This was a pleasant fall hike in the North Cascades that wound up having a nice surprise at the end. We started by driving across the top of the 389-foot-tall Diablo Dam, and parking at the trailhead near the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. The trail gradually climbs the mountainside above the north shore of the lake, eventually climbing up 800 feet to some vistas of Colonial and Pyramid Peaks. Rather than turning back and returning the way we came, we continued on the trail as it dropped down into the gorge that sits between Diablo Lake and the base of Ross Dam. It turned out that the Diablo Lake Ferry, which is run by Ross Lake Resort to shuttle guests to it's houseboats, had a scheduled 2:30 run back to a dock near our trailhead. So we made this a hike out/boat ride back trip. Good thing too, because rain showers arrived around 2:00, so it was nice to ferry back under the cover of their 40-passenger boat.

Another fine day along Icicle Creek, as our stretch of fabulous fall weather continues.

Clear blue skies, comfortable temps in the 50's, and nice fall colors along a scenic river canyon made for an idyllic hike today. We did the 4-mile loop trail that straddles Icicle Creek, about 15 miles outside Leavenworth. 

Today we explored three charming state parks in the vicinity of Black Diamond, in southeastern King County. Our day started at Flaming Geyser State Park, where we checked out the namesake feature, and hiked a short stretch of trail along the Green River. The next stop was Nolte State Park, where a nice 1.5 mile trail through old growth forest encircles Deep Lake. After lunch at the picnic areas overlooking Deep Lake, we headed to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. The Green River is again the prime feature there, so we were able to catch some beautiful river scenery and some glimpses of migrating salmon. We walked about 4 miles in total, and gained an increased appreciation for our wonderful state parks system.

This trip was a doubleheader of short hikes near Blewett Pass off of Highway 97. We started by hiking the 3-mile loop interpretive trail known as the Swauk Forest Discovery Trail. There are some nice viewpoints, informative signs about the forest, and some western larches shown their fall colors. It was a bit chilly and breezy, so we didn't hang out too long at the high points, making our way back to the trailhead for a lunch break, and then heading about 30 minutes drive away to Red Top Lookout. The road gets you to with 1/2 mile of the 5385-foot-high lookout cabin, so the hike is short (but steep). The visibility was good, granting us views of the Stuart Range and Teanaway region in addition to the Blewett Pass area. All told, we hiked about 4.5 miles, and enjoyed another pleasant fall day in the Cascades.

We journeyed north to the Mount Baker Wilderness to experience one of the finest trails in the North Cascades on a crystal-clear fall day. Starting from a trailhead on the bumpy Twin Lakes Road off the Mount Baker, we climbed steadily through forests and meadows to broad views that only widened as we rose higher. Many in the group went all the way up to the 6185-foot-high summit of the butte, taking in views that included Baker, Shuksan, the Border Peaks, Tomyhoi, Whitehorse and Three Fingers, and even remote North Cascades peaks like Challenger and Redoubt. Special thanks to El Nino for inducing the exceptionally fine mid-October day!

This 326-acre property in Kenmore is the largest tract of remaining undeveloped land on Lake Washington. In 1931, a huge brick seminary building was erected here, and served the region's Catholic churches for nearly half a century. When the seminary closed in the 1970's, Washington State Parks stepped in and developed trails through the second growth forest. In 2021, the seminary building underwent major renovations and reopened as a 4-star resort hotel. On our visit, we walked about 4 miles on the park's trails, which included a nice stretch along the shoreline of Lake Washington, a visit to a lovely stone grotto built in 1945, and plenty of peaceful forest walking. We also were able to stroll the corridors of the resort hotel to witness the beautiful restoration of the old seminary. It was a fun excursion only a short drive from Everett. 

Our trip to Manning Park in British Columbia featured a little bit of summer, a lit bit of fall, and even a little bit of winter. We stayed two nights in a comfortable premium cabin at Manning Park Resort, and fit in about 15 miles of hiking over the course of three days. Day one was a continuation of the Indian summer that had typified early October this year. We hiked that day on the Heather Trail, one of Manning's highest hikes, with a trailhead at 6500 feet. Day two was a shift to cooler, showery, more typically fall-like weather. We hiked the Lightning Lake Loop trail that day, getting a mixed bag of conditions, and temps that barely reached 50. Day three greeted us with an inch of SNOW, turning the valley around the resort into a winter wonderland, and giving our hike on the Beaver Pond and Canyon Trails an unexpected touch of white. All in all it was a very fun getaway, with a little bit of everything.

Gorgeous October weather, mild temperatures, beautiful colors, great views. Couldn't have asked for a nicer day to visit this lake and pass near Chinook Pass, just east of Mount Rainier. Wait a minute, didn't I just see this? Yep, did two trips here within four days-- both equally magnificent.

Gorgeous October weather, mild temperatures, a nice workout, and great views. Couldn't have asked for a nicer day to visit this high ridge viewpoint near Hurricane Ridge in the Olympics.

Gorgeous October weather, mild temperatures, beautiful colors, great views. Couldn't have asked for a nicer day to visit this lake and pass near Chinook Pass, just east of Mount Rainier.

This was a chance to spend a day exploring some nice and east trails around Baker Lake in the North Cascades. It even included a newer trail that I had NEVER been on before! We started out with the short but sweet Shadow of the Sentinels Trail, a 1/2-mile stroll on an interpretive trail through some impressive groves of old growth trees. After that, it was a short drive to the Bayview Loop, a gorgeous trail near the campground of the same name. It looks like the trail has been built just recently, and they've done an outstanding job. The loop includes a short spur to the shore of Baker Lake, where there's knockout views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. We had a little extra time after those, so we also explored the East Bank Baker Lake Trail, and made a scenic stop at the top of Baker Dam. A fun day with lots of great scenery.