trail goes around the lake. Wander it sharing splendid shoreline lunch spots with deer, ground squirrels and marmots.
Energetic day hikers can continue another mile climbing 500 feet higher into the magnificent Royal Basin where deep blue tarns reflect a ring of rugged rocky peaks clad in snow and ice, including Mount Deception (el 7,788), second highest mountain in the Olympics

For information on lodging and other attractions near Royal Lake visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Twin Falls Lake

2008-06-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

A hikers stands at Twin Falls Lake mesmerized by the upper falls

Twin Falls Lake

Fed and drained by a spectacular pair of waterfalls

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls
Land Agency: Washington Department of Natural Resources
Roundtrip: 8.8 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Green Trails Maps: Silverton, WA- No 110
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs or Northwest Region Ranger District WA DNR (360) 856-3500; http://dnr.wa.gov
Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east to the Verlot Visitors Center. Proceed for 4.6 more miles turning right onto FR 4020. Follow this gravel road for 2.7 miles bearing right onto FR 4021. Continue 1.4 miles, turning left onto Spur 016 reaching trailhead for Ashland Lakes in .2 mile.

A rough and tumble hike to a little lake and a stunning duo of crashing cascades tucked in a remote corner of the 9,600-acre Mount Pilchuck Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA). Not recommended for children and those prone to twisting an ankle, the first couple of miles are easy-enough, following the way to the placid Ashland Lakes. But beyond, the trail drops steeply on a rocky and root-entangled path to little Twin Falls Lake situated right between careening cataracts.
Start on an old logging road turned easy-to-walk hiking trail traversing bog and second growth forest. At 1.2 miles the old road transitions to real trail and enters old-growth forest. While the trail has been constructed well, care should be taken on all the planking which tends to get slippery. At 1.7 miles in a forest of huge cedars and hemlocks reach a junction. The trail left heads .1 mile to little Beaver Plant Lake, a sensitive wetland of sphagnum and peat bog. Continue straight cresting a 3,000-foot divide and reaching another junction. Left heads to Bald Mountain. Head right instead to Upper Ashland Lake. Veer left at a junction and round the lake on nice boardwalks.
Continue to the lake’s outlet and follow another trail losing 200 feet to the lower Ashland Lake. Set in a rugged bowl, it’s more scenic than the upper lake. The trail continues, crossing Wilson Creek on a sturdy bridge then beginning a 400 foot descent in 1.7 miles. The increasing roar of the falls will let you know you are getting closer. The trail pops out at the forest at Twin Falls Lake, a little pool beneath the 125-foot upper falls. It’s a dramatic sight. The lower falls plummet 400 feet off a ledge below the lake. Unfortunately there is no clear safe view of them. Use extreme caution trying to catch a glimpse of them. Better yet, return to the little lake and relish in the beauty of the crashing upper falls.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Twin Falls Lake visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Mink Lake

2008-06-06T20:42:00.000-07:00

Mink Lake makes for a quiet retreat in the Sol Duc Valley

Mink Lake

When snow coats the highlands, think mink!

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Sol Duc Valley, North Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 5.0 miles
Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100; http://www.nps.gov/olym
Map: Green Trails, Seven Lakes Basin/ Mt Olympus Climbing, WA- No 133S
Notes: Dogs Prohibited; National Park Entry Fee
Access: From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west for 29 miles, passing Lake Crescent. About 2 miles beyond the Fairholm Store, turn left onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. Follow this road (passing entrance booth) for 12 miles. Just past the Eagle Ranger Station turn right into the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Find trailhead and parking west of hot springs building.

While it’ll be sometime before Deer Lake and the High Divide melt free of snow, nearby little Mink Lake should be emerging from its white blanket soon. While not as dramatic a spot as the High Divide and its sparkling lakes, Mink makes for a nice quiet retreat. What this hike lacks in views, it compensates in solitude, and in the prospects of spotting some wild critters. The trail isn’t overly difficult, winding its way to the quiet lake ringed with grassy meadows and big trees.

The way starts in a cool dank second-growth forest immediately coming to a junction. The trail left leads 2.8 easy miles to Sol Duc Falls; a good option for early and late season hiking. The way to Mink Lake heads off first on old road, then on good tread, entering old-growth after about a half mile. Winding above the Sol Duc Valley, the trail rounds a knoll, then weasels its way along Mink Creek arriving at the lake in 2.5 miles. A side trail leads left to campsites which double as good lunch spots on the lake’s grassy and sunny southern shore. Darting dragonflies will help entertain you with their air shows.
If not content just sitting by this placid body of water, and if it looks like the snows are receding, you can extend your hike by continuing up the trail to the Little Divide. There aren’t many views along the way, but the forest is grand, there are lots of heather meadows, and the territory is as wild and lonely as it gets in the Olympics.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Mink Lake visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Lake Twentytwo

2008-05-30T01:09:00.000-07:00

Lake Twentytwo begins to emerge from this past winter's heavy snowfall

Lake Twentytwo

Alpine gem set against the cliffs of Pilchuck

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 5.4 miles
Elevation gain: 1,350 feet
Green Trails Maps: Granite Falls WA-No. 109, Silverton, WA-No. 110
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Notes: NW Forest Pass required
Access: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east for 11 miles to the Verlot Visitors Center. Proceed for two more miles to the trailhead located on your right.

