Emerald Pools: Zions National Park

Difficulty: Easy

2 miles round

This is a very easy hike in the Zions National Park. It is one of the most popular hikes due to it's ease, beauty, and the fact that it is right across the street from the only lodge located within the parks boundaries. We did this hike the night we arrived, to stretch our legs after being in the car all day. It's a great little hike and perfect if you're hiking with little ones.

Spruce Railroad Trail: Devil Point and Punchbowl

Difficulty: Easy

2 miles round trip

 

 

This last weekend we hopped in the car and headed up to Joyce, Washington to visit some cousins. One of the things we did while there was visit the Punchbowl on the Spruce Railroad Trail, along Lake Crescent. There are several things that make this hike a-maz-ing! First - the lake is the most clear, beautiful turquoise lake you will ever see: Second - an old railroad tunnel: Third: cliff jumping. Need I say more? And, this hike is so easy that we had the littlest of little with us and everyone just did it in their swimsuits and flip flops.

Greenwater Lakes

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 4 miles Round

Northwest Forest Pass Required

This is the perfect hike for families, as it has everything a kid would be looking for in a hike: it's easy, you get to cross the river multiple times over awesome log bridges, and not just one lake - but two! Although this hike was super easy, it is beautiful enough that even the avid hiker will enjoy being here for the day!

Nolte State Park

Difficulty: Easy

1.4 miles around the lake
Discovery Pass Required

This hike is perfect if you have small children. It is only 1.4 flat miles around Nolte Lake, so it is short and easy. There are also a lot of little trails throughout, leading down to the lake for youngsters to explore.

Rattlesnake Ridge

Difficulty: Easy

4 miles round trip

Our first hike for 2011. It felt so good to be back out on the trails! We have had a very wet and cold spring here in the PNW, so it feels like it's taken forever for us to get out. Rattlesnake Ridge is perfect: close, easy and a great payoff. We always do this hike when we want a quicky after work - pack a dinner and eat at the top with an amazing view.

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.

Mason Lake

Difficulty: Hard
7 miles round trip
Northwest Forest Pass Required

I have rated this hike difficult because it is VERY steep. You really are climbing up the whole mountain from practically the bottom. At one point the road came up half way before the trail started, but with so many washouts (and you will see them as you hike) most of the road was just turned into trail making this hike even longer. You really need to be in shape to go up this one, but very worth 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!

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!!

Talapus Lake

Difficulty: Easy
4 miles Round Trip
Northwest Forest Pass Required

This is a great hike that is not to far away from North Bend. It's on a very easy trail that follows Talapus creek for most of the way. This makes for great ambiance and some beautiful peeks at small waterfalls.