Wildland Discovery Hikes
On a Wildland Discovery Hike, you can get into Washington's backcountry with a fun group of fellow hikers, learn about the issues that affect our trail system, and even learn some new skills.
- Hiker wows at old growth rainforest along the Bogachiel River. By Alan Bauer
On a Wildland Discovery Hike, we visit trails and wildlands that face threats and learn about the issues that affect our trail system.
Each of these trails—and they wildlands they traverse—need our support. On these hikes, you’ll learn more about the challenges facing these trails, and how you can help. With lakes, summits, river valleys, and wildflowers, the series offers something for every hiker.
2008 Wildland Discovery Hikes
Dosewallips River Road/Trail—Olympic National Forest and Park
Saturday, June 28
Round Trip: 13 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Green Trails Map: #168 The Brothers
The Dosewallips Road washed out in 2002. Controversy surrounds plans to rebuild the road, as it previously provided dayhike access into the east side of the Olympic Mountains. The Forest Service is expected to release a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on their plans for the Dosewallips washout in May. We’ll hike the road into the Park and discuss the issues surrounding this challenging issue. Far from being a barren road-hike, a walk up the Dosewallips is lovely, studded with old growth trees and laced with waterfalls and streams.
Join this hike.
Silver Star Mountain—Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Sunday, July 20
Round Trip: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Green Trails Map: #396 Lookout Mtn
Silver Star is a great hike with wide-open views and incredible wildflowers. Unfortunately, illegal motorized incursions on the trail from adjoining DNR lands are frequent. WTA has supported efforts to block these incursions in the past, but most barriers placed to stop them have been destroyed. We'll discuss how hikers can support grants that will enforce these regulations and keep Silver Star a wonderful trail to hike.
Signups for this hike will be available in June.
Juniper Ridge—Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Dark Divide Roadless Area
Sunday July 27
Round Trip: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Green Trails Map: #333 McCoy Peak
This hike is steep in places, but worth it as it bursts with wildflowers and 360 degree views of Cascade volcanoes. Unfortunately, the Forest Service allows motorcycles on this trail. WTA advocates for long-term protection for the Dark Divide.
Signups for this hike will be available in June.
Summer Blossom/Navarre Peak—Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Saturday, August 9
Round Trip: 12 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 Feet
Green Trails Map: #115 Prince Creek
A stunning ridge-and-summit ramble, one of the few non-motorized trails in a roadless area largely ceded to motorcycles. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is conducting a long-range planning process to determine the extent of motorized use on their lands, and we’ll discuss how hikers can respond to these threats.
Signups for this hike will be available in July.
Andrews Creek/Meadow Lake—Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Saturday, September 13- Sunday, September 14
Round Trip: 15 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Green Trails Map: #20 Coleman Peak
Hikers will enjoy an overnight trip into the Pasayten Wilderness, up Andrews Creek to the cutoff to the Meadow Creek Trail. Andrews Creek was severely fire-damaged several years ago. We’ll have a chance to see how the area is recovering and marvel at the work that the Forest Service has put in.
Signups for this hike will be available in July.
Gee Point, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Sunday September 27
Round Trip: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Green Trails Map: #77 Oso
A little known hike in the even lesser-known Finney Block, Gee Point takes hikers through beautiful old growth hemlock forest to an old lookout tucked away in a cirque. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a pocket meadow reminiscent of Mount Rainier’s Grand Park. We want hikers to get to know the Finney Block so that we can preserve its trails and forests for the long term.
Signups for this hike will be available in August.
