Silver Peak & Tinkham Peak: A Great First Scramble
Silver Peak and Tinkham Peak looked intimidating on paper — steep talus, exposed scrambling, a route that isn't always obvious. Turns out, with the right beta, both summits (plus the traverse between them) are more manageable than they look. Here's the full loop from Mirror Lake, beta, tips and all.
A Guide to Snow Lake: Backpacking, Packrafting, and a Secret Island
Snow Lake is one of the most popular hikes near Seattle, but most people never see it from the water. Here's how we strapped packrafts to our backs, hiked in after work on a Friday, and ended up camping on a secluded island with a full moon overhead.
Backpacking the West Fork Foss Trail: A 3-Day Guide to Trout, Malachite, and the Heart Lakes
A 3-day, 3-night backpacking trip through the West Fork Foss Lakes chain in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Skykomish, WA — hitting Trout Lake, Lake Malachite, and the Heart Lakes, with a packraft day on Big Heart. Dog friendly.
Best Places to Kayak in Washington
A local's guide to 17 of the best kayaking spots in Washington — from easy urban paddles near Seattle to alpine hike-in lakes, backcountry reservoirs, and island camping. Bring your kayak, packraft, or paddleboard.
Snowshoeing to Artist Point: A Guide to One of the Most Rewarding Winter Adventures
Discover everything you need to know about snowshoeing to Artist Point in Washington's North Cascades. This complete guide covers the winter route from Mount Baker Ski Area, essential avalanche safety tips, navigation through challenging terrain, and what to expect when camping overnight at one of the state's most stunning alpine viewpoints. Learn about gear recommendations, the best time to visit, parking requirements, and how to safely experience the breathtaking views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker in winter conditions. Whether you're planning your first snowshoe adventure or looking to add snow camping to your winter skills, Artist Point offers an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience.
A Guide to Backpacking to Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake
After years on my bucket list, I finally hiked Gothic Basin on a quiet weekday in early September—and it was worth the wait. This challenging alpine hike near Granite Falls rewards you with dramatic granite slabs, pristine alpine lakes, and some of the most otherworldly scenery in the North Cascades. The catch? You'll earn every bit of those views with steep switchbacks and nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain packed into the final miles. Here's everything you need to know about tackling this spectacular trail, from directions to trail conditions to why you should absolutely skip the weekend crowds.
A Guide to Hiking the Hannegan Pass Trail in the North Cascades
The Hannegan Pass and Peak Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the North Cascades, offering wildflower meadows, glacier-fed streams, and sweeping summit views. In just a few miles you’ll climb from lush forest to a high alpine pass, with the option to continue up to Hannegan Peak for a 360° panorama of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Ruth Mountain, and the jagged Pickets. Whether you’re looking for a challenging day hike, planning a backpacking trip, or simply want to experience the grandeur of the North Cascades, this trail delivers it all.
Best Alpine Lakes for Packrafting in Washington
Looking for the best alpine lakes for packrafting in Washington? This guide highlights float-friendly backcountry destinations across the Cascades, including trail stats, route tips, and lakes ideal for packrafting—like Snow Lake, Blue Lake, Goat Lake, and more. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your summer adventure list, these hikes offer the perfect mix of scenic trails and packrafting.
The 20 Best Hikes in Washington: A Local's Personal List
18 years of hiking in Washington and I've only scratched the surface — but these 20 trails have stood out above the rest. A personal roundup across the North Cascades, Olympic Peninsula, Central Cascades, and Mount Rainier, with trail stats, honest takes, and plenty of dog-friendly options.