Perched in a spectacular basin at the base of Mount Pilchuck’s sheer northern face, sparkling Lake Twentytwo is a stunning sight. But there’s more to this popular hike than the picturesque lake and its backdrop of waterfalls and avalanche chutes. Much of the way the well-constructed trail follows cascading Twentytwo Creek through an exemplary ancient forest of gargantuan cedars.
Nearly 800 acres of this primeval forest was set aside in 1947 as a Research Natural Area (RSA) to study the effects on water, wildlife, and timber of an area left in its virgin state compared to a similar area that has been intensively managed. The area is lush; water appears to seep and bubble from the ground everywhere along this trail. Moss blankets boulders and rotting logs. Maidenhair, deer, and lady’s ferns form showy bouquets beneath the behemoth trees. And while western hemlock and silver fir are the predominant species, it is the western red cedars that will gain most of your attention. Some along the way measure almost 12 feet in diameter.
The trail starts by gently traversing a side hill paralleling the road and the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River. In a half mile it crosses Twentytwo Creek on a little bridge by a pretty series of cascades. The trail then begins to climb, but never steeply. After about 2.0 miles you’ll cross a talus slope punctuated with maples. Pretty in fall, the views of Green Mountain and the South Fork Stilly Valley in the springtime aren’t too bad either. Reenter a cool cloak of ancient conifers and climb once again. After gaining a few hundred feet the way meets back up with Twentytwo Creek to enter the cirque housing Lake Twentytwo. You’ll encounter quite a bit of snow here lingering from near record snowfalls of this past winter. Beneath impressive vertical walls of rock, the lake’s setting is stunning. Waterfalls crash down the sheer cliffs. In early season, so do avalanches. Stay well away. By mid-summer however it’s safe to circumnavigate the lake on a delightful 1.2 mile trail.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Lake Twentytwo visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Notch Pass

2008-05-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hiker only and very few at that explore this quiet trail

Notch Pass

Hike through history over Quilcene Ridge

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Quilcene Valley, Eastside Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 8.6 miles
Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
Contact: Hood Canal Ranger District Olympic National Forest, Quilcene (360) 765-2200; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic/
Access: From Quilcene drive US 101 south for 1.5 miles turning right onto Penny Creek Road. After 1.5 miles bear left onto Big Quilcene River Road (FR 27) and proceed for one mile taking a right onto an unmarked dirt road (FR 27-010). Continue for 1.4 miles to the trailhead.

One of the quietest trails in the Olympic National Forest, Notch Pass is a hiker only route that travels deep into history on its way up and over Quilcene Ridge. Retracing an old Native American route, the way was “upgraded” in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. But by the 1960s, the lightly traveled trail was abandoned. In the 1990s however, Notch Pass was resurrected by a Forest Service Wilderness Crew, the Quilcene Ranger Corps and a Washington Trails Association (WTA) work party.
The way is steep, and there aren’t many views, but a hike to Notch Pass is a trip back into time with plenty of solitude. The trail starts off steep offering no reprieve until the pass. Much of Quilcene Ridge went up in flames in the 1930s. Fire-scarred cedars and charred snags attest to this past conflagration. A few window views can be had in the thick forest. After relentlessly gaining elevation, enter the dark notch of a pass (el. 2,500-feet) in 2.1 miles. Now high on Quilcene Ridge, pass through a tunnel of tightly-packed trees to an old logging road.
The best part of the hike is yet to come, provided you don’t mind losing 1,000 feet of elevation and having to regain it upon your return. Cross the road descending to FR 27 in about .6 mile. The trail resumes across the road to the right. Now, through a mixture of new and old-growth adorned in rhododendrons, the trail descends into the Townsend Creek Valley. In 3.5 miles cross cascading Allen Creek before reaching a luxuriant ravine housing Townsend Creek and groves of old-growth. Cross it continuing on a rough and tumble last half mile to the Lower Big Quilcene Trail just above the Bark Shanty Bridge, an ideal spot for resting before returning.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Notch Pass visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Lime Kiln Trail

2008-05-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Enjoy stunning views of the South Fork Stilly en route to the Lime Kiln

Lime Kiln Trail

Hop onboard for an historic hike along the Stillaguamish River

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Stillaguamish River Valley, Granite Falls
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks
Roundtrip: 7.0 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Green Trails Maps: Granite Falls WA- No. 109 (trail not shown)
Contact: Snohomish County Parks (360) 435-3441; http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks/
Notes: dogs must be on leash; park open dawn to dusk. Parking lot gated when closed.
Access: Follow SR 92 east to Granite Falls. Turn right onto Granite Ave. Continue south for three blocks, turning left onto Pioneer Street. In .3 mile leave the city limits. Pioneer Street becomes Menzel Lake Road. Continue another .9 mile and turn left onto Waite Mill Road. In .6 mile bear left at a Y-intersection onto a gravel road. Reach turnoff for Robe Canyon Historic Park in 500 feet.

