2023 Hike 7 - Beacon Rock State Park

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 7

Beacon Rock State Park - Skamania County, WA

I found a hiking group based out of Portland to join, thanks to some friends, and I went on my first outing with them to Beacon Rock State Park. The park is pretty well-known in the area, and is just north of Portland across the Columbia River.

The trail goes up and around this rock, climbing and climbing. The views from each point are amazing, or I assume, since it was a pretty gray and foggy day when I went. This hike took place back in February, and I’d say it’s challenging for anyone who isn’t used to go uphill. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of places to stop and take a “photo break” to catch your breath!

WA State Park Website: https://www.parks.wa.gov/474/Beacon-Rock

2023 Hike 6 - Hilburn Preserve

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 6

Hilburn Preserve - Shelton, WA

I took a short drive (maybe 25 mins) to a small town called Shelton and parked behind the Ford dealership to go for a hike along the Goldsborough Creek. I didn’t want to adventure too far, and I wasn’t really feeling much as far as physical exertion, so I this little stroll looked perfect. It was a relatively easy trail, through some gorgeous trees covered in moss towering over an abundance of ferns.

It was a short hike through the first part which was right along the creek, through some big trees. From there, it opened up and I had to cross over some fallen trees. I followed the trail to the railroad tracks, and crossed, but it got a little thick and I didn’t feel like going any further. I turned back and took an alternative route through some bigger trees. The sun was streaming through, it was a gorgeous morning. The moss was illuminated and the ferns were a brilliant green. The area was relatively quiet and I saw no one around.

Happy trails and stay safe out there! Enjoy some photos.

2023 Hike 5 - Mima Falls

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 5

Mima Falls - Capitol State Forest - Washington

I took a late afternoon hike in the Mima Falls area which is about 25 minutes from my house. The trail is near a shoot range, so be prepared to hear people doing that in the first part of your hike. From the trailhead, I headed out and wasn’t too sure what to expect. The Capitol Forest is managed, so the area I walked through was cut before, or so it seemed. The trail carried on into the forest and eventually I found some older, bigger trees that were more my style. It’s not that I don’t mind regrowth, in fact it made me feel nostalgic, I just prefer the big trees.

Parts of this hike reminded me of Northern Michigan where I grew up. The trees that were growing back looked like some of the full grown trees back there. The way the night sky came though the trees with no leaves made me feel like it was a fall evening back home walking through my dad’s property. I had a moment when I just had to stop and take it all in. I was overcome with feelings - and not the normal ones standing under huge trees.

Enjoy some photos from the trail - I never made it to the falls, wherever they may be. I’ll have to try again with more daylight and patience. Happy hiking!

2023 Hike 2 - Squaxin Park

Hike 2 - 52 Hikes With Mike

Squaxin Park - Olympia, WA

It was a wet Saturday morning, but that’s just the way it is some days here in the Pacific Northwest. The park is located in the city of Olympia, and rivals some of the state parks I’ve seen in other places. Squaxin has tall trees, old trees, and hills full of ferns. The trails have hills, which made it more interesting and there were views of Olympia from the high points across the water. Moss covered rocks and stump line the path and gorgeous boardwalks get you over the streams and swamps. Rainy day hikes are something I’ve longed for, and there’s plenty of that here.

Even though this counted as Hike 2, I’ll be going back to find new paths there! I hiked about 2 1/4 miles but there was definitely more to see! Happy hiking everyone. See you out there.

2023 Hike 1 - Grass Lake Nature Reserve

Hike 1 - 52 Hikes With Mike

Grass Lake Nature Park - Olympia, WA

This is my first day hike for 2023 and my first hike for the 2023 52 Hikes With Mike challenge. It felt good to get out and even better knowing I have a cute little trail within walking distance of my house. There’s not a lot to say about this trail - it’s short loop, in the neighborhood forest, and it’s pretty flat. It’s great for a variety of people because it’s not complicated or difficult. Today the trail smelled fresh and the ferns were flourishing. I encountered three people and walked about two miles total, including the walk to the trail from my house. The total elevation change throughout was about 110 feet - so very minimal. If you’re in Olympia and want a quick little walk to clear your head, this isn’t too bad. Pets are not allowed on this trail but there are plenty of other places in Olympia to take them. Happy hiking my friends!

