Hike of the Week
Ebey's Landing on Whidbey Island is part of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, a year-round favorite of hikers. In addition to scenery that drenches the senses, the reserve provides historical background with interpretive signs describing early explorations of the region and the Native Americans who lived on Ebey's Prairie before settlers arrived.
The reserve is a puzzle of interlocking pieces of federal, state, county and private property managed so the region's historical essence is not lost.
By Karen Sykes | December 1, 2005
Hike of the Week
This loop east of Mount Rainier is not described in most hiking guidebooks, but it should be.
The loop begins from the Crystal Mountain Ski Area and is 6.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet. There also are options for longer loops. The trail is akin to those Chinese boxes -- you open a box only to find another box and so on. When you start out on this loop you will find loops within loops, one-way epics and no end of possibilities.
By Karen Sykes | July 7, 2005
Hike of the Week
There are too many parks to count around Bellingham, but Lake Padden Park is one you don't want to miss. The 900-acre community park was established in 1972 and is well loved by local citizens, who make good use of its amenities.
By Karen Sykes | March 3, 2005
Hike of the Week
If you can swing it, save up those precious vacation days and allow three days to get a good sampling of trails and attractions in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
To get the most for your buck, try the Horsetail Falls/Oneonta Creek Loop. Many trails in the Gorge begin near sea level and climb to high points, but this is one trail where the elevation gain is a modest 500 feet.
The loop is an easy hike that encompasses some of the finest scenery in the Gorge.
By Karen Sykes | June 26, 2003
