Photo Journal Skagit and Beyond

  If you're looking for a unique hiking experience that combines dramatic sandstone formations, forest beauty, and a serene lake destination, the Rock Trail at Larrabee State Park delivers all this and more. The Hike: Before you start hiking, take a moment at the Cyrus Gates Overlook - you're standing just 120 feet below the highest point in Larrabee State Park. The westward views over Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands are spectacular and worth a photo stop. The trail starts by traversing Chuckanut Ridge through mature western hemlock forest. Don't get too comfortable with the gentle beginning - you'll soon encounter a series of wooden steps descending into a ravine. This steep section quickly reveals why the trail is designated for hikers only - no bikes or horses allowed! Look closely at the cliff faces to spot the fascinating layers and patterns. The impressive sandstone cliffs you'll encounter on this trail tell a fascinating story of ancient ...

  Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, the Ross Dam Trail is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking wilderness in Washington State. For hikers looking to stretch their legs and soak in a full day of alpine beauty, an extended journey along this trail to Green Point Campground—with a memorable stop at Ross Lake Resort—is a must-do adventure. Getting Started: The Ross Dam Trailhead The journey begins at the Ross Dam Trailhead, located just off Highway 20 in North Cascades National Park. It’s a short but steep descent—about 1.5 miles—to the base of Ross Dam. The well-maintained trail winds through dense forest, with occasional views of the Skagit River and glimpses of towering peaks in the distance. Even this early in the hike, the sheer beauty of the North Cascades is undeniable. Crossing the Dam and Visiting Ross Lake Resort Once at the base of the dam, you’ll cross Ross Dam itself—a concrete monolith that holds back the shimmering waters of Ross Lake. T...

Lake 22 is a popular day hike nestled within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Featuring mossy forests, waterfalls, and a glacial cirque lake beneath Mount Pilchuck, this trail offers a classic taste of Washington wilderness just a short drive from the Seattle metro area. The 5.4-mile round-trip hike winds through towering old-growth trees and follows babbling creeks before ascending to the stunning alpine Lake 22. The lake rests in a natural amphitheater of cliffs, often streaked with waterfalls and snowfields well into summer. This is a favorite trail for beginner to intermediate hikers who want maximum reward for moderate effort. Trail Quick Facts     Distance: 5.4 miles round trip     Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet     Highest Point: 2,400 feet     Difficulty: Moderate     Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass     Trail Type: Out-and-back     Dog-Friendly: Yes, on le...

  Nestled just a stone’s throw from the bustling I-5 corridor, the Alger Alp via Squires Lake trail offers a surprisingly serene escape into the Chuckanut Mountain system. Starting at the Squires Lake trailhead off Old Highway 99, hikers are greeted with a well-maintained path that weaves through a lush forest of cedars, firs, and maples, with the tranquil Squires Lake as an early reward. The trail, part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, forks toward the South Ridge, guiding you along a narrow spine with Friday Creek below, before merging onto old logging roads (FR 1300 and FR 1000) that lead to the summit of Alger Alp. At the top, expansive views of Skagit Valley, Samish Bay, and even distant Koma Kulshan (Mount Baker) on clear days make the 4-mile round trip, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, well worth the effort. The trail’s mix of singletrack and gravel roads, dotted with wildflowers like foxglove and salmonberry, offers a moderate challenge perfect for a half-day adventu...

    Nestled in the heart of Washington’s Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the Big Four Ice Caves offer a breathtaking natural wonder that draws adventurers year-round. While this popular destination is a relatively short trek in the warmer months, winter transforms it into a more challenging—and rewarding—7-mile hike due to seasonal gate closures. The Big Four Ice Caves sit at the base of the 6,160-foot Big Four Mountain, formed by avalanches and the persistent freeze-thaw cycles of the Cascades. Snow piles up at the mountain’s base, and over time, it compacts into ice, hollowed out by melting water and wind to create stunning caves. These icy grottoes glow with an ethereal blue hue, making them a must-see for hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike. However, they’re not without risks—more on that later. During the summer, the Big Four Ice Caves Trail is a manageable 2.2-mile round-trip hike, starting from a trailhead just off the Mountain Loop Highway. But ...