Developed almost entirely by volunteers, this delightful and kid-friendly trail delivers you on a unique journey into the heart of Snohomish County’s 970-acre Robe Canyon Historic Park. This fairly new park protects over seven miles of frontage along the South Fork of the Stillaguamish, as well as an old townsite and a century old lime kiln; a 20-foot tall stone structure once used to cook limestone. The powdered lime was then transported by the Everett and Monte Cristo Railway to smelters and mills in Everett. Built in 1892 and abandoned in 1934, a section of this rail line has been resurrected as part of the Lime Kiln Trail.
Before embarking on this scenic and historic hike, take a moment to read the informative kiosk at the trailhead. It’ll help you more fully appreciate the journey you are about to set off on. The trail, wide and graveled takes off through scrappy forest before emerging onto an old road. After .75 mile you’ll leave the road returning to real trail.
Pass Hubbard Pond, a shallow body of water surrounded by old cedars and thickets of salal. After crossing its outlet creek on a sturdy bridge come to a well marked junction. Here a sign directs you left. Now descend into a cool, lush, emerald ravine to a bench high above the roaring waters of the South Fork of the “Stilly.” Utilizing an old rail bed the fern-lined trail travels under a canopy of towering moss-draped maples upriver through a narrow canyon towards the kiln.
Pass scores of historic relics littering the forest floor. Old saw blades, bricks, bottles, stove parts, and bed frames testify that this remote locale once supported a thriving community, Cut-off Junction (please leave all artifacts in place for others to enjoy). The lime kiln lies just ahead. (Please stay off of it to ensure it stands for another 100 years).
Beyond the old kiln, continue hiking for another .8 mile to where a rail bridge once spanned the river. Here a short loop path takes off left to a graveled bar on the Stilly. It’s a great place for snacking, resting and reflecting on the surrounding area’s fascinating history and charming beauty.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Lime Kiln Trail visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Steam Donkey Trail

2008-05-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

Enjoy glimpses of the Dosewallips River along the Steam Donkey Loop

Steam Donkey Trail

A trip back into time along the Dosewallips River

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Dosewallips State Park, Hood Canal
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Contact: Dosewallips State park (360) 796-4414; http://www.parks.wa.gov
Notes: Dogs permitted on leash
Access: From Shelton drive north on US 101 for 40 miles to Dosewallips State Park (One mile south of Brinnon). From Quilcene drive US 101 south for 11 miles to park. Day use parking on east side of highway; walk .2 mile on campground access road to trailhead located.

Well-known for its family friendly camping and great shell-fishing on Hood Canal, many visitors don’t realize that the 425-acre Dosewallips State Park offers good hiking, too. Over five miles worth! The Steam Donkey Loop is an especially attractive hike within the park and loaded with relics from the area’s logging past.
Start the loop by crossing a little bridge spanning a creek lined with attractive cedars. Traverse a lush bottomland of stately maples, cottonwoods and speckled barked alders. At a junction head right following signs for “Maple Valley.” You’ll be returning on the trail to the left. Now cross a babbling brook before bolting up a small ridge rife with rhododendrons showcasing dazzling blooms come late spring.
The Dosewallips River, one of the Peninsula’s grand waterways comes into audible range as a second junction is approached. The right fork leads to the campground following the river; a worthy side trip. Head left to Maple Valley, a luxuriant alluvial plain graced with majestic big-leaf maples, before making a short and steep climb to drier ground.
Skirt a clear-cut along the park boundary, then turn south intersecting a fire road; an option for a shorter loop. Now, gently climbing through maturing second growth, cross a series of small creeks spanned by delightful bridges; one with a colorful name describing an embarrassing incident.
Crest the ridge and begin a long descent on an old woods road through stands of cedar. Come to a small dammed pool, whose waters were once used to power the steam donkeys this trail was named for. These machines were used by loggers in the early 20th century to power winches for yarding and loading large logs at a railway landing. The old railroad bed can be reached by continuing your hike; not far after re-crossing the Fire Road. It seems hard now imagining all of this past activity in such a tranquil spot. Just beyond lies the first junction you passed. Turn right to close the loop.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Steam Donkey Trail visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: North Fork Sauk Falls

2008-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Thundering Cataract is a spectacular spectacle in the spring

North Fork Sauk Falls

Thundering Cataract is a spectacular spectacle in the spring

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

May 2, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway near Darrington
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: .5 mile
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Green Trails Maps: Sloan Peak, WA-No. 111
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Access: From Arlington follow SR 530 east for 28 miles to Darrington. At a three-way stop, turn right onto the Mountain Loop Highway and proceed for 16 miles coming to a junction with FR 49. Turn left onto FR 49 reaching the trailhead just after one mile.
Note: There is currently a slide across FR 49 .25 mile from junction with Mountain Loop Highway requiring a .75 mile (one way) road walk to trailhead. Proceed with caution.

A short and easy hike (although expect lots of snow on the trail this spring) to one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Cascades. The North Fork of the Sauk River thunders through a rocky chasm plummeting over 50 feet into a mossy-rimmed punchbowl. During autumn rains and spring thaws witness a hydrological force that is simply staggering.
Starting in a grove of alder and second growth conifers, follow the good trail towards the bellowing river. Losing about 100 feet of elevation the trail winds its way to the misty gorge housing the roaring falls. Handrails offer assistance to the not-so-sure-footed and act as barriers of prudence for keeping the hyper-curious from getting too close to the stunning but potentially dangerous natural feature. Admire the falls safely from the secure viewing areas.
Stare into the maddening waters and see if you can spot daring dippers, aquatic robin-like birds intent on finding aquatic morsels and unfazed by the fury of water surrounding them. In late summer the falls basin offers a nice reprieve from the heat. In spring be sure to don a waterproof parka before descending to overlooks that lie well within the spray zone.
While the North Fork Sauk Falls Trail may not offer much in the way of extensive hiking, it makes for a nice add-on while visiting other hikes and attractions nearby. The Engles Cedar Grove is a wonderful kid-friendly spring hike located just a short distance beyond the falls on FR 49.

