Hikes of the Week Archive 2008

These are hikes that were featured on the WTA website in 2008. Do note that conditions each year will be different - what was a great hike at a certain time in 2008, won't necessarily be a great hike this year. Also note that since these hikes were featured, we have created a much-improved Hiking Guide with more details and Trip Reports, over 800 provided by guidebooks from Mountaineers Books. You can also access our Hikes of the Week archive for 2009 and 2010.

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Tunnel Creek

Olympics
November 25, 2008

Experience winter in the Olympics on the Tunnel Creek Trail, where you can start out in mossy green forest and climb up into crunchy snow and enjoy crystalline views of all the peaks in the area and even those on the east side of the Sound. Read more.

Boulder River

Darrington area
November 17, 2008

Shi Shi Beach

The Olympics  
November 7, 2008

Shi Shi Beach is a wonderful destination in any season - there is no better place to experience the strength of the ocean, the majesty of sea stacks, the wide expanse of beach, and small creatures in tidepools. A fall or winter visit, however, allows you to roam this special place alone and really experience its raw power. Read more.

Swakane Canyon

Eastern Washington - Wenatchee area
October 13, 2008

Fall is a great time to hike Eastern Washington's desert country and Swakane Canyon is an inspired choice with its orange, red and golden hues along the canyon floor and wide open vistas. Read more.

Lake Ingalls

Salmon Le Sac/Teanaway
October 6, 2008

This well-graded trail leads to an icy-blue tarn nestled beneath a magnificent view of the highest peak in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Mount Stuart. It's usually hikeable July through October and offers stunning and abundant alpine larch in the fall. Photo by Hiker Jim. Read more.

Carne Mountain

Central Cascades - Stevens Pass East
September 29, 2008

In October, the larch trees turn electric yellow in the high country. And what better place to come to view them! In the morning sun the larches shine yellow, and in the afternoon shade they are yellow-orange. Read more.

Yellow Aster Butte

North Cascades - Mt. Baker Hwy.
September 21, 2008

It's officially autumn and what better time than to check out the fall color of the North Cascades. The hike to Yellow Aster Butte won't disappoint. Views abound, and so do the brilliant hues of the season. And there just may be a few huckleberries left to pick.  Read more.

Bare Mountain

Snoqualmie Pass - near North Bend
September 15, 2008

This hike, which starts near North Bend, is a gorgeous, little-traveled route to a summit with a 360-degree view of Baker, Rainier & the Olympics. Check out the description and trip reports in our new Hiking Guide! Read more.

Hidden Lake Peak

North Cascades
September 8, 2008

There are so many reasons to visit Hidden Lake Peak this September. Fall color. Jaw dropping panoramic views. A beautifully restored forest lookout. And a newly re-opened road that had been closed for the past year and a half. Read on.

Indian Heaven Loops

South Cascasdes
September 1, 2008

Dozens of lakes and little lakelets, separated by broad meadows, subalpine forest and views of the tallest Cascade mountains dot the Indian Heaven Wilderness. In early summer, the area is known for its vicious mosquitoes, but by September the bugs have largely disappeared and ripe huckleberries have taken their place. Read more.

Maple Pass Loop

North Cascades
August 25, 2008

The Maple Pass Loop is one of the jewels of the North Cascades. It is a hike that gives you a little bit of everything - forests, wildflowers, lakes, ridgetops, a huge waterfall, and views - all in a splendid loop that is spectacular nearly every step of the way. More.

Snowgrass Flats - Goat Ridge

South Cascasdes - Goat Rocks Wilderness
August 18, 2008

The snow has melted, and it is the perfect time to experience the magic of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. This loop trip samples the best of the area - cool forests; bright wildflowers; and amazing views of all of volcanoes in the South Cascades. Read on.

Cady Ridge - Meander Meadow

Near Lake Wenatchee
August 11, 2008

The meadows are the star attraction of this loop. We're talking miles of meadows - bursting with wildflowers during July and August and awash with fall color in the autumn. The hike is best done as an overnight loop, but can also be completed as a shorter out and back to Cady Ridge or a longer trip that takes in one of the finest stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail. Read more.

