I thought I was familiar with the trails of Deception Pass State Park, but I was wrong. I've hiked in the park several times but somehow managed to miss Lottie Bay, Lighthouse Point and The Lady of Deception Pass story pole at Rosario Beach.
December and January are considered the best months for solitude in this popular park, and winter is a good time to explore the trails you may have missed. Though some facilities are closed, the $5 entrance fee seemed a small price to pay for wild seascapes, mossy overlooks of distant islands and hidden coves.
By Karen Sykes | December 25, 2003
Soos Creek Park is an urban treat for hikers, bicyclists, skaters, joggers, bird-watchers and horseback riders. Only a few minutes from Kent, the park is administered by King County Parks and Recreation.
A 4.5-mile paved trail is suitable for hikers of all ages and most of the trail is barrier-free. On quiet winter days the trail is ideal for bird-watching as the trail follows the abandoned line of the Northern Pacific Railroad near Soos Creek and adjacent wetlands.
The land originally was owned by the Northern Pacific Railroad
By Karen Sykes | December 18, 2003
It's always a pleasure to visit the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, especially for hikers with naturalist inclinations.
The refuge is situated eight miles northeast of Olympia and is easily accessed from Interstate 5. It offers a cornucopia of habitats, ranging from deciduous woodlands to salt marshes, with more than 175 species of birds to be observed at one time or another. That makes it an extremely popular destination for bird-watchers as well as hikers.
By Karen Sykes | December 11, 2003
Hikers and naturalists will enjoy exploring Woodard Bay, one of the state's first natural resource conservation areas, situated in Thurston County, only 15 minutes from Olympia.
The 600-acre area was opened and dedicated in 2002. Taxpayers restored several trails and structures on the site, a major Puget Sound logging facility in the first half of the 20th century.
In addition to trails and interpretive signs, work included converting an old logging camp skid shack to a historical structure with fixtures from bygone logging days.
By Karen Sykes | December 4, 2003
Holidays provide a good opportunity to explore county parks such as 360-acre Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, situated just south of Tacoma.
Hikers of all ages and abilities will enjoy exploring these trails that link meadows, a lake, historical structures and forest.
The park has seven miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile accessible trail around Waughop Lake, and has something for everyone, including soccer fields and playfields for rambunctious youngsters.
By Karen Sykes | November 27, 2003
The Marten Lake Trail in the valley of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River is probably unfamiliar to most hikers, but experienced trail travelers will find it both fun and a challenge.
The infamous Middle Fork Road survived the recent floods that hammered other areas of the Cascades, and so did road bridges leading to the Taylor River Trail, where this hike begins.
While not an official, maintained trail, Marten Lake Trail No. 1006 has been pounded somewhat into shape over years of use and is now recognized by the Forest Service and on their database of trails.
By Karen Sykes | November 20, 2003
Looking for A snow-free hike with moderate elevation gain with links to other trails? A good one to explore is the Ranger Creek Trail No. 1197 south of Greenwater.
The route is 5.8 miles and in good condition as far as we hiked. Even when snow does arrive, avalanche risk is minimal because the trail seldom leaves the dense forest. It also connects to the Palisades Trail No. 1198, the Dalles Ridge Trail No. 1173 and the White River Trail No. 1199.
By Karen Sykes | November 13, 2003
Hikers who don't mind stomping through a little bit of snow can get rewarding views on the Kachess Ridge Trail near Easton. If you've eaten too much Halloween candy, the route -- sometimes called the Silver Creek Trail -- also provides a good workout.
By Karen Sykes | November 6, 2003
The Mountains to Sound Greenway runs all the way from Seattle to Thorp in Kittitas County, but you don't have to drive very far to experience one of its tasty offerings.
Rattlesnake Lake and Rattlesnake Ledge near North Bend have served hikers as favorite destinations along the Greenway for years. The trail can be hiked year-round and Rattlesnake Ledge is precipitous enough to qualify as a "real" mountain.
Now there is another trailhead at Snoqualmie Point and the 14-mile trail can be hiked one way from Rattlesnake Lake to Snoqualmie Point.
By Karen Sykes | October 30, 2003
If you are looking for an easy fall hike with a colorful history, the Coal Mines Trail in Cle Elum may be exactly what you want. The trail begins in Cle Elum and follows the abandoned Burlington Northern Railroad line through "coal country," goes through Roslyn and ends in the small town of Ronald.
By Karen Sykes | October 23, 2003