52 Hikes and Looking Forward

First things first, I did not complete the 52 Hike Challenge for 2022. I tried, for a few months, and subtly gave up. I don’t love Dallas/Ft. Worth hiking, I didn’t take a lot of trips, and I just wasn’t feeling the temperatures. The hikes that did happen in 2022 were great and mostly occurred in New Mexico while I still resided there. I did a few paddles early on in the summer, before it was too hot to enjoy, and then didn’t do much until late summer when I purchased a bicycle. All in all, it wasn’t a total loss but nowhere near what I’d like to accomplish.

If you haven’t heard, I’ve relocated to Olympia, WA. I now reside within a quick drive of more places to hike, paddle, or bike than my tiny brain can handle. The options for getting hikes in for the next calendar year are so abundant, so it will inevitably mean I probably do more than 52, which would be a welcomed change.

I’ve been wanting to live in the PNW for years now, and I’m not letting any opportunities slip away now that I’m here. I have a google map full of pins and several documents full of ideas. I’m ready to be overwhelmed with the beauty and access I’ve only dreamed of between my semi-annual visits. I’d fly in to Seattle or Portland at least twice a year to visit the mountains, woods, and friends up here and now I live right in the middle of it all. It’s a dream come true, it is something I know is a privilege, and something I will not take for granted. I’m lucky to have a partner who wants to do many, if not all, of these things with me, so that’s just icing on the cake.

If you’re in the greater PNW region and want to hike along, get in touch. The plan is to do a variety of hikes in a variety of places, vague I know. Some weekends it’s going to be as simple as going somewhere around town, but others it may be a bit of a drive or a camping weekend to see all the sights out there. There so many forest trails, waterfalls, mountain views, beaches, and winding rivers to see.

I feel a renewed zest for life since being here and I can’t wait to share the hikes, stories, and adventures with you all.

Hikes 28-32 - Washington Hikes

Enjoy some photos from a few of my hikes in 2020. Washington is my favorite place, and I was lucky to get five hikes in while there in September.

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Hike 28 - Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA (link)

September 24, 2020

I had heard of this park because some people I know in the PNW run here on occasion. My friend and I took a causal, rainy hike of about three miles through the trees in this wonderful city park. Can you imagine having a city park with tall trees, miles of trails, and lush greenery? Living in Texas has me fantasizing about places like this and I’m so thankful we found this park and had a good time. People kept their distance, masks were worn when necessary, and it was a lovely hike overall.

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Hike 29 - Quinault Loop National Recreation Trail #854 (link)

September 25, 2020

Technically, I did part of this trail earlier in the year, but only part of it so I feel comfortable using it as a “unique” trail because I did the latter 80% of it. Along this trail we saw a baby snake, lots of greenery, and some big trees. It was a lovely hike that was a bit muddy, and confusing at one of the intersections. We ended up taking a turn that took us to the road in a place we did not expect. All was fine, and we just hiked back along the roadway.

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Hike 30 - Hurricane Hill at Hurricane Ridge (link)

September 25, 2020

Paved trails are not my normal trails, but this one was the exception. I have a “no paved trail” policy, so I did take the offshoot at the end with no pavement to ensure I touched a little dirt on this glorious and windy hike. The trail is paved from the parking lot to the top, and it’s uphill the whole way. Fluffy spruce trees line the initial ascent and act as a windbreak and air freshener. Seriously, the freshest pine scent hits you and it’s so good. Take it easy, take breaks to enjoy the views, and don’t forget that the whole way back is downhill and can be hell on your knees!

