January+February 2011 » Trails Backcountry « 37 Take a Hike! Looking for a wintertime hike that will lift your spirits while it raises your heart rate? Check out these suggestions from your fellow hikers. If you need more ideas, you can always search the 29,000+ trip reports filed online at www.wta.org.

1 Grand Canyon of the Elwha 2 Duckabush River 3 Bowman Exchange winter white for lush green Try solitude, salal, cedar trees and a Bay Trail landscapes, high canyon walls and a churning river to clear your mind. Island views, no roaring river. ferry required.

10 Sherman Peak Loop 3 Trek along the Kettle 4 1 10 Crest. 2 5 Safety 7 6 9 Crab Creek Notice 8 A land of small Neither Washington Trails magazine, the buttes, pillars and Washington Trails As- 9 old channels left by sociation, nor their personnel accept any Ice Age floods. liability for accidents or injuries in connection with articles, trail or road reports published in Washington Trails. The reports provide updated informa- tion of interest to the 7 region’s trail users; 4 Old Sauk River Commonwealth Basin readers are cautioned to supplement the This is a great choice for kid-sized hikers. Enjoy the solitude of pristine reports with other snowshoeing before the melt comes. sources of information 5 Barclay Lake when planning a trip. Additionally, readers This short hike takes you up to a lake 8 Capitol Lake and should be aware that bounded by high peaks. reported conditions Tumwater Falls may change, that there 6 may be errors in the re- Otter Falls This area is colorful even in the rain, and ports, and that certain Check out this gorgegous sheet waterfall if very cold, the Tumwater Falls mists hazards are inherent in backcountry travel. pouring over a rock slab. freeze magically on the brush near by. 38 » Backcountry January+February 2011 » Washington Trails

Suggested Hikes »

Janna Wilson

2 Duckabush River Olympic National Forest Lace Thornberg Olympic Peninsula

Total Mileage: 6.1 miles 1 Grand Canyon of the Elwha Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet Olympic National Park Highest Elevation: 1,650 feet Olympic Peninsula Map: Green Trails The Brothers #168 the Duckabush River Trail in the east- Total Mileage: 6.75 miles ern Olympic Mountains on a winter morning is Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet nothing short of hitting your reset button. Why Highest Elevation: 1,350 feet go here? There’s the accessibility, the solitude, Map: Green Trails Hurricane Ridge/Elwha North #134S the green (moss, ferns, salal), the cedar trees, the easy 2.5 miles to the churning river that clears your mind. Continue on from there and, Change out the white of winter for lush green landscapes, high canyon step by step, make the 1,000-foot climb to Big walls, and a roaring river on this 7.5 mile round-trip hike. From the trail- Hump that reminds you to try to stay in shape head, follow the path through the vibrant green fir forest as it descends for that day, coming sooner than you think, but steeply down into Goblin Gates, the famous spot where the Elwha meets never soon enough, that the high country melts the narrow Rica Canyon. Across the river, amid moss-covered maples, out. Unwrap your sandwich on the rock ledge herds of wintering elk are frequently seen grazing on the lush vegetation. at about 1,700 feet, stretch out, and let the sun Follow the trail along the river until Hume’s Ranch Cabin appears, a his- warm you. Maybe you have a flask of hot choco- toric homesteader’s cabin that was recently renovated. This is an excel- late to break out as well. Along the Duckabush lent place for lunch. Following the history lesson, continue along the river in the short days of January and February, you until an impressive suspension bridge appears around the bend. It is here can enjoy an outing of 5 to 10 miles round trip, that one can see the Grand Canyon of the Elwha, a narrow roaring river usually snow-free. If you are in the area, channel guarded by towering rocky cliffs on either side. Cross the bridge don’t be deterred by the prospect of a ferry ride. briefly, then return to the north side of the river, gain some elevation, and That’s part of the experience: catch the first loop back through the ever-changing forest, stopping to see two other or second ferry of the day and enjoy the fresh homesteaders’ cabins on the return trip to the trailhead. coffee onboard with your fellow early risers (the Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation Outdoor Programs will surf scoters will be up to entertain you). And be leading a guided hike on this very route February 12, 2011. Round trip of course, the oysters of the Hood Canal are at transportation from Bainbridge Island will be provided, as well as Olym- their best in February. Check those tide tables pic National Park entrance fees. To learn more, visit www.biparks.org. and plan accordingly—or tuck a cooler in the trunk and stock up at one of the oyster vendors Jeff Ozimek before you return. Enjoy. Outdoor Programs Coordinator Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation Janna Wilson (aka JanerSue) Bainbridge Island, Washington Seattle, Washington January+February 2011 » Washington Trails Backcountry « 39

