Hiking

The Lake 22 trail will remain closed through Dec. 1 for maintenance. This will give crews time to repair damage from flooding last December. (Provided by U.S. Forest Service)

Lake 22 to remain closed 2 extra months

The popular trail off the Mountain Loop Highway was initially set to reopen next week after three months of maintenance.

 

The Leavenworth area has great biking and hiking trails, including to Icicle Ridge.

Highway 2 hikes: 6 trails for the final push of summer

Washington’s Highway 2 has it all: salmon jerky stands, a popular ski…

 

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

When you get lost in WA, what’s the cost to get rescued? Surprisingly little

Washington’s volunteer search and rescue teams save lives without costly bills.

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Lake 22 trail will close Wednesday, July 10, 2024, and will remain closed through Oct. 10, 2024, for maintenance. This will give crews time to repair damage from flooding in December. (Provided by U.S. Forest Service)

One of Snohomish County’s most popular trails to close for 3 months

The Lake 22 trail will be closed from Wednesday to Oct. 10 due to flooding damage.

Lake 22 trail will close Wednesday, July 10, 2024, and will remain closed through Oct. 10, 2024, for maintenance. This will give crews time to repair damage from flooding in December. (Provided by U.S. Forest Service)
The San Juan Islands in Washington offer dramatic landscapes from mountaintop to sea.

Essential summer weekend getaways on the US West Coast

Summer is made for exploring and fortunately here on the West Coast, you have must-visit destinations in every direction! WASHINGTON 1. San Juan Islands, Wash.… Continue reading

The San Juan Islands in Washington offer dramatic landscapes from mountaintop to sea.
The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)

10 accessible trails to explore this summer in Snohomish County

For people with disabilities, tree roots and other obstacles can curb access to the outdoors. But some trails are wheelchair-friendly.

The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)
The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)

10 accessible trails to explore this summer in Snohomish County

For people with disabilities, tree roots and other obstacles can curb access to the outdoors. But some trails are wheelchair-friendly.

The access loop trail on the Old Sauk Trail on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Darrington, Washington. (Ta'Leah Van Sistine / The Herald)
Grand Coulee Dam – one of the most popular destinations in central Washington.

Dam good fun: Family-friendly roadtrip through Central Washington

School is letting out for the summer, which means families have a chance to spend a little more time together. Most communities have pools and… Continue reading

Grand Coulee Dam – one of the most popular destinations in central Washington.
Barlow Pass Trailhead is the end of the line on the Verlot side of Mountain Loop Highway during the road’s closure on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Washington hikers rejoice: Renewed road to Mount Pilchuck, Mountain Loop to open

The notoriously rough route to an iconic hike got a makeover. And the full Mountain Loop Highway, with routine repairs, opens Monday.

Barlow Pass Trailhead is the end of the line on the Verlot side of Mountain Loop Highway during the road’s closure on Thursday, June 6, 2024, in rural Snohomish County, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Mount Rainier National Park has seen a 40 per cent uptick in visitor numbers over the past 10 years. Dewar Photography // Shutterstoc

The 6 US national parks requiring an entry permit in summer 2024

By Cu Fleshman Jam-packed parking lots, gridlocked roads, bustling crosswalks – these aren’t scenes from New York City or Los Angeles but from some of… Continue reading

Mount Rainier National Park has seen a 40 per cent uptick in visitor numbers over the past 10 years. Dewar Photography // Shutterstoc
Russ Dalton poses for a photo at Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Last man to see a grizzly in Cascades says return ‘would be wonderful’

It was news to Paul Paquet that he recorded the last confirmed sighting of a North Cascades grizzly. Still, some fear an imminent restoration effort.

Russ Dalton poses for a photo at Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
View of Cheakamus Lake from Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler.

Trails for all hikers: Visiting spring’s must-explore West Coast parks

Beautiful hikes span the West Coast and are perfect destinations when spring coaxes us back outside! We’ve gathered a selection of hikes that stand out… Continue reading

View of Cheakamus Lake from Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler.
Discover Portland and other Oregon destinations with local travel author Matt Wastradowski in his latest book, Moon Oregon.

Explore Oregon like a local with brand new guide

By Jeff Klein, The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash. Ever wanted to explore the Columbia River Gorge like a local? Heading to Bend, Ore., or even the… Continue reading

Discover Portland and other Oregon destinations with local travel author Matt Wastradowski in his latest book, Moon Oregon.
The view from the summit of 2,407-foot Mount Constitution on Orcas Island in the San Juans. (Carey J. Williams / Associated Press)

Escape to Orcas: Where to hike, dine and sleep

The horseshoe-shaped island boasts the largest state park in Western Washington

The view from the summit of 2,407-foot Mount Constitution on Orcas Island in the San Juans. (Carey J. Williams / Associated Press)
Hikers make their way along the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

‘It took my breath away’: Lace up your hiking boots because spring is here

Heybrook Ridge Trail packs stunning views and a moss-covered forest in a 3.3 mile round-trip package.

Hikers make their way along the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).