Take a Walk
Location: Snoqualmie and North Bend.
Length: Paved trail from playing fields to golf course (half-mile round trip), which connects with the Snoqualmie Valley Trail; or just walk through meadows (muddy after rains, with ruts).
Level of difficulty: Flat to gentle.
By Cathy McDonald | December 9, 2004
Hike of the Week
You don't have to go far up Mount Rainier to break trail in fresh snow. A favorite snowshoe trip of mine is the Eagle Peak Trail, which begins at Longmire and winds through fine old-growth forest before climbing to a treasure chest of views.
You'll need to work to reach the saddle between Eagle and Chutla peaks, with views of Rainier and other mountains. But you'll probably have the trail to yourself. It's a mystery as to why this quiet route doesn't attract many hikers any time of the year.
By Karen Sykes | December 9, 2004
Short Trips
MCMINNVILLE, Ore. -- Charm and character were the first words that came to mind as I drove into downtown McMinnville for the first time a couple of weeks ago. During my stay I discovered both are alive and well in this small town, situated in the fertile wine-producing region of Yamhill County 36 miles southwest of Portland in the Willamette Valley.
By Jeff Larsen | December 9, 2004
