Near Mt. Rainier National Park is a hidden gem. A flat trail that leads to waterfalls, that can be snowy in winter but perfectly manageable for those without equipment. Better yet? This trail was empty–on a weekend! The secret is out–Skookum Flats is a trail you can’t miss.
Hikes
Commonwealth Basin Snowshoe
I had the brilliant idea to do a romantic Valentine’s snowshoe instead of an expensive dinner with the boyfriendo. Romantic, it was not. Adventurous? Perhaps.
Granite Creek
I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. Not sure why, just have that ‘meh’ feeling about everything. I was hoping a Superbowl Sunday hike would clear my head and get me back to normal, but the best-laid plans of mice and hikers often go awry…
Guided Snowshoe Expeditions at Snoqualmie Pass
Having mountain passes around us means in Seattle it’s easy to play in the snow when wanted. But if you’re a beginner or novice, there’s a lot of equipment involved you might not want to initially purchase. Enter the Forest Service’s Winter Snowshoe program!
Franklin Falls
I got a taste of snow hiking last winter and loved it. Snow hiking is like snowshoeing, only the trail is so packed down or light with snow that you can get away without snowshoes and use gear like microspikes for traction. Armed with a new pair of microspikes from Mama Boots, I set out […]
First Time Backpacking Tips
Before my first time backpacking this September, I had many questions, most of them regarding the idea of carrying everything I needed and how much it would hurt. Luckily the boyfriendo was not a novice, but for those of you who are, here’s my tips.
A Tale of Two Winthrops, Part Two
After enjoying a beautiful sunny hike and exploring town day one in Winthrop, we planned for a longer hike (Pipestone Canyon) for day two. However, we awoke to the sound of driving rain on a metal roof and suddenly nine miles didn’t seem like a whole lot of fun.
A Tale of Two Winthrops, Part 1
For our anniversary, the boyfriendo surprised me with a weekend in Winthrop! Located northeast of Seattle, near North Cascades National Park, this town is a playground in both the winter and summer for outdoor activities–but how would the shoulder season hold up?
Trying the Ozette Triangle
Labor Day weekend, I went backpacking for my first time ever. The boyfriendo has been backpacking since he was a child, and he spoke fondly of camping at Cape Alava as a backpacking trek. Armed with a new 65-liter pack and hopefully enough food, we set off!
Chasing Waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park
The drive from Crater Lake home to Seattle would have been a long one. Too long. So I elected we make a short but sweet stop at Silver Falls State Park near Salem to break up the drive home. It’s considered the crown jewel of Oregon State Parks–and I’d soon learn why.