Take a History Hike with MOHAI & WTA

This summer, Washington Trails Association will be partnering with the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) on a series of three hikes. I'll be leading these hikes which will offer a unique blend of history, scenery and exercise! Sign up and join us!

History Hike: Asahel Curtis Nature Trail - Saturday, July 11, 10 am - noon
After settling in Washington the late 1800s, Asahel Curtis soon became an important figure in the early history of photography of the Pacific Northwest. An active outdoorsman and mountaineer, Curtis photographed Washington’s natural landscapes and was instrumental in developing Mount Rainier National Park. Learn more about Asahel Curtis while hiking a nature trail named in his honor near Snoqualmie Pass. This hike will wind through one of the last remaining stands of old growth in the Snoqualmie Valley, featuring mature Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar. This hike is a 1.3-mile loop with no elevation gain. Click here for tickets and more info.

History Hike: Coal Creek Townsite  - Saturday Aug 22, 2009, 10 am - 1 pm
Come explore the Coal Creek Townsite and Redtowm Meadows on Cougar Mountain. In the 1860s, coal was discovered in the Newcastle area. Millions of tons of coal and rock were extracted from Newcastle Hills during the ensuing century. We will tour a trail that descends from the ruins of the hotel, splits off toward an abandoned mine shaft, and crosses several rustic bridges. In addition to learning about the artifacts scattered along the route, well also enjoy natural attractions, including tall red cedars and the North Fork Falls, and talk a bit about Harvey Manning, a hiker who helped to preserve this area. This 6-mile hike both loses and gains 450 feet of elevation. Click here for tickets and more info.

History Hike: Robe Canyon Historic Park - Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, 10 am - 1 pm
On this hike, we'll explore Robe Canyon Historic Park, located just off the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway, east of Granite Falls. Here we will find the rich history of the mining and railroad eras blended with the natural beauty and a great story of volunteer care and maintenance. Along its route, hikers will see where sidetracks, bunkhouses, and way stations once stood among bits of metal and broken dishes. This hike is 6.5-miles round trip and includes 160 feet elevation gain on the way in and  300 feet elevation gain on the way out. Click here for tickets and more info.

For all of these hikes, please bring your own picnic lunch and wear appropriate hiking shoes. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at the Asahel Curtis Nature Trail. Prices vary--MOHAI member tickets are $15-20, and general tickets are $20-25. Day-of tickets subject to availability and an additional $5 fee. All tickets are available through www.brownpapertickets.com.