![]() The Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfall Trails – North Carolina.A day trip there and back is sure to reward the most jaded urbanite looking for respite in nature. The drive there on the Mountain Loop Highway is scenic as well. The bland name “22” belies the natural beauty of this 5.4 mile round trip hike which has its outlet in a panoramic mountainside vista. This is all in our back yard – and all accessible through the Lake 22 hike. Old growth forest, wetlands, waterfalls and downed hemlock trees. People come from around the country for the eye candy that the North Cascades can offer. The crisp, alpine beauty of the lake is what cell phone cameras were made for. The route is easy enough to complete in a few hours, but steep enough to give a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top and gaze on rocky slopes and mirrored water. The trail features waterfalls, mountain views, old growth forest and boardwalks. Popular hike to a scenic mountainside lake. There’s plenty of wildlife to view in marshy glens and a stunning variety of plant life in all seasons including ferns, cattails, berries and wildflowers. The trails split off in several areas offering river and pond access. Trails wind through this 1,463-acre nature preserve, leading hikers, horseback riders and picnic-goers through old growth forest. There’s ample parking at the north trailhead (site of a Park and Ride) and the south end of the trail deposits walkers into the heart of the Mill Creek Town Center. The paved path leads walkers through wetlands. The mountaintop vista takes in Skykomish Valley, Fidalgo Bay and the San Juan Islands.Ī four-mile urban hike that almost anyone can knock out in a single morning or afternoon. If you get rained out you can always drive to the top, too. This hike has a 1000-foot gain in elevation. This is a social media photo op worth sweating for. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, as well a nice peek at the upper falls. ![]() At the top of the trail is a sweeping view of the blue-green treetops of the Mt. Small wooden huts line the path, perfect for taking a breather or a picnic lunch. From the trailhead the path goes up moderately steep switchbacks through old growth forest. One of the most beautiful hikes in the state less is than an hour from Everett. A word of caution: the mountain is closed for part of the year due to snowpack and may not be safe for inexperienced/overambitious hikers. There’s a fire lookout at the summit that offers an imposing panoramic view of Washington State. Part of the year the path is covered in snow, making for a brisk trek. The path winds up through thick forest and over fields of scree. This moderate-to-advanced hike leads upward to the peak of the tallest mountain in Snohomish County. Stop at Granite Falls on the way out of town for a brew at the “local color” logger’s bar the Spar Tree. This trail was used by miners a century ago and leads hikers up and down the Cascade foothills, past a deep gorge to a giant stone monolith: a kiln that was once used for smelting lime. Truly a scenic gem.Ī hike for the not-faint-of heart. Along the way you can stop for craft beer, coffee, food, playing fields and playground recreation. The wide path runs along the Pilchuck River and past several cities. ![]() This 29-mile paved recreational trail is for everyone: walkers, bicyclists, dogs, children and runners. Pro tip: Everett is the proverbial centralized launchpad for all of the best outdoor stuff this great state has to offer. Not sure where to start? We’ve put this list together to accommodate all skill levels. Look, folks, you’re in the PNW so go outside and explore nature. ![]()
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