Washington

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 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 4 - McLane Woods

52 Hikes With Mike - Hike 4

McLane Woods Loops - Olympia, WA

I’m working hard to keep my hikes within a few minutes of home right now and it’s working. This week I drove a few miles, less than 10 minutes away, to McLane Woods. It’s a cute little area in the Capitol State Forest with a narrow road through tall trees to get to the trail.

We parked at the first parking area and took the loop around, through the forest, to the lake. The trees range from large and old to clearcut and new. The trail was mostly quiet, apart from a small section near the main road which was subject to some noise. Once deeper in the forest, that being the mile or so from the main road, all one heard was sounds of nature unless you happened upon a group of people.

Highlights from the trail included many large stumps with trees growing out of them (one of my favorite things to find) and so many lovely ferns. This trail didn’t seem as mossy also others in the area, until we moved away from the road and clearcut area and into the thick forest.

I loved this place because it provided some solitude and peace and was not far from where I live my life. I’m fortunate to be able to bike or drive there to go for a walk through nature. I’m grateful for the area in which I live and I don’t think that feeling will ever change.

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.

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52 Hikes and Looking Forward

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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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

#hike24 - Skyline Trail (Mt. Rainier NP)

I don’t even know how to begin with describing this hike… amazing? Too generic. I don’t know. Hang in there with me.

I had the opportunity to do this one with a new friend a couple of years ago, and didn’t. Talk about regrets. I should have. There was no pandemic and far less people on the trail. I was fearful… I was tired from a poor night’s sleep… I was embarrassed because I’d probably be huffing and puffing the whole way up. Cut to a week or so ago, when I was back and facing the same trail. I hadn’t slept well again, but was not fearful or afraid of judgment this time. I am in a MUCH better headspace about the outdoors now than I ever was and I we had a sunny, late summer day to do the Skyline Trail.

Jen and I had already spent many days together - hiking through the Olympic area and North Cascades area. We were ready for another big one and this trail fulfilled so much it was overwhelming in the best way. You start on a paved path up, and I mean UP. It was pretty crowded for the circumstances, as was the visitor center, but we were not giving up. We had masks, liters of water, snacks, and sunglasses. Onward we moved, or upward rather, until we hit the end of the pavement. From there, it is dirt with a few snowy patches. We kept climbing - up up up up up. We hit a mile, it was the slowest mile I’ve ever walked but who the hell cares? The views were beyond my comprehension. Each time we stopped to catch our breath or take a drink, we had a new view of the same thing. It was incredible. The path was lined with wildflowers until it was too rocky, and eventually we made it to the top of this particular trail. You could see Mt. Adams in the distance and it looked spectacular.

We began the descent, which led us over some rocky areas and into a set of switchbacks through a mountain meadow. I can not even begin to describe the smell of that meadow - honey sweet but also fresh? It was the best smelling meadow I’ve ever experienced - thanks to all the glorious wildflowers and grasses. The way down was the other half of the loop and offered even better views of the ones we thought we loved going up. Eventually, we made it back to a paved path and the visitor center. I don’t know if we processed the experience - I know I am still sitting here daydreaming about it and reliving every moment of it.

We drove through the park, towards the Stevens Canyon exit, and stopped at a shaded turnout for lunch. We didn’t have a view of Mt. Rainier, but I could still see it in my mind as if I could reach out and touch it. What a wild and amazing time on a trail that really wasn’t the worst thing in the world - just made us huff and puff a little. Honestly, I’d recommend this to anyone. The diversity on the trail - people of all walks of life were doing it and enjoying it.

Lesson: Always do the trail; you may not get a second chance like I did.

Distance: 5.44 miles, 1600-1700 ft of elevation change

Highlights: sweet smelling meadows, great views of things other than Rainier, and snow packs

Watch out for: the edge, slippery snow packs or melt, the crowds (you’ll want to take your time and just kinda either flow with or wait for large groups to pass)

#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

#hike20 - Mount Saint Helens Volcanic National Monument

HIKE 20

Date: Sunday, August 11, 2019

Location: Mount Saint Helens Volcanic National Monument - Amboy, WA

Distance: 5.74 miles

Trails: Windy

Miles from Home: 2,098

Weather: Sunny, cool, cloudy, rainy, windy

I’ve wanted to visit Mt. Saint Helens since grade school, since learning about the eruption I imagine, and the dream finally (kind of) came true. I took the advice of a friend and went to Windy Ridge and hiked from there up along the side of the destruction zone. It was a gray and cloudy day, mostly, so I was limited to what I got to see but it was all quite intense overall.

The hike followed the old road and went gently over some hills, on the ridge, so it was not a ton of elevation gain or strenuous areas. The ridge was beautiful, with green trees in the valley and rain filled clouds above. The views of Mt. Saint Helens came and went, but the views of the destruction zone were always clear. I saw where the lava flowed and the lake below. What a place. I can’t wait to go back and see it from another angle.

#hike12 - Olympic National Park (inland hikes)

Date: March 30, 2018/April 1, 2018

Location: Olympic National Park - Washington

Distance: 8 miles

Trails: Marymere Falls, Mt. Storm King, Sol Duc, Maple Glade, Hall of Mosses

WHAT A HIKE.  Hike 12 encompassed several trails from my weekend away on the Olympic Peninsula in Northwest Washington.  For this, I'm taking all the little hikes I did over two days and counting them as one for record keeping purposes, as many were at just about a mile.  It's amazing - as I look back at previous hikes, they were longer but much less impressive.  A mile on the Olympic can blow your mind.

Marymere Falls: This trail started at the Storm King Ranger Station and goes through a tunnel, under US-101, and follows the river back to a couple of bridges and some stairs to a waterfall viewing area.  The sound of rushing water, the bright green undergrowth, and the moss covered logs all accompany you along the path.  Take your time, take it all in.

Mt. Storm King: This trail branches off of the Marymere Falls path and goes straight up!  I climbed about 17-1800 feet in 1.4 miles, and I didn't make it to the very top due to wind and lack of confidence.  BUT, I did make it up past the marked trail and had excellent views.  If you don't mind heights or just love hills, this is the trail for you.  It begins with sweeping switchbacks and transitions to more straightforward and steep trails.

Sol Duc, Hall of Mosses, and Maple Glade:  These trails are rainforest hikes!  The Quinault Rainforest area houses the Maple Glade and by far my favorite.

Trail to Sol Duc Falls

Tree growing out of a tree - Quinault Rainforest North Shore

Maple Glade - Quinault Rainforest

Mossy limbs in the Hoh Rainforest

Some vegetation contrast - Quinault Rainforest

The time spent in these areas was magical.  I have never felt so grounded and free-spirited all at once.  If you get a chance to hike in the Pacific Northwest, DO IT!  Sending everyone happy trails ahead.

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