Photo Journal Skagit and Beyond

         If you're looking for a stunning hiking experience near Bellingham, WA, look no further than the Burnout Trail in Larrabee State Park. This lesser-known trail offers a journey through diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas that you won't soon forget. As you hike the Burnout Trail, you'll notice it can be divided into two distinct sections. The lower reaches will lead you through a serene mixed forest, providing a peaceful and quiet experience. You'll find yourself surrounded by tall evergreens and deciduous trees, with the forest floor carpeted in ferns and moss. As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views that will take your breath away. From the upper sections of Burnout, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea. On clear days, you can see for miles, with the islands dotting the horizon like emerald jewels set in a sea of blue. If you visit in spring or early summer, you're in for a special tre...

This accessible and family-friendly nature trail, located near the charming town of Newhalem, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a serene escape into the wilderness. As you embark on this self-guided adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of towering trees, diverse wildlife, and the soothing sounds of nature. The trail begins at the end of Main Street in Newhalem, where a picturesque suspension bridge spans the mighty Skagit River. This crossing serves as a perfect photo opportunity, with the rushing waters below and the lush greenery surrounding you. One of the trail's most appealing features is its accessibility. The wheelchair-friendly loop boasts a moderate grade, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities. Thoughtfully placed benches along the path provide ample opportunities to rest, reflect, and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. As you meander along the nature trail, you...

      Click on a photo to zoom in Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, Ladder Creek Falls is a  natural wonder that offers visitors a unique blend of history, nature, and enchanting beauty. Located behind the Gorge Powerhouse in Newhalem, this hidden gem provides a refreshing woodland retreat and an up-close view of a spectacular waterfall. The falls have a rich history dating back to the 1930s and '40s when J.D. Ross, the owner and developer of the hydroelectric project near Ross Lake, built a trail to showcase the area. Ross's vision transformed Ladder Creek Falls into a popular tourist attraction, complete with colorful nighttime illumination and music piped in on Friday evenings for visitors from Seattle seeking a night out. Today, the magic of Ladder Creek Falls continues to captivate visitors. The light show, a 15-minute repeating program that runs from dusk until midnight year-round, remains a major draw. However, the falls are equally mesm...

    Click on a photo to enlarge Nestled high in the North Cascades at 6,254 feet, Blue Lake is a true hidden gem that should be on every hiker's bucket list. A moderate hike from Highway 20, this pristine mountain lake offers jaw-dropping scenery with towering granite peaks, lush meadows, and sparkling blue waters. While beautiful year-round, Blue Lake is an especially magical destination in the fall when the alpine larches turn a brilliant golden hue. These deciduous conifers create a striking contrast against the rugged grey peaks and deep blue lake. It's a sight that has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. The hike itself is a moderate 4.6 miles out-and-back with around 1,050 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for most ability levels. The well-maintained trail winds through shady forests, across idyllic streams, and into a wildflower-dotted meadow with views of the imposing Early Winters Spire. As you approach the lake, the views open up to reveal Cutthr...

Click on a photo to enlarge. Your adventure begins with a steep ascent along the road from the gate, a challenging start that sets the tone. Shortly after, you take the left fork of the road, climbing alongside a clearcut, and veer onto the first spur left. This path leads you to a small quarry, where the views unfold like a panoramic masterpiece. To the south, the glistening waters of Clear, Mud, and Beaver Lakes shimmer in the sunlight, while the majestic silhouettes of Little and Devil's Mountains stand as sentinels in the distance. It is a breathtaking sight that leaves you in awe.  Here you might encounter turkey vultures flying overhead. Retracing your steps to the original road, you climb once more, passing one spur left and taking the next left turn. This detour unveils a hidden gem – a rocky outcrop adorned with a log bench and a fire pit. From this vantage point, the Skagit River meanders through the landscape, while the distant San Juan Islands beckon with their alluring...

     Click on a photo to enlarge. The Park Butte trail is a must-do 7.5 mile out-and-back hike in the Mount Baker area. It leads through meadows, forests, tarn lakes and up to a historic fire lookout with stellar views. From the trailhead, you'll wind through a wildflower-filled meadow before ascending alongside the rushing waters of Sulphur Creek and Rocky Creek, which can run dangerously high in the afternoon, you'll enter an old-growth forest and continue your ascent. Next, you will continue through meadows and past alpine tarns. Here you may encounter the resident yellow-bellied marmots. These large squirrels frequently sound their shrill alarm calls. The final rocky push brings you to the Park Butte Lookout at 5,450 feet. From its deck, you're treated to a 360-degree panorama of Mount Baker's glaciated summit, the Twin Sisters, Black Buttes, and Nooksack River valley. Logistics: Restroom available at the start of the hike only.  Northwest Forest pass needed. To...

  Click on a photo to enlarge. Goose Rock Summit via Cranberry Lake and North Beach Trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience. This 6.2-mile loop trail with elevation gain of 797ft, located near Oak Harbor, is a moderately challenging route. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, this trail promises to captivate you with its stunning vistas and diverse landscapes.   One of the highlights of this trail is the opportunity to witness breathtaking views of the iconic Deception Pass Bridge and the bay. As you make your way along the coastline of Deception Pass State Park, you'll pass through various campsites and parking lots, gradually ascending towards Goose Rock. Goose Rock, a true gem along the trail, provides hikers with an idyllic spot to take a well-deserved break and savor a picnic while marveling at the far-reaching vistas over the vast ocean, before continuing their descent along the loop trail.  The summit offers panoramic views that encompas...