Hiking Guide: Lower Lena Lake & beyond
The path leaves the Hamma Hamma road and climbs 1,200 feet through a mix of old-growth and second-growth forest to Lower Lena Lake (3 miles, one-way). The Lena Lake area…
Hiking Guide: Bean Creek Basin & Earl Peak Saddle
Bean Creek Basin trail climbs through fragrant flower meadows and offers great looks up to surrounding peaks, but even better views of the incredible ponderosa pine forests and dry-side wildflower…
Hiking Guide: Thorp Mountain
It’s a short hike, but one to tax the strength of even the toughest hikers. But the strenuous climb earns you great rewards. The top of Thorp Mountain sports a…
Hiking Guide: Annette Lakes
A clearcut here, a clearcut there, next thing you know, you’re talking one serious bald spot. That’s what runs through your mind on the way up Annette Lake Trail, especially…
Hiking Guide: Pilots Trail
While hikers usually opt for the longer and less steep trail starting near the Issaquah High School, paraglider pilots and hikers seeking a more strenuous workout climb this trail from…
Hiking Guide: Skookum Falls
The lush, moss-laden forest is reminiscent of the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula, for good reason. The western foothills of the Cascades can get twice as much annual rainfall as…
Hiking Guide: Gothic Basin
Gothic Basin is one of the more spectacular alpine destinations within a short drive of the Puget Sound basin. It can also be one of the most difficult of these…
Hiking Guide: Margaret Lake
The hike to Margaret Lake starts with a whimper but finishes with a bang. The trail leads off up a rough dirt road that fades into a rough trail into…