Last winter's fierce windstorms, ice storms and floods should not have a memorable effect on hikers and campers as they get out into the woods this holiday weekend.
A couple roads and one campground are closed, and hikers on several low-elevation trails will find the going tougher than usual because of slides, lost footbridges and downed trees.
By Greg Johnston | May 27, 2004
Into everyone's life, the saying goes, a little rain must fall. Which is all well and good, but it would seem that last October's three-day deluge, when up to 10 inches fell during one 24-hour period near Glacier Peak, is taking it to the extreme. Especially if you're a hiker, for whom the aftereffects of the resultant washouts, debris flows, landslides and more mean that this summer's range of destinations won't be quite the same.
By Mike McQuaide | May 27, 2004
The most serious damage from last October's record rainfall occurred in eastern Snohomish, Whatcom, and Skagit counties, in the Darrington and Mount Baker Ranger Districts of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. That damage, which has been estimated at up to $12 million, includes trail, bridge and road washouts, and mud and debris flows that overran campgrounds.
May 27, 2004
Birders' Top Spots
Location: Part of Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, northeast of Othello, Adams County, in Eastern Washington.
Habitat: CNWR site with two miles of Crab Creek, more than 100 acres of riparian marsh and shrub-steppe backed by a basalt butte.
Best seasons for birding: Spring and summer.
May 27, 2004
Here they sat, at the base of Double Falls, she lulled into a snooze by the song of crashing water, he mesmerized at its play across the rocks.
"This might be one of the nicest places on Earth," Robert MacLachlan said with a smile at the approach of others.
"As soon as I got here, I felt so tranquil," his wife, Elissa, said. "I feel so relaxed. All I've wanted to do is take a nap."
"It's therapeutic," Robert added.
By Greg Johnston | May 27, 2004
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Just call it "The Pearl."
Known officially as the Pearl District in downtown Portland, the former warehouse and industrial area on the north side near the Willamette River is respectfully referred to by most locals in that quicker, livelier vernacular these days. It's trendier too -- "The Pearl" rolls off the tongue easier than "Pearl District."
By Jeff Larsen | May 27, 2004
Hike of the Week
The Leavenworth area offers a variety of colorful wildflowers hikes and other activities that make for a fine spring weekend.
From Seattle, we took U.S. Route 2 over Stevens Pass to about 1/4 mile beyond the Swiftwater Picnic Area to Forest Service Road No. 7903 and the Tumwater Botanical Area. There are no trailhead signs, only a gated road that is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. A sign at the gate indicates the road is closed to motorized vehicles but open to hikers and equestrians.
By Karen Sykes | May 27, 2004
"The goal tonight is to learn a roll cast," says Peg Van Natter, teacher and volunteer with Northwest Fly Anglers. Facing about 30 fly-fishing students standing along the shore and a dock at Seattle's Green Lake, she demonstrates with an elegant flip of her long, lithe rod.
"Now, when you get that line out there, just give it a whomp!"
This describes a decisive move that plops the line into the water without having to sling it behind your back, a handy trick when avoiding snags on bushes and trees.
By Connie McDougall | May 27, 2004
Don't let the unknowns of bike repair deflate your will to bike. A tune-up and some personal care you can get off your rump and on your ride.
For starters, a key question: How often does your bike need a tune-up?
"If you just ride it in sunny weather, your bike can go five years," said Aaron Goss, mechanic and owner of Aaron's Bicycle Repair in West Seattle. "If you ride a bike to work, you might need one twice a year."
By Jennifer Lloyd | May 27, 2004
Take a Walk
Location: Bothell.
Length: Three-quarter mile trail, with link by bridge over the river to the Sammamish River Trail.
Level of difficulty: Flat, paved trail and wooden boardwalk.
By Cathy McDonald | May 27, 2004