Jumbo Shoulder - Juniper Ridge

South Cascasdes - Dark Divide Roadless Area
August 4, 2008

The Juniper Ridge trail to Jumbo Shoulder takes hikers through some truly amazing country. Fires in the early 1900s combined with volcanic pumice from Mount St. Helens has created near perfect conditions for three of our favorite high country elements - wildflowers, huckleberries, and views, view, views. Read on.

Royal Basin

Olympic National Park
July 28, 2008

Royal Basin is a fabulous overnight backpack trip (or long day hike) into one of the prettiest alpine lake basins in the Olympics. Right now, the wildflowers are in peak bloom and Royal Lake is snow-free and reportedly excellent for a cool dip after a long hike. Never mind the majestic peaks that grow closer every step of your journey. Read more.

Bandera Mountain

Snoqualmie Pass - West
July 21, 2008

Summits are always fun to hike, and Bandera Mountain is no exception. For Seattle-area hikers in particular, it's an excellent close-in choice for a day hike that will get your lungs pumping and your senses engaged. Read on.

Noble Knob

Northeast of Mt. Rainier National Park
July 14, 2008

High alpine meadows, great views of Mt. Rainier and a snow-free gentle ascent make this an excellent hike to take out-of-town visitors and children. If you go early you might even catch a glimpse of the local elk herd. Read more.

Horseshoe Basin

North Cascades - Pasaytan Wilderness
July 7, 2008

Expansive, alpine wilderness that offers endless opportunities for wandering is the highlight of this hike. In a summer when snow is lingering long into the season, this sunny and open paradise is a great place to explore. Day hikers can enjoy the hike, but to really experience this remarkable area you must bring a backpack.  Read on.

Marmot Pass

Olympic Peninsula - East
June 30, 2008

Marmot Pass is a quintessential Olympic Peninsula hike - from old growth forest and the tumbling Quilcene River to broad meadows of wildflowers and supreme views in all directions, this is a trek well worth making. Read more.

Goat Lake

Mountain Loop Hwy
June 23, 2008

Goat Lake is a beauty - a snow-free trail leads to a large and serene lake in an alpine cirque. It's an excellent day hike, but is often a favorite of overnight backpackers. There's nothing better than being lulled to sleep by the sound of McIntosh Falls plummeting out of Goat Lake and into Elliott Creek. Read on.

Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

Near North Bend
June 16, 2008

While many river hikes spend most of the time shrouded in trees, this hike along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River opens up to good views of Mt. Garfield and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness along the way. Read more.

Ingalls Creek

Off Blewett Pass
June 9, 2008

Located off of Blewett Pass in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Ingalls Creek is often awash in sunshine when other places in the Cascades are not. In June, the wildflowers are the star attraction, lining the trail for the first five miles. Not to be outdone, Ingalls Creek itself is a constant companion, roaring with snowmelt this time of year. Read on.

4th of July Creek

Near Leavenworth
June 2, 2008

A great late spring hike with ridge top views and significant elevation gains. Switchbacking up a steep southwest-facing slope, the Fourth of July Creek trail will test your lung power while giving you ample reason to take lots of breaks and enjoy the constant views of the Icicle Valley and Mt. Stuart. Read more.

Thirteenmile

Kettle Range, near Republic
May 26, 2008

Sunny skies of Eastern Washington. Warm weather. Solitude. Gorgeous views of the rounded mountains of the Kettle Crest and Sherman Pass from ridgetops. Alpine meadows. Opportunities to wander and scramble. Spend a day or a week, Thirteenmile is much more inspiring than its name. Read more.

Hamilton Mountain

Beacon Rock State Park, Columbia River Gorge
May 19, 2008

Hamilton Mountain is nirvana for those seeking high alpine views, ridgeline walks, cliffs, wildflowers, waterfalls and a good workout during a spring when most similar hikes are snowbound. Read more.

