The Narrows: Zions National Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: You decide

Another fun, and unusual hike offered by the canyons of Zions Nation Park. If you aren't afraid of getting wet, and are sturdy on your feet, this is a great way to cool down in the high heat of the day. Since you are following the river up the canyon and have to turn around to come back out, you can go for as long you you like. We only spent about an hour in the river since we had spent all morning climbing around Angels Landing, but it was SO refreshing that we really enjoyed it. Even if you don't feel like getting wet, the 1 mile, paved hike on Riverside Walk leading you to the start of the Narrows is still worth doing.

Norse Peak

Difficulty: Moderate

10.5 Miles round trip

Chinook Pass is an area Aaron and I don't get up to that often. Why, I'm not sure, I guess we are just creature of habit and navigate towards Snoqualmie and Mt. Rainer National Park. A friend of mine recommended this hike, so we thought we'd give it a try. It was amazing! It is one of the most beautiful hikes we have done, and will top the list as one of our favorites. Once you get past the initial mile or so everything opens up and the views are spectacular and the beauty of Mt. Rainer reveals itself more and more with every switchback you tackle.

Dirty Harry's Balcony and Peak

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Distance: Balcony 5 miles - Peak 11 miles

Discovery Pass  Required

We were joking as we were hiking up this old logging road that the hike was named after the wrong cinematic tough guy: instead of Dirty Harry, it should be called Rocky, as most of the time we were hoofing it over rocks and boulders. However, this trail was not named after Clint's gritty bad ass cop persona, but rather Harry Gault, the logger who actually forged the road many years ago. Despite the rocky assent, this hike is well worth your time, and the payoff is amazing.

Chief Joseph Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 13 miles 

(out and back, you can turn around at any time)

 

If you love raging rivers and amazing waterfalls this hike is a must. There are stunning views around every corner and is such a great trail that we did this hike three times while visiting Wallawa Lake.

Annette Lake

Difficulty: Moderate
8 miles round trip
Northwest Forest Pass Required

A very nice waterfall right out of the gate on this hike. This hike starts out pretty easy, with gradual climbs. After about 1/2 mile or so, you cross over the Iron Horse Trail and things start to get a little more steep. You will climb pretty high for a couple of miles and then the trail evens out and opens up a bit. Once you have reached this point, the trail will eventually start descending into the lake.

Poo-Poo Point

Difficulty: Moderate
3 miles round trip

This is a great little hike on the back side of Tiger Mountain, off the Issaquah/Hobart Road. As this trail was made for paragliders to get to their jumpsite, it is very well maintained and easy to hike on. As a matter of fact, on this particular hiking day someone was out working on the trail perfecting it.

Tolmie Peak

Difficulty: Moderate
5 1/2 miles Round Trip
National Park Day Use Fee Area

This was one of our more memorable hiking trips. When we first started out Jeff, our son, wasn't really feeling the love that day, but by the time we got done he was super glad he came with us. This hike has just about everything. A beautiful waterfall, a great lake to eat lunch by and cool off on a hot day, and one of the most amazing views of Mt. Rainier ever. I would totally recommend this hike!

Spray Falls

Difficulty: Moderate
4 miles round trip
National Park Day Use Fee Area

This is a very easy fun hike to do if you have kids in tow. There are a few climbs here and there but for the most part the trail is pretty level and very well maintained. You will pass several small waterfalls along your way to your destination of Spray Falls. For the best view, cross the river. This is a great place to watch the water cascading down the rocks while eating your lunch.

Summit Lake

Difficulty: Moderate

5 miles round trip
Northwest Service Pass Required

One of the best things about this hike is the payoff of the Lake at the end. It is so beautiful that you can stay all day swimming, and relaxing by the shore. When we got there it was so inviting that we had to take a swim, even though we didn't bring suits. Hey, shorts dry! It was worth it. Carpe Diem!!