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Hike 31 - Cascade Pass (link)

September 26, 2020

This hike is one of my favorites of all time, and I got to do it again with the friend who recommended it to me last year. I was hoping we’d hike up to have a view, but there was only sleet and clouds. I saw more this time, through the clouds, but still not the views you see on the internet. The trail itself is steadily uphill, with endless switchbacks. On this particular day, the trial was muddy which made each step a little more calculated.

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Hike 32 - Ranger Hole Trailhead (link)

September 27, 2020

If you’re looking for a quick little hike, down to the river, this is a great one. It starts in a gorgeous forest, where the sunlight can stream through, and ends along the Duckabush River. It’s a steady downhill trail to the river, but once there it is quite relaxing. Giant rocks offer places to sit along the bank, to listen to water rush by. I had the pleasure of watching broadleaf maple leaves fall gently down to the ground while there, in such a magical way.

#hike22 - Baker Lake Trail (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)

On our way to see the scenic bits of the North Cascades, we made a little stop to hike through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This hike was a true treat - offering all the aspects one could wish for in the Pacific Northwest. We had turquoise water, big trees, earthy smells, and spongy ground. My friend Jen (JennyTheTrailhead) and I did about 4 miles.

Highlights: The drive from Washington 20 to the trailhead is insanely beautiful, you get to drive across a dam which feels illegal but is not, and there are magical views at every turn

Things to watch for: Parking may be limited, so follow the rules when you’re there. Slow down, take it in.

Enjoy some photos from our hike north on the trail and back to the car.

#hike23 - Olympic National Park & Forest

I decided to take a walk in the forest and I found pure joy and happiness.

This particular hike included the Quinault Rain Forest trail, a stroll through the Maple Glade Rain Forest trail, and a quick exploration of the Kestner Homestead trail.

Hands down, Quinault is my favorite Rain Forest area of the Olympic Peninsula. Yeah, the Hoh is gorgeous too, and everywhere else is fine, but this is my jam. The walk was magical, and with my good friend Jenny The Trailhead. We soaked in the sunshine through the trees, listened to the streams and falls, and breathed deeply in the loamy smell of the northwest.

Enjoy some photos from a magical day of exploring the Olympic National Park and Forest areas in Washington state.

Mileage: Somewhere near 2-3? I didn’t track this hike

Highlights: Seeing all of the lush greenery, sun through the trees, the fresh air

Watch out for: Busy trailheads at Sol Duc Falls

#hike24 - North Cascades National Park

HIKE 24 - My Favorite Hike of 2019

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2019

Location: North Cascades National Park

Distance: 7.45 miles

Trails: Cascade Pass

Miles from Home: 2,158

Weather: Cloudy, foggy, cool

The Motivation

My favorite band was playing in Seattle, a mere six weeks after I was in the area for my first trail race, so I looked for cheap flights and made another trip to the Northwest happen. Because I was going to be in town all weekend, I needed to figure out some stuff to do. My concert was in the Ballard Neighborhood, on the north side of Seattle, so I figured why not drive another two to three hours to visit a piece of public lands I’ve had on my list forever.

I researched trails and viewpoints and all of the normal trip stuff, but my friend suggested I go hike to Cascade Pass. The trail was seemingly popular and didn't require an all-day climb, so I was definitely on board. Through further research, I read that people loved it for the views. Actually, most trails in the area promised great views when the weather cooperated.

I got in on a late, and delayed, flight to SeaTac and made my way up to where I was staying in Ballard. It was nearly 1 am when I finally settled in and laid in bed. I set my alarm for 4:45 am and quickly passed out. I woke up, slowly dragged my but out the door, walked the couple blocks to my rental, and promptly hit the road. With my snacks in hand and a quick stop for coffee, I made my way up I-5 ready for adventure. The light started to creep in as I was heading east on State Route 530. Google Maps routed me this way, and I’m glad for it because I found a brewery to stop by on my way home.

