Rose FreemanExplorer

The ancient rock walls, cave, and falls of Hawk Creek provide an unreal day hike experience! The best time to hike to Hawk Creek cave is early spring/summer before the water level of Lake Roosevelt is back to it's regular level by July. Any age explorer will be inspired on this adventure!Drive to Hawk Creek trailhead (47.8109, -118.3104) and begin hiking on a well marked fisherman's trail thr...

Most adventurers travel down Icicle Creek Road to visit Colchuck Lake and the Enchantment Basin.  But, if you're looking for an adventure for a cool summer morning without the crowds, continue past the Colchuck/Stuart forest road and explore this trail!  Expansive views of the entire Stuart range will take your breath away.  The trail begins in a shaded forest and crosses Fourth of July Creek t...

Drive to Mt. Spokane State Park and park at Selkirk Lodge. This hike can only be accessed before the ski area opens because the trail up to the lookout is along part of the cross country ski area.You may not need snowshoes for this hike depending on how much snow is on the ground. With more snow, I would obviously recommend snowshoes! Follow the wide cross country ski trails and signs for "l...

This 8 mile loop hike begins from Liberty Lake Regional Park, just 30 minutes away from Spokane! The first mile follows a dry grassy meadow and swamp. Make sure and look for beaver dams and houses! The trail winds up into the hills above Liberty Lake. At 2.0 miles, you reach one of Spokane's last old growth cedar forests.Continue to follow the switchbacks another mile and take in the views ...

To get to the trailhead, drive north on highway 95 from Sandpoint and turn left onto Pack River Road near the gas station. Drive approximately 19 miles and look for the sign on the left for Beehive Lakes Trailhead. The road was passable but I would recommend 4 wheel drive.This hike begins at 4,420 feet and climbs 6,460 feet in 4.5 miles. The trail leads through a thick forest with views of ...

Begin this hike at the Lake Stuart trailhead at the end of Eightmile road just outside of Leavenworth, Washington. The trail follows Mountaineer Creek and leads you across a log bridge over the falls. After the bridge, the trail narrows and steepens through several switchbacks. After 2.2 miles, follow the fork in the trail to the right to continue on to Lake Stuart. When you arrive at a wid...

From Washington Park in Anacortes, Washington we launched our 19' Beachcraft with a deep hull into Puget Sound on a beautiful blue sky morning. The weather and water was favorable for an overnight adventure to Blakely Island! We made our way across Rosario Straight and toward James Island (20 minutes of boating), where we made our first stop for a short hike. The views of Mt. Baker and the No...

If you plan to hike to this beach on the weekend, arrive early because the parking lot fills up fast. From the trailhead, hike down through an old forest along a stream to reach Meadowdale Beach Park. Take in the sounds of birds, wildlife, and the stream adjacent to the trail. At one mile you will reach the park and the trail splits directions.At the park there are several attractions for large...

Have you ever dreamed of snow skiing and water skiing in the same day? This March, plan your adventure of a lifetime to Stevens Pass and Lake Stevens, Washington. You will need a winter coat, a wet suit, and a heart made of love for the outdoors.Keep an eye on mountain and lake weather conditions as you plan your day. Stevens Pass is usually open through March. If you choose to go on a snow day...

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named “The Enchantments” draws explorers from all over the world. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Before you set out to camp overnight in the Enchantments, you need to acquire a permit online (Forest Service website) or t...

Have you ever explored the ancient caves of the Washington Palouse? Just off of highway 17 near Coulee City the Lenore Lake Caves are a perfect day hike experience. These caves were formed when the area was flooded 12,000 years ago by melting ice. You have to see them for yourself!The trail immediately climbs up above the lake. You will soon be rewarded with views of the valley and lake bel...

If you're looking for a weekend camping getaway to a small San Juan Island and you have a boat of substantial size or experience sea kayaking, this is the adventure for you!Launch your boat from Washington Park in Anacortes and cruise or sea kayak across Rosario Straight to James Island. There is one dock on the west side of the island that fills up quick, so plan to arrive early to guarantee ...