For information on lodging and other attractions near North Fork Sauk Falls visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Spruce Nature Trail

2008-04-25T07:20:00.001-07:00

Expect plenty of giant old-growth Sitka Spruce long the Spruce Nature Trail

Spruce Nature Trail

Delightful loop in the Hoh Rainforest

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Hoh River Valley
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 1.5 miles
Elevation gain: 25 feet
Green Trail Map: Seven Lakes Basin, WA- No. 133S
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100
Notes: Dogs prohibited; entrance fee collected
Access: From Forks travel south on US 101 for 12 miles to the Upper Hoh Road. (From Kalaloch head north on US 101 for 20 miles). Head east on the Upper Hoh Road for 18 miles to its end at a large parking lot, visitors center and trailhead.

First time visitors to the Olympic Rainforest or hikers short on time would do themselves good by spending an hour or so on this charming trail along the Hoh River. Ideal for introducing children to the wonders of the temperate rainforest, seasoned hikers will find much to their enjoyment along this trail as well.
Starting at the Hoh Visitor Center, walk along the main trail for a few hundred feet reaching the beginning of the Spruce Nature Trail just after crossing Taft Creek. It makes no difference which direction you choose to walk this loop. The good trail meanders through groves of giant Sitka Spruce, across flats of mossy maples and alders, and along the Hoh River, one of the great waterways of the Olympic Peninsula.
While venturing not far from the hubbub of the Hoh Visitor Center and its busy adjacent picnic and campground, the surroundings are as wild as if you trudged miles up the valley. In spring and fall chances are good of seeing elk. Their voracious foraging helps keep the surrounding forest floor from becoming a dense jungle. Giant evergreens toppled by winter storms punch “sun roofs” into the thick rainforest canopy. Shade intolerant Douglas-firs quickly take advantage of the favorable new growing conditions.
While ambling along the trail, listen to a symphony performed by rainforest critters. Nuthatches, chickadees, thrush and wren all contribute melodious vocals. Listen too for soothing wind and river songs. Admire the silty-glacial fed waters of the Hoh and the crystal clear spring fed waters of Taft Creek. Admire too the sheer volumes of water stored in this saturated ecosystem. If upon finishing this delightful loop you desire more walking, consider a jaunt on nearby Hall of Mosses Nature Trail or a mile or two trek up the Hoh River Trail.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Spruce Nature Trail visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Wallace Lake

2008-04-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Placid Wallace Lake at Pebble Beach

Wallace Lake

Quiet waters above busy falls

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

April 18, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Skykomish River Valley
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 8.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
Green Trails Map: Index, WA-No. 142
Contact: Wallace Falls State Park (360) 793-0420 or http://www.parks.wa.gov/
Notes: Dogs must be leashed
Access: From Everett follow US 2 for 28 miles east to the hamlet of Gold Bar. Just before Milepost 28 turn left onto 1st Street (signed for Wallace Falls State Park). Proceed for .4 mile to a four way stop. Turn right onto May Creek Road and continue for 1.5 miles to Wallace Falls State Park and trailhead.

Not quite backcountry, not quite alpine, but a wonderful hiking destination never-the-less; Wallace Lake is the best kept secret in 4,735-acre Wallace Falls State Park. Once reached by a long and unappealing logging road, the lake is now enjoyably attained by the Greg Ball Trail; a path honoring one of the greatest trail advocates this state has ever had.
Start on the main and busy trail to the ever popular Wallace Falls coming soon to a junction. Left follows the Old Rail Grade Trail 2.2 miles before terminating at the Greg Ball Trail. Right heads 1.1 miles along the Wallace River before coming to a junction leading .2 mile to the Greg Ball Trail. Take the short way, returning the longer way if you care for variation.
Greg was a former board member and director of the Washington Trails Association (WTA). In 1993 he launched WTA’s volunteer trail maintenance program which has since grown into the largest state-based program of its kind. In 2004 at the age of 60, tragically, Greg passed away after battling cancer. He had designed this trail to Wallace Lake and it was finished in his memory by volunteers from WTA and through support from the Spring Trail Trust.
Paralleling along and above the North Fork of the Wallace River, the trail gracefully meanders through mature second growth, climbing gently, all on nice tread. After a half mile the way steepens and the forest grows darker. But an agreeable grade and forest soon returns. At about 3.0 miles from trailhead the river can be seen cascading down a narrow chasm. About a half mile farther the trail terminates at a DNR Road. Turn right on the road for a short 0.1 mile to a junction with an old road taking off left. Follow this near level forested way for .5 mile to the southern tip of Wallace Lake. A pretty spot in heavy timber with picnic tables and an attractive bridge, the northern end of the lake at Pebble Beach is much better.
Head left following an old woods road for .5 mile to arrive at the beach, a gravel outwash at the base of a small talus slope. Find yourself a nice sun warmed log and enjoy the view across the placid lake to what’s colloquially referred to as Zeke’s Hill and Mount Index peeking in the distance.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Wallace Lake visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Kalaloch Creek

2008-04-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Nature's lanterns light up the forest pronouncing; "Spring is here!"

Kalaloch Creek

Celebrate spring along this coastal creek

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Olympic Coast
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: 50 feet
Green Trail Map: La Push, WA- No. 163S
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100
Notes: Dogs prohibited
Access: From Forks travel 34 miles south on US 101 (From Hoquiam, follow US 101 north for 70 miles to Kalaloch). Turn right into Kalaloch Campground (just before Lodge and Ranger Station) and park in picnic day use area.

