Photo Journal Skagit and Beyond

    Hike Stats (to Foggy Lake): Distance : About 9.6 miles round trip Elevation Gain : Roughly 2,800–3,200 feet Highest Point : Around 5,200–5,500 feet at Foggy Lake Difficulty : Hard (steep, rocky) Estimated Time : 6–8 hours The hike to Gothic Basin and its crown jewel, Foggy Lake, stands out as one of the most rewarding yet demanding treks along the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington’s North Cascades. This route blends remnants of old mining history, tumbling waterfalls, vibrant subalpine meadows, and striking mountain vistas. I tackled it on July 3rd with favorable weather, and the views made every challenging step worthwhile.   Starting Out at the Trailhead Begin at the Barlow Pass parking area, roughly 19–20 miles east of Granite Falls on the Mountain Loop Highway. After securing a spot (the lots can fill quickly on weekends), hike about 1–1.5 miles south along the closed Monte Cristo Road, which follows the South Fork Sauk River through pleasant forest. The act...

    Hike Stats (to Lake Serene): Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip  Elevation Gain: Around 2,700 feet Highest Point: ~2,700 feet Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (strenuous due to the steep, technical sections) Estimated Time: 5–7 hours   The adventure begins at the Lake Serene Trailhead, just off Mount Index Road near the small town of Index along Highway 2. A large gravel parking lot serves as the starting point, but it fills up fast on weekends and sunny days. Arrive early—ideally before 7 or 8 AM—to secure a spot. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking. From the trailhead, the path starts as a gentle, well-maintained trail through lush forest. Towering trees and salmonberry bushes line the old road section, giving you a pleasant warm-up with mild inclines. But don’t be fooled—this is where the real character of the hike reveals itself.   After about 1.4 miles, you rea...

  If you’re looking for an accessible, rewarding day hike just outside Seattle, Wallace Falls State Park delivers big-time. Tucked along the Wallace River near Gold Bar, this 1,380-acre park is famous for its dramatic three-tiered waterfall, lush old-growth forests, and sweeping valley views. Whether you’re a waterfall chaser, forest bather, or casual hiker, it’s a perfect Pacific Northwest escape.   The park’s centerpiece is the majestic Wallace Falls—a stunning three-tiered waterfall that plunges a total of about 265 feet down a moss-draped rock face. You’ll encounter the Lower Falls, Middle Falls (the most iconic and photogenic section with the biggest single drop), and Upper Falls. From the Middle Falls viewpoint, you get panoramic vistas of the Skykomish River Valley stretching toward the distant Olympic Mountains on clear days. The falls roar especially loud in spring and early summer when snowmelt swells the Wallace River. The Geology Behind the Falls Wallace Falls s...

  If you’re craving a lush, low-key forest escape that feels worlds away from the city bustle, the Evergreen Trail Loop at Rockport State Park is pure magic—especially in spring. This easy loop winds through one of Washington’s rare old-growth forests, where towering trees, dripping moss, and babbling streams create a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Located at the foot of Sauk Mountain in Skagit County, it’s the perfect day trip for anyone looking to trade concrete for cathedral-like cedars.   Trail Stats Length : 3.0 miles (loop) Elevation Gain : ~250–400 feet (gentle, with one short steeper section) Highest Point : 750 feet Difficulty : Easy to moderate—perfect for a relaxed pace Estimated Time : 1–1.5 hours Getting There from Seattle (via Burlington) From Seattle, hop on I-5 North and head toward Burlington (about an hour’s drive). Take Exit 230 for SR 20 East (North Cascades Highway) in Burlington. Follow SR 20 East for roughly 37 miles through the fertile Skagit V...