Wander through a classic Inland Northwest pine tree forest as you climb up to Mineral Ridge. At the top, explore historical Caribou Cabin and take the spur trail to the left to an abandoned mine. There is a lot of history scattered on this short loop hike! Continue past the cabin and take in views of Lake Coeur d'Alene before climbing down and completing the loop. Explorers of all ages will...

There are two entrances to Bead Lake - the boat launch and the ridge road. Turn right onto Bead Lake Ridge Road and follow it until you arrive at the parking lot. Start the hike at the marked trailhead #127 down to the lake through a dark cedar forest. Turn right at the boat launch and continue on the trail above the lake. At 1.0 mile there is a campsite on the lake with beach access, a fire pi...

Drive north on SR 31 almost to Ione, Washington and turn right on Sullivan Lake Road. Follow the road around the lake to the East Sullivan Lake campground. We had to park outside the campground because of construction and walk to the trailhead.From the marked trailhead, hike through the 0.6 nature walk and turn right at the fork to continue on the lakeshore trail. The next mile winds through...

The hike to Sol Duc Falls is a simple 0.8 mile walk to a roaring falls on the Sol Duc River. If you’re up for more of a hike, continue on the trail to Deer Lake from Sol Duc Falls. At the fork in the trail, turn left and hike up away from the Lover's Lane Trail. The trail steepens and the rocky switchbacks lead you through a forest of cedar, hemlock, and silver fir trees. At 1.5 miles, cross o...

The climb to Buckhorn Mountain above Marmot Pass is a must see for every PNW adventurer with the endurance to tackle nearly 14 miles and 4,400 feet of gain.  Listen to the rushing waters of the Big Quilcene River as the trail gently traverses up 5.5 miles to Marmot Pass.  Be sure to filter water at Camp Mystery, just below the final climb to Marmot Pass.  This is the last water source until you...

If you're looking for a long day hike or multi-night backpacking trip in the Olympics, add Royal Lake and Royal Basin to your adventure list!   The first mile of trail along the Dungeness River gains a gentle 300 feet.  When you reach the bridge, do not cross it (the trail across the bridge goes to Marmot Pass in the Buckhorn Wilderness).  Take a right and follow the sign to Royal Basin! For ...

“These fleetingly rare sights offer a recipe for what I call ‘the Quest.’ The Quest is the force that motivates us to travel. It’s putting oneself in the perfect place at the perfect time. It’s the insatiable urge to find that quintessential moment.” - Washington AAA Journal The arrival of “golden week” at Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass trail inspired my husband and me to set out on a “larch m...

Begin this hike at the trailhead to the nature trail at East Sullivan Lake Campground just 14 miles from Ione, Washington. Take a right at the first fork and continue on through the cedar forest until you reach a viewpoint above the lake at 0.5 mile. The next 3.5 miles wind through a pine, larch, and birch forest along the ridge above Sullivan Lake. The trail ends at Noisy Creek Campground, whe...

To the trailhead, drive east on highway 2 from Everett. Just past milepost 37 you will see a gravel parking area on the left side of the highway. Wander through a mossy forest that reminds me of Olympic National Park and traverse up 1.3 miles of switch backs to ascend heybrook lookout! Dogs are allowed on leash. When we hiked here, the sun peaked through the fog to give us spectacular views...

From the main parking lot at English camp, follow the wide path east and cross West Valley road to the trailhead of Young Hill. The trail switchbacks several times and leads you past the English Camp cemetery. Continue left on the main trail through the forest of Pacific Madrone trees until you reach a wide open grassy bluff with sweeping views over the bay. Continue to hike another 1/4 mile ac...

From the Log Cabin Resort located on the east shore of Lake Crescent, rent a kayak and spend the day on the water! My husband and I rented a kayak on our honeymoon for a day and explored half of the lake staying close to the east shore.You can see the bridge for the Spruce Railroad trail on the shoreline of the lake and find a rocky beach to rest and eat lunch. The lake has deep waters of and...

Did you know that Cape Flattery is the northwesternmost point in the continental United States? This is the place where the Straight of Juan de Fuca collides with the Pacific, creating strong currents and loud crashing waves.This short and accessible hike leads you through a forest to an unforgettably beautiful viewpoint of sea stacks, turquoise water, and ocean as far as the eye can see! Wat...