Derived from the Quinault meaning “Good place to land,” Kalaloch is also a good place to hike. Particularly in April and May, when higher points on the Peninsula are still buried in snow, but the forests, wetlands and vibrant coast surrounding Kalaloch are singing serenades of spring!
Most people who come to Kalaloch quickly take to its inviting strand of wide sandy beaches. But just a few steps away from the pounding surf is an entirely different environment; one perfect for escaping the ocean breeze and bevy of beachcombers. Take a quiet walk along Kalaloch Creek on a nicely groomed nature trail complete with boardwalks.
Find the trail taking off from the south end of the Kalaloch Campground. After carefully crossing US 101 begin your tranquil wanderings into dew dripping maritime forest. Under a dense canopy of salt sprayed Sitka spruce, western red cedar, western hemlock, and Douglas-fir follow the trail on a small bluff above tannic Kalaloch Creek.
Soon reach a junction. It matters not which way you choose to travel for it’s a loop. Both directions quickly drop down to the lush creek bottom. You’ll be greeted by the pungent smell of flowering skunk cabbage. This ubiquitous member of the arum family lives up to its alternative name, “swamp lantern;” its yellow lamp-like flowers light up the dark dank forest floor.
Gingerly walk on slippery boardwalks traversing the saturated surroundings. While this corner of the Olympic Peninsula did not escape the ax, the forest is rapidly maturing. The biomass of the Olympic forest is legion even in these second growth groves. Look for pacific tree frogs and Olympic salamanders in this favorable-to-amphibians environment. Look too for elk, quite possibly still lingering in the area; their upriver feeding grounds still buried in snow. Once you close the loop, head back to the trailhead from where Kalaloch Beach beckons you to further explore.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Kalaloch Creek visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Clear Creek Canyon

2008-04-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Clear Creek cuts through a deep chasm

Clear Creek Canyon

Historic Trail to Hidden Chasm

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

April 4, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Mountain Loop Highway, Darrington
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Green Trails Maps: Silverton, WA-No. 110
Contact: Darrington Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 436-1155; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Access: From Arlington follow SR 530 east for 28 miles to Darrington. At a three-way stop, turn right onto the Mountain Loop Highway and proceed for 3 miles to Clear Creek Campground. Continue for .2 mile to trailhead (unsigned) located on right just before bridge over Clear Creek.

The trail to Clear Creek Canyon is more commonly known as the Frog Lake Trail. A short and lightly used path to a mud-puddle of a pond it is one of two remaining sections of an historic trail that was once used as shortcut between Darrington and Verlot. Past logging and abandonment have all but erased this trail from the ground and memory.
The one mile section leading from Clear Creek Campground to Frog Lake is worth exploring however-and not just for its historic relevance but for its scenic value as well. This short trail provides stunning glimpses into a deep and dramatic chasm cut by the cool waters of Clear Creek. And with cascades plummeting into it and a surrounding primeval forest of giant cedars and firs the area is quite wild and dramatic. Most visitors to the Mountain Loop Highway zip right by this hidden trail oblivious that such a wild canyon exists just minutes from the road.
Within eyesight and earshot of the pristine waterway the trail winds its way through a maze of big trees. The climb is steep but short and within a half mile the way levels out. Never leaving the creek far behind, it is now however well hidden from the trail. Carefully (use extreme caution here especially with children and dogs) walk a few feet off of the trail to peer over the canyon lip down a couple hundred feet to the crashing creek. It’s quite a sight and one to instill vertigo in some hikers. Small cascades, especially during wet periods tumble down the canyon walls.
The trail continues, meeting up with Forest Road 2060 at about .75 mile. Frog Lake is reached by following a muddy track taking off from the road where it meets the trail. Don’t expect to be wooed by this little water hole, especially after seeing Clear Creek Canyon. Check out the “lake” for birds and its amphibious namesakes, then return to the canyon for a couple of more glimpses before reaching your vehicle.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Clear Creek Canyon visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Striped Peak

2008-03-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

Explore a wild hidden cove on the way to Striped Peak

Striped Peak

Scenic summit above saltwater

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

March 28, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Strait of Juan De Fuca
Land Agency: Clallam County Parks and Washington Department of Natural Resources
Roundtrip: 5.0 miles
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Contact: Salt Creek County Park, Joyce (360) 928-3441
Green Trails Map: Joyce WA-No 102
Notes: Dogs must be leashed
Access: From Port Angeles, follow US 101 west 5 miles to SR 112. Proceed for just over 7.0 miles on SR 112 turning right onto Camp Hayden Road. Continue for 3.5 miles to Salt Creek County Park. Pass entrance booth and gate and immediately turn right for trailhead parking.

