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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Ingalls Creek

May 23, 2012

Ingalls Creek trail is a true springtime gem for both hikers and backpackers. Walk beside a raging whitewater creek, swollen with snowmelt. Enjoy the blooms of calypso orchids, trillium, balsamroot and glacier lilies. Gaze up at the Stuart range, still cloaked in white. It's really the perfect Memorial Day destination.

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Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area

May 17, 2012

Desert wildflower explosion - guaranteed on Whiskey Dick mountain! Dozens of different types and colors of flowers grow here, all against a backdrop of silvery-green sagebrush. The higher you go on this road-to-trail, the more flowers you'll see - plus Puget Sound Energy's windmills and views of the sparkling Columbia River

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Snoquera Falls

May 9, 2012

WTA volunteers have been working on the Snoquera Falls trail this week, making it an excellent Mother's Day destination! Springtime means rushing, splashing waterfalls swollen with snowmelt. Enjoy lush forest, birdsong and scolding squirrels. When conditions allow it, a simple rock-hop across the stream below Snoquera Falls make a nice loop.

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Selah Butte

May 3, 2012

Here's a roadtrip for this weekend: Drive  Canyon River Road from Ellensburg, and spend the day roaming on Selah Butte, which in spring is cloaked in wildflowers! WTA trip reporters give tips on where to find hedgehog cacti and more.

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Icicle Ridge

April 25, 2012

Alpine views attainable in April? Why yes! The Icicle Ridge trail near Leavenworth is snow-free to the saddle and offers hikers plentiful mountain views, budding spring wildflowers and a good chance of sun (this being the dry side of the Cascades).

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Murhut Falls

April 12, 2012

Warmer temperatures are making this an excellent time of year to visit waterfalls of the Cascades and Olympics. On the trail to Murhut Falls, explore the east side of the Olympics on a short and sweet hike that is suitable for the entire family. In less than a mile, this forest walk ascends only 300 feet before delivering its reward: a roaring, double cascade.

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Cowiche Canyon

April 4, 2012

Spring wildflowers, sunny skies and possibilities for roaming greet hikers at Cowiche Canyon near Yakima. The old railroad grade makes for easy hiking and the upland trail provides 360 degree views and many wildflowers among the basalt cliffs. The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy has done an amazing job of preserving this area and creating recreation opportunities.

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Deception Pass Headlands

March 29, 2012

Don't get too close to the cliff! But do take this hike at Deception Pass State Park. Two trails branch out from the interpretive center - the first to cliffs at Rosario Head and the other to Lighthouse Point with great views into Deception Pass and out to the San Juan Islands. Read more.

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Slab Camp to Gray Wolf River

March 20, 2012

That's no flower. It's a mushroom! The Olympic Peninsula's Slab Camp trail is a delight in early spring as it winds its way down to the tumbling Gray Wolf River. It's a backward hike, starting high and descending 1100 feet in 2.8 miles through old growth trees. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting fungi in the forest and enjoy lunch along the river.

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Klickitat Trail - Klickitat River

March 8, 2012

Wildflowers in March? Yes indeed. Just head to the Columbia River Gorge where south-facing hills are starting to pop with early-blooming flowers like this gold star. The Klickitat River section of the Klickitat Trail is a 10.5 mile, fairly level trail with easy road access in Lyle. In addition to the flowers, look for birds, wildlife in the hills above the river and maybe a kayaker or two in this  Wild and Scenic River.

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Big Four Snowshoe

March 1, 2012

Trip Reporter thebrink calls the Big Four Snowshoe a "great snowshoe hike for experiencing a multitude of scenes: rivers, streams, peaks, forests and ponds." We couldn't agree more, and conditions right now are perfect. You won't see the caves this time of year. Stay far back and watch avalanches crash down Big Four's steep slopes. Wow.

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Mowich Lake Snowshoe

February 23, 2012

With new mountain snow and rising avalanche danger, where is a snowshoer to go? How about Mowich Lake, a road walk that is transformed into a winter wonderland with new snow. Drive as far as you can, then start walking up the road. You may not reach the lake, but you will enjoy your walk among the snowy giants.

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Northrup Canyon

February 16, 2012

For many it's a three-day weekend. Why not get out of town? Northrup Canyon is an excellent winter choice. Located in the Grand Coulee, you will delight in the silvery sagebrush, golden grasses and scarlet red osier. It's also a winter oasis for some 200 bald eagles. Throw in a picturesque canyon and a neat old cabin and you have a great hike!

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Cape Disappointment

February 9, 2012

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, 2012

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, 2012

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, 2012

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, 2012

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, 2012

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.