Walking off the Turkey

A hallmark of Thanksgiving dinner is over-eating. And that is just the beginning of a holiday season known for its savory meals, appetizer-rich parties and piles of sugary goodies.

Spencer Island - on the outskirts of Everett - is a great place to stretch your legs and take the kids. Photo by Trip Report poster CBig.

Consider forgoing the football games on TV, and take your family outside this long Thanksgiving weekend for a hike. We've come up with ten hikes near population centers all across Washington. Visiting family in Bellingham - we've got a hike for you! Welcoming friends from Seattle to your home in Wenatchee - good choices abound.

Here are some selections to consider for short hikes - most low enough to be snow-free - with links to WTA's Hiking Guide or other sources for more information. Happy Hiking!

Bellingham:  Fragrance Lake - one of many enjoyable hikes along Chuckanut Drive.

Everett:  Spencer Island - easy hiking for the whole family along the boardwalks, just east of town.

Seattle:  Twin Falls - a WTA favorite. The falls should be roaring with all of the rain we've recently had.

Kitsap Peninsula:  Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve - delightful tidal wetlands in this privately-owned 135-acre preserve.

Tacoma:  Greenwater Lakes - it's only a gentle 1.5 miles to the first lake, and along the way enjoy the old growth forest.

Olympia:  McLane Creek - an easy walk through wetlands that everyone can enjoy

Vancouver:  Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - a little known gem, just west of I-5 near La Center. A great choice to stretch the legs to and from Oregon.

Wenatchee:  Horan Natural Area - a lovely loop trail right along the Wenatchee River.

Spokane:  Dishman Hills NRCA - lots of connecting trails provide numerous hiking opportunities in this rich and biologically diverse area near Spokane.

Tri-Cities/Walla Walla:  Twin Sisters Rock - stunning basalt formations and views of the Columbia River. Read the Trip Report for inspiration!