Hike to a 1,000 foot peak rising straight above the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From this landmark on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula stare directly down at liners and vessels plying treacherous coastal waters. Then look out to a backdrop of craggy peaks on Canada’s Vancouver Island. Port Angeles residents have long known that some of the finest coastal scenery around can be found at Striped Peak and adjacent Salt Creek County Park, a former army post known as Camp Hayden,.
Clallam County Parks now manages the property complete with an attractive campground. A 1,500-acre DNR tract encompassing 1,166-ft Striped Peak abuts the park to the east. And although this tract was heavily logged, its steep northern slopes sporting groves of huge ancient Douglas-firs were spared.
The well-built but poorly marked trail to Striped Peak takes off though a stand of big firs. On a high bluff above crashing surf, the trail hugs Striped’s steep northern slopes. After twisting beneath one big tree after another, the trail reaches a dizzying viewpoint of an isolated cove 200 feet below. Be careful. The trail rounds the cove high above. A side trail takes off left rapidly dropping to it.
The main trail continues up a damp ravine. Uniform second growth replaces the old growth. The trail then climbs steeply skirting an old cut before emerging onto a dirt road. Now follow the road right a short distance to a viewpoint overlooking a vast expanse of saltwater and Canadian soil. Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, and Port Angeles can all be seen to the east. It’s possible to return to the trailhead via a series of DNR roads, but it’s a confusing route. Return the way you came perhaps taking time to explore that hidden cove.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Striped Peak visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Southwest County Park

2008-03-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Peaceful paths weave among stately trees in the Southwest County Park

Southwest County Park

Emerald Swath above Edmonds

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

March 21, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Edmonds
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks and Recreation
Roundtrip: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Contact: Snohomish Parks and Recreation Department: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks ; (425-388-3411)
Access: From Everett follow I-5 south to exit 181. Now follow SR 524 (196th St SW) west passing SR 99 and in about another mile turn right onto 76th Ave W. Proceed for about .5 mile to a four-way stop in the Perrinville section of Edmonds. Turn left onto Olympic View Drive and in .25 mile enter Southwest County Park. Trailhead parking is on left.

Wedged between Edmonds and Lynnwood is a 120 acre swath of greenery known as the Southwest County Park. Occupying a deep ravine and thickly forested bluffs overlooking Puget Sound, this park is one of the last big green patches in southwestern Snohomish County. Two small loop trails grace the park, allowing visitors to experience the delights of a forested environment all but absent from this heavily settled area between Seattle and Everett.
This tract had been logged in the past but now sports mature second growth including several impressive individual firs and cedars. While invasive holly and non-native grey squirrels thrive in the park, much of the terrain harbors a green blanket of indigenous salal, Oregon grape and big boughs of ferns.
Take the small loop first for a half mile saunter through quiet upland woods. Window openings in the forest canopy provide peeks of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain peaks hovering above. Interpretive signs help you identify plants along the way.
Return back to the trailhead and carefully cross Olympic View Drive to access the longer loop trail. This path parallels the road running above a deep ravine hiding Perrinville Creek. Along the way the trail makes a few dips into cool groves of mature evergreens. Several large stumps bearing springboard notches stand as testimonies to this parcel’s past. Its future however, looks good as the forest of Southwest County Park matures providing a living museum of what much of the region looked like before places like Edmonds and Lynnwood dotted the map.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Southwest County Park visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Elk Lakes

2008-03-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Elk Lakes offer plenty of springtime serenity

Elk Lakes

Small Olympic lakes bustle with springtime activity

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

March 14, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Hood Canal east Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 4.0 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Contact: Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District (360) 765-2200; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/olympic
Green Trails Map: The Brothers, WA-No 168
Notes: Northwest Trail Pass required from main trailhead on FR 2401
Access: From Hoodsport, travel US 101 north for 14 miles. At Milepost 318, turn left onto FR 25. Continue for 6.5 mile turning left onto FR 2480. Cross Hamma Hamma River and immediately turn right onto unsigned FR 2421. Follow this primitive road 1.6 miles to a pullout on your left. Park here; trail begins at sharp turn in road. If FR 2421 is too rough, stay on FR 2480 for 3 more miles; turn right onto FR 2401 and proceed 2.5 miles to main trailhead.

This oft-overlooked trail makes for a perfect spring getaway on the Olympic Peninsula. Its low elevation means no snow and lots of blossoming trilliums and skunk cabbage. The lakes themselves, often just grassy marshlands in summer are now overflowing with snowmelt and bustling with breeding birds and singing frogs. And there’s old-growth forest too along this hike; beautiful groves spared from the logging frenzy of the 1980s and early 90s.
The Elk Lakes are easily accessible off of FR 2401, but by taking this back way, you’re guaranteed a quiet journey to them and lots of big cedars and firs to admire along the way. Find the unmarked but well-maintained trail heading west through a tunnel of second-growth greenery. Within a few minutes you’ll emerge on a hillside above roaring Jefferson Creek. Born in the snowfields of Mount Ellinor and her rugged neighbors, Jefferson crashes through a steep and narrow canyon before draining into the Hamma Hamma River.
Next enter magnificent primeval forest and after a series of slight ups and downs arrive at a junction in 1.1 miles. Head right through a grove of monster cedars to the lower Elk Lake. Continue along the shore and witness a fury of avian and amphibian activity. The trail continues on a mostly level course following Jefferson Creek through more impressive old-growth. At 1.9 miles from your start reach the upper trailhead on FR 2401. Retrace your steps or follow the road left for a half mile picking up trail again just after crossing Cedar Creek. The upper Elk Lake is reached on a short path leaving from across the road.
Head left dropping back to the main lake and in .4 mile from the road, reach a junction. The right trail leads .1 mile to the main trailhead. Head left crossing Jefferson Creek on a sturdy log bridge to return back to your vehicle.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Elk Lakes visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Portage Creek

2008-03-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Flat and easy hiking at Portage Creek

Portage Creek

Wetland Wonderland in the Stillaguamish Valley

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

March 7, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Arlington
Land Agency: Snohomish County Parks and Recreation
Roundtrip: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: none
Contact: Snohomish Parks and Recreation Department: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Parks ; (425-388-3411)
Access: From Everett follow I-5 north to Smoky Point Exit 206. Head east on SR 531. At first traffic light turn left (north) onto Smokey Point Blvd and proceed 1.0 mile turning right (east) onto 188th NE. In .7 mile bear left onto 47th Ave NE. In .4 mile bear right onto Cemetery Road and follow for .25 mile turning left into Portage Creek Wildlife Area.