East Bank Baker Lake

North Cascades
May 12, 2008

Chelan Lakeshore Trail

Lake Chelan
May 5, 2008

The Chelan Lakeshore Trail is one of the state's premiere spring backpacking destinations. Accessible as early as March and April most years, it's a beautiful trek that offers nearly constant views of sparkling Lake Chelan and the mountains rising from its west bank. Read more.

Boulder River

Hwy 530, east of Arlington
April 28, 2008

Towering lowland old growth forest, impressive waterfalls, and a roaring stream make Boulder River a great destination any time of the year. This is one of the best times to visit, when spring run-off makes the waterfalls particularly powerful. Read on.

Hoh River to Five Mile Island

Olympic National Park
April 14, 2008

The Olympics got hammered by storms this winter, but WTA volunteers recently opened the Hoh River trail to Five Mile Island, a great turn-around spot for day hikers. There is something incredibly magical about the Hoh - huge trees, cascading moss, birds and Roosevelt elk and the Olympic Mountains rising above the broad river valley. Read more.

De Leo Wall - Coal Creek Falls

Cougar Mountain Regional Park, Issaquah Alps
April 14, 2008

Cougar Mountain Regional Park offers more than 36 miles of trails, and makes a great destination for hikers in the Seattle area who want to get out for a quick hike. This loop is one of many you can take - its spring highlights include a gushing waterfall and wildflowers. Read on.

Ancient Lakes

Quincy Wildlife Area, SW of Wenatchee
April 7, 2008

Waterfalls in the desert. Deep coulees. Small lakes and large lakes. Sagebrush. Wildflowers. A cacophony of bird songs. Spring is the best time to visit the Ancient Lakes in the Quincy Wildlife area - it's sunny and warm and you can even pitch your tent by a lake. More.

Dog Mountain

Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area
March 31, 2008

This trail is not a secret. But it sure is beautiful, especially in the spring when an electric display of balsamroot blooms. It's worth a hike anytime of the year, however, with its fabulous views of the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood from the old lookout at the top. Read on.

Copper Creek Hut

Mt. Tahoma Trail System - west of Mt. Rainier N.P.
March 24, 2008

The calendar may say spring, but you shouldn't miss an opportunity to take a last romp in the white stuff this season! The Copper Creek Hut is the jewel in the Mt. Tahoma Trail system, and there is still great snow for the altitude-starved outdoors-person. More.

Old Sauk Trail

Near Darrington - Mtn. Loop Hwy.
March 17, 2008

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the month of March with hikes that emphasize green. Old Sauk fits that bill perfectly. The mossy forest carpet and the milky green Sauk River offer a great easy day hike for hikers big and small. Read on.

Mount Constitution

Orcas Island
March 10, 2008

March is one of the best times to visit Orcas Island, and there is no better destination than Mt. Constitution, the San Juan Islands' highest point. Sure, you can drive to the top of the mountain. But it is much more rewarding to hike it. Read on.

Cowiche Canyon

Near Yakima
March 3, 2008

After a winter of white and gray, everyone needs a dose of red, purple and yellow. Cowiche Canyon, located on the outskirts of Yakima, is one of the first hikes to boast blooming flowers in the spring. Most years, flowers are blooming in Cowiche Canyon by mid-to-late March. Read on.

Hex Mountain

Teanaways - near Roslyn
February 25, 2008

Hex Mountain is a steep snowshoe with a huge reward:  360 degree views of Mt. Rainier, the Stuart Range, and the Teanaways.  The best news is that the ridge trail is well sheltered, which makes it a good choice in a year where avalanche conditions are extreme. Read on.

Klickitat Rail Trail

Southwest Washington, north of The Dalles
February 18, 2008

The Klickitat Rail Trail is a recent addition to Washington's rails-to-trails network, and is a fantastic destination for people seeking a great hike on the sunny side of the Cascades and Columbia River.
Read on.

