Hiking, Climbing and Travel
Latest Trips:
Support this site:
Shop gear here from these retailers:
Related Articles:
Queen Elizabeth Park - Vancouver, BC Highpoint
The highest point in Vancouver, on Little Mountain, an extinct volcano, elevation 500 feet. From here, visitors have sweeping views in all directions across the city to such faraway places as Mount Baker to the southeast, the Gulf and San Juan Islands to the southwest, Vancouver Island to the west, and the Coast Mountains to the north.
New:
Little St. Helens
Little St. Helens is right off the I-90 corridor, a neglected peak sitting south of the highway in an old harvested area. Times change though, as there are new trails on the mountain on the network of old logging roads. As the trees grow back, expect Little St. Helens to become a very popular destination. The mountain bike community and the Forest Service has created the Hansen Creek Trailhead, formerly the Hansen Creek Gravel Target Pit. A mountain bike trail system has been developed for the area.
The Summit - Bellevue
The Summit highpoint is located in a gated community protected by a gate and guard. Don’t let that stop you, there are other access options. A city hiking trail works its way up to the summit, inviting foot traffic visitors, just your vehicle is not invited. The highest spot rests underneath two large houses but standing at the sidewalk, I think you are at the same height.
Lost Lake Cross Country Ski Trails - Whistler, BC
The easiest place to cross country ski and snowshoe in Whistler is the Lost Lake Cross Country Trail System. Just a short walk from Whistler Village, you can go to the PassivHaus to rent skies or snowshoes. It is a perfect place for beginners. The trail system feels like the backcountry but with all the people and some amenities on the trail, it is more like skiing in the city.
Shannon Falls Provincial Park - Squamish, BC
Shannon Falls is the third highest falls in British Columbia (335 meters/1,099 feet). The falls are very easy to see, right next to Highway 99 between Vancouver and Whistler. The waters of Shannon Falls originates from Mount Habrich and Mount Sky Pilot.
Grouse Mountain Skyride
When other trails may be snow covered, look to Anderson Mountain to come through for a long winter hiking trip. Depending on snowfall, you may even get a good snowshoe trip on the upper portions of the mountain. The route follows the Pacific Northwest Trail, which uses existing logging roads and trail segments constructed by volunteers. White paint marks on trees and rocks mark the entire route so you can't go wrong.
Cedar Mountain
One of the closest named mountains to over a million people is Cedar Mountain in Fairwood (East Renton). Cedar is a small wooded summit surrounded by new housing developments, shopping centers and older lakeside communities. Cedar Mountain is now part of McGarvey Park, a large reserve of open lands. The park is a result of King Countys "4 to 1" SmartGrowth Program.
Puget Sound Highpoints
A new way to show highpoints around Puget Sound by using a map. Some of these are really nice hikes. Others are dumpster dives, sometimes in peoples driveways, often in the bushes and usually in the rain.
September 18th, 2001 - New York City
We had been in Europe for nearly three months when it happened. In Granada Spain, we were checking into a hotel with our U.S passports when the desk guy started telling us what had happened back in the U.S. All I could understand was him saying America was under attack and there were 10,000 people dead.
Anderson Mountain
Grouse Mountain is Vancouver's most visited four-season attraction, with well over a million visitors each year. You get breathtaking views of the city of Vancouver, the sparkling Strait of Georga, the Gulf Islands and peaks on Vancouver Island. Having a mountain so close to such a huge population, there are dozens of possible activities available for locals and visitors. The gondola up is North America's largest aerial tramway system.
Capitol Hill - Seattle
Capitol Hill is one of the most interesting highpoints in Washington State. The spot is inside Volunteer Park which has long been celebrated by Seattle. In 1906, the water department built an observation tower over and around a water storage tank. It was built right on the highest spot, a tourist attraction and highpoint combined! The tower has 106 steps that lead visitors to the top where there are sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Haystack Mountain & Little Haystack (TOC Rock)
These are two bumps along Highway 2 between Gold Bar and Index. Both are low elevation options for peakbaggers or off-trail hikers who are just curious about them. If the weather is good, they have moderate views.
Kamilche 2 Benchmark
A perfect hike or biking trip for winter. This trip starts out near sea level adjacent to Hwy 101. It ends at a communication site with some unobstructed views to the north. Kamilche is on private timberland but is signed for non-motorized use welcome. If you do bike it, be prepared to carry your bike for about 5 minutes, access through the quarry is restricted
Kamilche Valley Peak
This trip doesn’t offer much but something new and the knowledge you were just up a prominent point between Olympia and Shelton. Kamilche has 1,230 feet of prominence, not bad considering its location among rolling hills. This one is best with a bike since the route is via a road that doesn’t exactly climb too fast to the summit. 1.5 hours round trip.
Sister Divide
An obscure peak in a divine location, Sister Divide is part of a ridgeline that connects the Mount Baker peaks to the Twin Sisters Mountains . Both seem to tower over Sister Divide with the Twin Sisters giving an Amphitheater feel to the area. A nice trail up much of the route makes this an excellent late season snow climb.
Twin Falls Trail - Olallie State Park
The highlight of Olallie State Park is Twin Falls. At one time, this area was called Twin Falls State Park. Then it must have been merged into the nearby Olallie State Park. If that wasn't confusing, the Iron Horse State Park trail runs through the park. Now it looks like they call it the Twin Falls Natural Area...part of Olallie State Park. Whatever. The hike is a nice family walk to a waterfall with developed overlooks and bridges.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park has more to offer than many of the State Parks on Puget Sound. Discovery Park is a 534 acre natural area park operated by the Seattle Parks and Recreation. It is the largest city park in Seattle, and occupies most of the former Fort Lawton site. Discovery Park is located on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound. There are spectacular views throughout the park with a good amount of waterfront walking on both sides of West Point.
Become a Facebook Fan and Get Updates
Other trips I've added the last few weeks
