Photo Journal Skagit and Beyond

  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...

  Skagit Valley is a birdwatcher's dream come true. With its diverse ecosystems ranging from wetlands and estuaries to farmlands and forests, this region offers a haven for both resident and migratory birds throughout the year. The winter months, from November to March, bring a spectacular show as thousands of snow geese and trumpeter swans descend upon the area, transforming fields and wetlands into a sea of white. These majestic birds can often be spotted in the Skagit Wildlife Area, particularly around Fir Island and the Samish Flats. Winter also attracts numerous raptors, including bald eagles along the Skagit River and short-eared owls hunting at dusk over the Samish Flats. As seasons change, so does the avian landscape of Skagit Valley. Spring and summer bring an influx of songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl, with excellent viewing opportunities at locations like the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Fall heralds the return of migratory waterfowl and birds of ...

  Nestled in Skagit County, Washington, the Northern State Recreation Area offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Once home to the sprawling Northern State Mental Hospital, this site now invites visitors to explore its extensive trail system, winding through wide-open pastures and forested lanes. As you wander, you'll encounter remnants of a bygone era - weathered barns, an old milking shed, and a cannery - silent witnesses to the thousands who once called this place home.  One of the most poignant areas is the old cemetery, where at least 1,500 former patients and staff members rest. This somber site, along with the repurposed hospital buildings now used for job corps projects and drug rehabilitation, serves as a powerful reminder of the facility's peak in the 1950s when it housed 2,700 patients. As you explore, remember to approach the area with respect, particularly around sensitive locations. While active buildings are off-limits, the accessible areas offer a...

         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...