Getting to the Trailhead

The sun was coming up of the distant mountains, the fog was thick, but there was a bit of morning glory every now and then. I made it to the North Cascades Highway, and followed it to Marblemount before veering off to Cascade River Road. My friend didn’t mention much about the drive to the trailhead, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was a long and winding road through the forest and around the mountains. It was about an hour trek down this road that just got bumpier and more curvy, but it was gorgeous. Nothing, for me anyway, beats driving through a forest and along a river with foggy mountains in the background.

Eventually, I made it to the trailhead parking area. It was a big area, and was nearly full with visitors. The fog was so thick, I could only see through the parking lot and nothing much beyond any car. I could make out some trees, but it was a wall of white. I checked out the map and posted information, and debated going back and finding a different trail. A little bummed, I hiked anyway. I started the trail, and without any grand views, fell in love with the trail. The fog consumed me, and it was beautiful. The whole 1,700 feet up was foggy. Giant, lush trees in the fog. It was magical, mysterious, eerie, and had me positively high on life. I quickly got over the fact that I wasn’t going to have any “traditional” views of the mountains, and soaked in the foggy trees and what slivers I did see when clouds parted. As I climbed, and it was quite a climb for this flat-lander, some of the fog thinned out. I started to see rock faces and snow.

What Goes Up, Must Come Down

At the pass, it was windy and foggy. I didn’t see much of anything beyond the white clouds. I turned around, after a quick snack, and headed back. As I made my way down, the clouds started to thin out and the mountains became more prominent. I was getting completely different views at every turn, from glaciers to mountains to finally seeing just how far up and on the edge I was.  There were significantly more people going up now, and I enjoyed smiling and chatting with them on my way down. At one point I was between two sets of people going up when we all heard a loud crack. We stopped, looked out through the thinning clouds but didn’t see anything. The one couple said it was a glacier cracking, but it must have been on the opposite side of the hill, because we saw nothing. It was such a neat sound and experience, regardless if it lacked a visual representation.

Going down was obviously faster than going up, and I even ran on some of the straight paths to keep it flowing. I’d say 95% of the people I encountered were super friendly and wanted to talk about the conditions ahead for them. I love being able to share what I saw and experienced and connect with people on the trail. By the time I made it to the car, the parking lot was a completely different place. It was surrounded by mountains instead of clouds and it felt so much smaller. My drive back to the main road was different too. I caught views through the valley and saw some fall color popping against the rock faces.

This trail is probably my favorite of any trail I’ve hiked. It had everything I wanted and it left me wanting more.  These are the combination of emotions I'm looking for in a hike and the reason I keep going out for more.  Leave me a comment with somewhere like this for you!

#hike21 - Mt. Tabor Park

HIKE 21

Date: Monday, August 12, 2019

Location: Mt. Tabor Park, Portland, OR

Distance: 6.21

Trails: All trails and fire roads, roadways to park

Miles from Home: 1,994

Weather: Sunny, mild, breezy

View fullsize

I hadn’t seen my oldest, most best friend in years, so I meandered down to Portland on my recent trip to the Northwest. I got a cute little basement room nearby, and her and I hiked and explored for the better part of 2 days-ish. One of the most urban, yet not, hikes I’ve done was at Mt. Tabor Park on the SE side of Portland and I got to do it with someone who knows the park very well. This park is/was my friend’s go-to for daily fitness and I can see why - the hills were alive.

With the hills (within city limits) are huge trees, great views of downtown, and miles of trails both paved and natural surface. We crisscrossed the entire hill, an old volcano (that’s two for this trip) and put on just over 6 miles with the short walk to the park from her house.

If I lived in the Southeast neighborhood, I’d visit this place every chance I could. Enjoy some photos from the trip and if you’re in Portland and looking for an urban yet wooded hike, visit Mt. Tabor Park.