Take a Hike! Bonus Hikes
Washington Trails' regional correspondents contribute so many great hikes, we can't always fit them all in the pages of our magazine. So as not to leave any out, and provide you with the most trail suggestions we can, we're posting some of the extras here.
Each of the following hikes is available as a downloadable PDF in the same format as appears in the magazine, complete with trail description, location info, elevation profile and a fantastic photo to whet your hikers' appetite. Happy trails!
Washington Trails Jan+Feb 2013
Winter Hikes Pack
Get the full versions of all ten winter hikes from the Jan+Feb issue of Washington Trails and get out and enjoy some winter scenery. Included are Baker Lake in the North Cascades, Fidalgo Head in Washington Park, the newly completed Centennial Trail in Snohomish, the White Bluffs and Snow Mountain Ranch in central Washington, the Slavin Conservancy Trail outside Spokane, Leadbetter Point on the southwest coast, and Lacamas Park near Vancouver.
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Washington Trails Sep+Oct 2012
North Cascades - Maple Pass
There's nothing secret about the show Nature puts on at the 7-mile Maple Pass Loop on the east side of North Cascades National Park—but it's too good not to mention. Watch for bears munching on the last of the huckleberries as to climb moderately through Heather and Maple passes above Lake Ann, amid golden larches and 100-mile views of North Cascades and Pasayten peaks.
Stevens Pass - Beckler Peak
This new-ish trail in the Wild Sky Wilderness vaults hikers over 2,000 feet above Highway 2 to a high point overlooking numerous Central Cascades peaks. In fall, Nature puts on her color-changing show in a variety of trees and shrubs, adding to this hikes already charming scenery.
Mount Rainier NP (south) - The Skyline
During the vacation days of summer, the Skyline Trail may as well be a Disneyland attraction. In fall, the crowds are gone, the air is cooler, and the scene is equally spectacular as autumn color, huckleberries and the premise of bountiful wildlife viewing turn this moderate 6-mile loop into a real treat. Along the way, take in a view of Myrtle Falls, and from the crest at Panorama Point, enjoy wide vistas of the Tatoosh Range, Mounts Adams and St. Helens and more!
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Washington Trails Jul+Aug 2012
North Cascades - Skyline Divide
You'll gain 2,500 feet on this 9-mile out-and-back on a meadow-strewn ridge in the Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. From high up, take in panoramic views of Mounts Baker and Shuksan, Chowder Ridge, Yellow Aster Butte, the Twin Sisters, and as far as Puget Sound, the Olympics and Canada's Cheam Range. Hike it in peak summer for wildflowers galore, then again in autumn for glorious color.
Mountain Loop - Crystal Lake
With plenty of camping nearby, this is one of those trails that presents numerous hiking options. Take a 9-mile round-trip to a sparkling subalpine lake for a pleasant day hike, or extend your trip to nearby high points Circle Peak and Meadow Mountain, all on the western fringe of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Can't decide? Turn it into an overnight backpack and do it all!
Mount Rainier NP (east) - Summerland
Sample the glorious east side of Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail on this 8.4-mile out and back to one of the most spectacular meadows on The Mountain. Add some adventure to your hike by climbing even higher to Meany Crest. Score and overnight wilderness permit and turn this into a weekend you won't forget!