Hikes of the Week 2012
These are hikes that have been featured on the WTA website in 2012. Be sure to follow the links to our Hiking Guide with more 1000 full hike descriptions and driving directions, most courtesy of Mountaineers Books and its guidebook authors. You can also access our Hike of the Week archives for 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
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Cape Disappointment
February 9, 2011
Cape Disappointment is a year-round delight, with pounding surf, misty forests, towering bluffs and two majestic lighthouses. There are several hiking options. A WTA favorite is the trail to the North Head Lighthouse. Enjoy the elevated wooden staircase that our Volunteer Vacation crews have recently built to keep you from the mud.
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Mazama Ridge
February 3, 2011
There may be nothing better than snowshoeing at Mount Rainier National Park on a sunny day - and the forecast looks favorable! Drive to Paradise and find your way to the top of Mazama Ridge for exhilarating close-ups of both The Mountain and the Tatoosh Range to the south. The slopes before you are wide open and inviting. Ahhh. Paradise.
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Mima Mounds
January 27, 2011
South of Olympia lie the Mima Mounds, a National Natural Landmark that has perplexed generations of scientists. No one knows why or how these 6-foot high prairie humps were created - and there are a lot of them! As you wander among the hummocks along the family-friendly trail, contemplate the possible geologic forces that could have made the mounds. You might be right!
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Padilla Bay
January 19, 2011
With lowland snow melting, beat cabin fever and head out to Padilla Bay where you'll be treated to shore birds, like the dunlins pictured above, flocking about. This National Estuarine Research Reserve is a real treat - with 4.8 miles of ADA-accesible hiking, gorgeous views across Puget Sound and many varieties of birds.
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Heather Lake
January 12, 2011
Often hikeable without snowshoes in winter, a cold front just may make them necessary at Heather Lake this week. Climb steadily but not too steeply through wintery forest to a gorgeous lake at the foot of imposing Mount Pilchuck. Bring a pad to sit on while you gaze at the semi-frozen lake and the rocky mountain face before you.
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Amabilis Mountain
January 6, 2011
Get your heart pumping while enjoying snowy scenery and peaks on a trek up Amabilis Mountain. On the east side of Snoqualmie Pass, this destination offers snowshoers and cross-country skiers elevation gain and amazing views. But make sure avalanche danger is low before heading out.
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