Weekend Trip Report Roundup: Staying Cool on Hot Trails

There’s no doubt about it, it’s been a hot June. Temperatures all over Washington have soared into the 90’s and even triple digits, leaving hikers scrambling for shade and water. Since staying cool and hydrated are key pieces to having a good hiking trip in hot weather, we thought it might be nice to showcase a few of our favorite trip reports from the weekend that feature a refreshing body of water.

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Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall

Location: Olympic Peninsula
Distance: 4 miles RT

Photo by mountainmama

Hiker mountainmama decided to take a trip out to the coast to enjoy the cool breeze and cooler waters of the Pacific Ocean. With colorful anemones and rock formations jutting out of the ocean, there’s plenty to see as you comb this awesome stretch of beach.

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Pear Lake

Location: Central Cascades
Distance: 12 miles RT

Photo by ejain.

On Saturday, ejain took a trip to the Central Cascades to check out Pear Lake. This 12 mile RT hike also passes Top Lake on the way up, so you can cool off before reaching your destination.

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Lake Ann

Location: North Cascades
Distance: 8.2 miles RT

Photo by Mr. Blue Sky.

Despite the intense heat, Mr. Blue Sky made it to Lake Ann to bask in the refreshing glacial waters. As he mentions in his trip report, remember to bring a water filter and pack plenty of water for the hike up.

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Elliott Bay Trail

Location: Puget Sound
Distance: 10 miles RT

Photo by wafflesnfalafel.

Mixing a bit of urban adventuring with waterfront views, wafflesnfalafel took a morning trek on the Elliott Bay Trail. This is a great way to see a variety of Seattle sights and get in a nice 10 mile RT hike on a paved path.

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Thanks to everyone who wrote up a trip report this past weekend! As always, be sure to stay hydrated when hiking. Check out our tips for getting enough water during this especially warm hiking season before heading out on a trail.