Stinger, Route 66 and Lower Beaver Tracks

The Franklin Ghost Town trailhead is just a large muddy lot, surrounded by no trespassing signs. When you pull in you will see signs for a $5 day use fee, just fill out the form and drop it in the box. There are two trails that leave the lot, one heads down to the river and is probably a mile round trip. There is lots to explore down there and the views of the river are amazing. In the summer i...

Visited here in August and the water was possibly the coldest I've ever swam in. A great half-day trip as the hikes are easy and the spots are quick to get to. The falls are located just to side of the road with a couple of different places to park. There's a $5 or $10 entrance/parking fee. A great spot to hangout and swim. There's a few cliffs to jump from at your own risk and a rope swing. Th...

The Green River Gorge is one of the best whitewater options within an hour of the Seattle area. This beautiful scenic rocky gorge offers 14 miles of class III-IV whitewater and lots of great play spots for rafters and kayakers. This section of river is often boated in the late fall, winter, and spring months but is typically too low in the summer. Both private boaters and commercial outfitters ...

From Seattle, take the I-90 E to exit 15. Make a right on 17th Ave. This street will later become Renton/Issaquah Rd. Drive about four miles then turn right on to May Valley Rd. Make a sharp right onto SE 112th St. This street will soon turn into 169th Ave SE as it turns left. The trailhead is right after that turn. Find easy parking along 169th and locate the little hiker sign.  This is a qui...

The Poo Poo Point trail is a great option for beautiful forest and great views only about 20 minutes outside of Seattle. The longer and less steep of the two routes to Poo Poo Point, this trail leaves from the Issaquah High School (the shorter and steeper Chirico Trail leaves from the paragliding landing field several miles to the south). From the trailhead the trail will be unsigned but you'll...

If you’re looking for a fairly easy hike with a great view at the top, the hike to Rattlesnake Ledge is just for you. The Ledge is located on the eastern end of Rattlesnake Ridge, and is the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake, the Cascades, Mt. Si, and Snoqualmie Pass. But it’s not just the summit that’s wonderful - you’ll spend the entirety of your gradual 1.9-mile ascen...