Once used for peat and dairy farming, these wildlife rearing wetland meadows surrounding Portage Creek are now part of a 157-acre county preserve. Before taking to the trails traversing the property make a quick visit to the old barn which doubles as an Interpretive Center. You’ll quickly learn here that the Portage Creek Wildlife Area came to fruition thanks to the vision of Gene Ammon, the former owner and peat miner who began restoring this property and subsequently donated it to the county.
Near the barn are a couple of small ponds that usually harbor a fair amount of waterfowl. Scope their calm waters; then head out to explore the wide open fields making up the brunt of the property. From the main trailhead, walk north immediately coming to a junction. The trail straight makes a short loop around a marsh of golden grasses, swaying cattails, and songbird hiding reeds.
The trail left breaks out from a row of mature alders into open fields coming to Portage Creek within a .25 mile. The area is prone to flooding and you may have difficulty crossing this little waterway. If the creek permits, continue north across a wide expanse, all part of the floodplain of the Stillaguamish River. Admire the mountains off in the distance. Closer, look for beaver and otter sign. Watch for herons probing wetland pools and for hawks zeroing in on scurrying rodents.
Continue north to a junction. The trail left travels along the property’s periphery returning to the main trail a .25 mile north. Take it. You’ll pass another trail that travels east to an alternative trailhead and parking off of 59th Ave. The property is quite pleasant if not a tad bit noisy. Highway sounds buzz in the distance, and the Arlington Airport lies just to the south. Still, in spring most of the racket you’ll be paying attention to is from nesting birds and amorous frogs.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Portage Creek visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Hoyt Beach

2008-02-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

Enjoy a wild and deserted coastline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca

Hoyt Beach

Shoreline of solitude at the Mouth of the Sekiu River

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

February 29, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Northwest Olympic Peninsula
Land Agency: Washington State Parks
Roundtrip: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: none
Contact: Washington State Parks (360) 902-8844; http://www.parks.wa.gov
Access: From Port Angeles head west of US 101 for 5 miles. Turn right onto SR 112 and follow west for 46 miles to Clallam Bay. Continue west another 3.0 miles to junction with the Hoko-Ozette Road. Bear right remaining on SR 112. After 2.2 miles (near Milepost 10), locate a pullout with parking for several cars. Hike begins here.

Since 1991, Washington State Parks has busily been acquiring prime natural, cultural, and recreational lands along the Hoko River in the extreme northwest corner of the Olympic Peninsula. Soon to be developed as a destination state park, the new Hoko River State Park comprises of several parcels including wild coastline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. While access issues are still being worked out on some of the coastal properties, the Hoyt Tract can easily be visited right now.
From the pullout, work your way around a few driftwood logs to a beautiful expanse of beach sans crowds and other signs of civilization. Walk west towards the mouth of the Sekiu River on a smooth sandy expanse of beach. Enjoy views across the Strait to the snow-capped and log-scalped peaks of Vancouver Island. Watch seafaring vessels of varying sizes and shapes ply the waterway passage to busy ports in Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, and Tacoma.
Being less than ten miles from the Pacific, the Strait is wide here and often produces breakers of ocean proportions. After you saunter the sands west, turn around and visit the east end of the public beach. Here away from SR 112 shiny barked alders and scaly barked Sitka spruce line the silver sands. Throughout most of the year streams of varying intensities carve snaking channels across the beach. None are difficult to cross, just prepare for wet feet. Prepare too to be serenaded by a plethora of birds; from eagles and gulls, to sand probing shorebirds and surf riding ducks.
Be sure to respect any adjacent private property owners by not trespassing as you explore this excellent tract of new park land.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Hoyt Beach visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Scriber Lake

2008-02-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

Scriber Lake's "floating trail" is popular with children and birdwatchers

Scriber Lake

Wetland Wonder in the heart of Lynnwood

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Februrary 22, 2008

Quick Facts
Location: Lynnwood
Land Agency: City of Lynnwood Parks and Recreation
Roundtrip: 1.2 miles
Elevation gain: none
Contact: Lynnwood Parks and Recreation Department http://www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/Content/Community.aspx?id=210; (425-771-4030)
Access: From Seattle take I-5 to exit 181. Turn left onto 44th Ave NW. At third light turn left onto SR 524 (196th Street SW) and proceed for about one mile turning left onto Scriber Lake Road. Soon afterwards turn left onto 198th Street SW and come to Scriber Lake Park in a .25 mile. From Everett take I-5 to exit 181 and follow SR 524 west 1.5 miles to Scriber Lake Road.