Carbon River

Mt. Rainier National Park
February 11, 2008

During one of the worst winters for avalanche conditions in recent memory, it's nice to find a trail that is snowy yet safe.  This week's best bet is the Carbon River Road.  Some winters the snow barely touches this place.  This winter is different!  And the white stuff makes walking this road quite a bit of fun. Read on.

Granite Lakes

Middle Fork area, near North Bend
February 4, 2008

If you're looking for an avalanche-free hike or snowshoe to mountain lakes with moderate elevation gain, Granite Lakes is the place to go. Just a few miles outside of North Bend in the Middle Fork area, it's the perfect hike to take when Snoqualmie Pass is a mess. Read on.

Mount Walker

Eastern Olympics, near Quilcene
January 28, 2008

This easternmost mountain in the Olympics offers excellent views of Puget Sound, the Olympics and Cascades. With a 2000' elevation gain, it's great for conditioning. And in the winter, there aren't any crowds. Read on.

Mt. Spokane Snowshoe Trails

Northeast of Spokane
January 21, 2008

Best known for its downhill and Nordic ski areas, Mt. Spokane is also a great place to snowshoe! There are six official trails ranging from easy to difficult.
Read more about the trails.

Rattlesnake Mountain Trail

Issaquah Alps
January 14, 2008

If you've hiked to the Ledges and beyond from Rattlesnake Lake, this is a delightful alternative. You can now reach Rattlesnake Mountain from the west, starting from a new trailhead at Snoqualmie Point. Expect more solitude on this approach, and enjoy the fantastic views.  Read more.  

Lower Falls Creek Falls

Mt Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot
National Forest
January 7, 2008

A great hike for all of you in Vancouver, Portland or SW Washington!  This is an easy yet exciting hike for the whole family.  The big reward is a three-tiered waterfall which drops nearly 250 feet into an amazing, moss-covered pool below the viewpoint.  Read more...

Artist Point

Mt. Baker Ski Area
December 31, 2007

The panoramic view of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Coleman Pinnacle, and Ptarmigan Ridge is even more beautiful under deep layers of snow than it is in the summer. And that says something for a place called Artist Point. Read about it.

Swauk Creek Snowshoe Trails

Blewett Pass - between Cle Elum & Wenatchee
December 24, 2007

In the heart of Blewett Pass snowmobile country is a glorious area designated just for skis, snowshoes and feet.  More than 50 miles of marked trails offer something for everyone - we present five choices among the many for a great winter's day. 
Read about them.

Ebey's Landing

Whidbey Island - near Coupeville
December 17, 2007

We were inspired by December's photo gallery cover shot of Parego's Lagoon to feature this hike to Ebey's Landing this week.  Then we read past Trip Reports, all effusive in describing this area's stark beauty.
Read about Ebey's Landing.
 

Lime Kiln Trail

Snohomish County - near Granite Falls
December 10, 2007

The trail is carved out of the Everett & Monte Cristo railroad grade and features gurgling creeks, an historic lime kiln, twisted iron railroad railings, and a walk down to the banks of the thunderous Stillaguamish.  Read on.

Chiwaukum Creek

Alpine Lakes - near Leavenworth
December 3, 2007

A leisurely snowshoe walk alongside a babbling creek under a canopy of pungent Ponderosa Pine.  This trip is best left for a day with low avalanche possibilities.  Read more.

Oyster Dome

Chuckanuts - South of Bellingham
November 25, 2007

Fabulous views high over Puget Sound and out to the Olympics, big boulders to play on, a great workout, and bats!  It's a place that fuels the imagination and can refuel you on a winter's day.  Read on.

Tonga Ridge

Glacier Peak Area
November 18, 2007

The Tonga Ridge Road just reopened in October after being closed for 11 months following the devastating winter storm last November.  Now you have a short window of opportunity to enjoy this wonderful trail before snow closes the road again until next spring.  Read more about this hike.