Every year or so we head out in the late winter/early spring to the Olympic Coast and often to Lake Quinalt Lodge to spend a long weekend. Usually in the rain, but we make it happen. Lake Quinalt Lodge is one of a kind and I have been staying there since the late 1990's when… Continue reading Lake Quinualt and Ruby Beach
Tag: National Park
Pratt Preserve Trail
When I lived on Whidbey Island in Washington State, my first hiking trips were local ones, such as the hikes at Ebey’s Landing in Coupeville. Pre-internet days it was a lonely place. Not so much these days. Even in winter it is filled with others enjoying being out there. However, compared to the crowds of… Continue reading Pratt Preserve Trail
Sourdough Ridge At Mt. Rainier National park
Take your children hiking. As soon as they can. There is no mythical "right" age, and the longer you wait, the less likely they will want to go. We drove up to Sunrise at Mount Rainier National Park on a chilly/windy day at the start of fall in alpine. Kirk told me to take Walker,… Continue reading Sourdough Ridge At Mt. Rainier National park
Naches Peak Wildflowers
Summer days call for driving to Chinook Pass and enjoying the season of wildflowers along the Pacific Crest Trail. Some hikes are nothing more than to be outside and enjoy the flowers and views. We opted to park at Tipsoo Lakes, just below Chinook Pass. Hike the hillside to the left of the parking lot… Continue reading Naches Peak Wildflowers
Hall of Mosses
Tucked away on the Olympic Peninsula is the Hoh River Valley, far from most anything. It's a long drive whichever direction you choose to come from, and the end of the road is 18 miles from the highway. Over the years I have hiked the valley many times but it was a hike in the… Continue reading Hall of Mosses