Who would imagine that lying right in the center of Lynnwood’s sea of strip malls and commercial developments is a wildlife rich wetland complex of pond, peat bog and streams? But there is! Wedged between bustling boulevards is little Scriber Lake, a surprisingly delightful natural area graced with good trails, interpretive signage and wildlife-themed wrought iron park benches. Perfect for late afternoon strolls and early morning jaunts, Scriber Lake is also an ideal destination for inquisitive children.
Here on winding paths that circle the lake, young naturalists will be able to scan the shoreline and its swampy surrounding thickets of shrubbery for a myriad of wading and nesting birds, scurrying small mammals and insect-craving amphibians. Both paved and soft surface trails traverse the park. And while the hike around the lake is short, paved trails that diverge to Wilcox and Scriber Creek Parks offer extended hiking. In fact, the Scriber Creek Trail intersects with the paved Interurban Trail which extends for over 15 miles from Everett to Mountlake Terrace.
No matter the distance you choose to hike however, you’ll want to linger long on the floating boardwalk that protrudes into Scriber Lake. Here you can be entertained by whimsical waterfowl and admire a small corner of Lynnwood that has virtually remained the same since the time Peter Schrieber homesteaded it in the 1890s.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Scriber Lake visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County

Hike of the Week: Kestner Homestead

2008-02-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

Contemplate pioneer life in the rainforest on the Kestner Homestead Trail

Kestner Homestead

A place to ponder the pioneers of the Peninsula

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Februray 15, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Quinault Valley
Land Agency: Olympic National Park
Roundtrip: 1.3 miles
Elevation gain: minimal
Green Trail Map: Kloochman Rock, WA- No. 165
Contact: Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center (360) 565-3100
Notes: Dogs prohibited
Access: From Hoquiam follow US 101 north for 37 miles to Amanda Park. Turn right on the North Shore Road and proceed for about five miles to the Olympic National Park Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station.

Rugged, isolated and receiving over 12 feet of rain a year, can you imagine eking a home and a living in the Quinault Rainforest? Of course native peoples have been living within this dramatic valley for centuries. But for Americans of European descent it wasn’t until the late 1800s that a few hardy souls and families migrated to this region of big timber, abundant game and copious rainfall.
Take a walk on the Kestner Homestead Trail for a 1.3 mile introduction to life in the Quinault Valley. Stroll through the grounds that Anton Kestner claimed in 1889 under the Homestead Act and proceeded to clear for pasture and his domicile. The Kestner and Higley families lived here for decades and the attractive stream that bisects their former homestead and the peak that shadows it bears their names.
From the trailhead located near the ranger station, head up the wide and easy to walk trail paralleling gurgling Kestner Creek. After walking under a tunnel of maple, spruce and hemlock cross the creek and emerge at the century plus old homestead. Wile through the grounds inspecting the main home, barn, out-buildings and various farming relics. Look for elk, frequent visitors during the winter months.
After admiring the homestead return to the darkness of the saturated forest. In early spring flowering skunk cabbage, nature’s swamp lanterns add light and life to the dank rainforest. The trail meanders through maple glades and swampy swales and alongside boughs of sword ferns nearly head high. At about a mile it intersects with the Maple Glade Nature Loop Trail. Continue straight to return to the trailhead, or turn left on the wheelchair accessible Maple Glade Trail to add another .25 mile to your wanderings into the past.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Kestner Homestead visit
Click here for link to Olympic Pennsula

Hike of the Week: Big Ditch

2008-02-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

A hiker pauses to look for birds along the Big Ditch

Big Ditch

Swan Song for the Skagit River

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Februrary 8, 2008
Quick Facts
Location: Skagit Bay, Stanwood
Land Agency: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Roundtrip: 4.0 miles
Elevation gain: none
Contact: Skagit Wildlife Area: http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/r4skagit.htm; (360-445-4441)
Access: From Exit 212 on I-5 head west on SR 532 for five miles to the town of Stanwood. Turn right onto the Pioneer Highway and proceed for 2.6 miles to the junction with the Old Pacific Highway. Turn left crossing railroad tracks and immediately come to a junction with a gravel road veering right. Follow the heavily-pot-holed road for .6 mile to large parking area and trailhead.
Notes: A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Parking Permit is required; available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Area is open to hunting from October through January.

Not exactly an enticing name for a place to spend time in nature, don’t ditch the idea of hiking here due to this destination’s non-enticing name. The Big Ditch is actually an old channel built decades ago for area farmers to keep their reclaimed croplands from being inundated by tidewaters. Forming the demarcation line between productive Skagit Flats farmlands and the wildlife-rich tidal flats of the Skagit River Delta, the Ditch is “en-trenched” with scenic beauty and birdlife.
Start your hike off by setting out north on a dike separating the tilled flats from the tide flats. The expansive saturated mudflats to your left and north are protected within the 13,000 acre Skagit Wildlife Area. Encompassing a slew of sloughs between the North and South Forks of the Skagit River, this Washington Fish and Wildlife property is one of the best places in the Northwest for observing birds. During the winter months, thousands of snow geese and trumpeter and tundra swans seek refuge here. Their white downy bodies resemble patches of snow against the stark winter landscape of brown reeds and grasses.
Continue hiking north along the elevated walkway admiring a landscape that could be right out of the Deep South. In one mile pass a row of shanty hunting cabins perched on pilings along a river channel that appear to be straight out of a Louisiana bayou. But lift thine eyes upwards to snowy Mount Baker hovering in the distance to confirm that this is indeed the Pacific Northwest.
The trail continues beyond the hunter hovels to hug the South Fork of the Skagit. About two miles from the trailhead reach the Snohomish-Skagit County Line and the turning around point for this hike. The dike north is privately owned and not open to public use. Retrace your steps back to the parking area. Don’t forget to have your binoculars and field guide at hand. However, you shouldn’t have any difficulties identifying the swans and geese gathering on the surrounding grounds.

For information on lodging and other attractions near Big Ditch visit
Click here for link to Snohomish County