I learned in April how very different Washington’s National Parks are from Florida’s–there’s hardly any hiking! But these parks are still very worth an other-wordly visit.
hiking
Cascade Lake & Moran State Park
As I’ve mentioned, Orcas Island is the most rugged of the San Juan Islands, at least for those wanting to hike. The peak of the island, Mount Constitution, is inside Moran State Park–but there’s easier hikes too!
Turtlehead Summit
The San Juan Islands are a wonderous retreat. While there’s nearly 200 named islands, the big ones–Lopez, San Juan, and Orcas–are easily accessible by ferry. Orcas is the most rugged of the San Juans in terms of hiking peaks and valleys.
Larch Madness: Clara & Marion Lakes
This year, it seemed the larches just weren’t going to happen for me. But thanks to the late-turning Western larch, low and behold!
Mind the (Sourdough) Gap
The PNW has a tiny window–sometimes a non-existent one–between when fall color is out and when they either fade or get covered by snow. Mama Boots and I decided to squeeze one last colorful hike in and we still had some snow!
Wallace Lake
A Schrodinger’s hike exists–one both so crowded that parking is a feat, but so uncrowded you might not see a soul till the end. This hike is also nice and close, in the town of Gold Bar. I’m talking about not Wallace Falls, but Wallace Lake.
Backpacking to Toleak Point
Ahh, Washington beach camping. Critters, sea air, and sand everywhere. What’s not to love?