4 Old Sauk River Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest North

Total Mileage: 6 miles Elevation Gain: less than 100 feet Highest Elevation: 725 feet Map: Green Trails Silverton #110

One of the things I need to do as a parent is keep the kids on the trails during the winter. My youngest likes heading out on the Old Sauk River Trail. Six round-trip miles of flatness, with a turnaround possible at any time, makes for a great leg-stretcher. The beaver dam a couple of miles out is a good goal for younger ones. It can be a bit tricky to scramble down to the river, but there are some good spots shortly before the bridge. And if it’s been wet (no, re- ally?), you might consider taking a plastic bag to place on the damp rocks when it comes time to eat lunch. Our family’s rule is that we always stop for a treat after a hike. My son’s favorite in Dar- rington is the Hometown Bakery Cafe. Their Light snow on the Old Sauk River Trail. Photo by Charles Ardary. lunch menu isn’t that exciting, but the pie is terrific!

3 Bowman Bay Trail, Fidalgo Island Liz Fallin (aka DestinationUp) Deception Pass State Park Puget Sound and Islands

Total Mileage: 1.5 miles round trip (additional side trips possible) Elevation Gain: 290 feet Highest Elevation: 135 feet Map: Green Trails Deception Pass /Anacortes Community Forest Lands #41S

A favorite area of mine for winter hikes when snow fills up mountain trails is on Fidalgo Island. No ferries are required and the water views are as scenic as any in the San Juan Islands. This trail in Deception Pass State Park winds along Bowman Bay, out to Reservation Head and Lighthouse Point, and back. You can’t climb the ladder to the lighthouse anymore and should be careful on cliff side trails, but the gorgeous vistas will take your mind away from your feet anyway. There are additional trails out to Rosario Head and along Deception Pass that you can include to make a longer hike. You begin by climbing a steep hillside above the beach with views through old trees, then dropping back to water level again. The sound of trucks on the Deception Pass bridge will take your eyes to the arcing span over the Pass. On the west side of the rock peninsula are stunning views of the Olympics and San Juans. As you return, a carved wooden totem pole mermaid with clam shells in her long hair will greet you. Even on wet, stormy days this hike will lift your spirits.

Joan Burton Seattle, Washington 40 » Backcountry January+February 2011 » Washington Trails

Otter Falls makes for a good winter jaunt. Photo by Erika Klimecky.

Ray Izumi

5 Barclay Lake 6 Otter Falls Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Central Cascades Forest, Taylor River, Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Total Mileage: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 325 feet Central Cascades Highest Elevation: 2,425 feet Total Mileage: 5 miles Map: Green Trails Monte Cristo #143 Elevation Gain: 500 feet This is a very easy, short hike with a memorable destination. Barclay Highest Elevation: 1,680 feet Lake sits between craggy and Merchant Peak, both Map: Green Trails Mount Si #174; Skykomish famously visible from U.S. Highway 2 on the approach from Gold Bar. #175 The trail is almost always clear of snow all winter, as is the gravel road (Forest Road 6034) leading to the trailhead at 2,200 feet. There are several My favorite winter hike is Otter Falls. The excellent campsites lakeside with spectacular views of Baring Mountain elevation is low enough that it stays snow-free across the lake. For the adventurous, a 2-mile boot path leads from the through most of the year. When it does snow, lake into the and on up to Paradise Meadow and the grade is so easy and the trail so wide that Eagle Lake. it is easily navigable. Since it is not a trail with This is an excellent hike for those winter days when other hikes are spectacular views and overlooks, it does not inaccessible. matter if it is raining, because there was noth- ing to see in the first place. I adore splashing Ray Izumi through the mud puddles in my Jeep on the Redmond, Washinton way to the trailhead. The rough road discour- ages all but the most dedicated, which makes for a quiet trail. please join us for an evening with Overall, one of my favorites in any season, but a perfect addition to any winter hiker’s list.

Joy Laydback

jim whittaker Suggest a Hike » SATURDAY APRIL 23rd at 7:00 pm It may be winter now, but spring is Dessert social at 6:00 pm but minutes away! To recommend a MOUNT VERNON, WA hike for our March+April issue, head to Best Western CottonTree Inn Convention Center/2300 Market TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE (360) 428-5678 or 1-800-662-6886 - Request rooms for “PNTA” www.wta.org/trail-news/magazine/ PNT.ORG suggestion-forms/suggestions. $50 admission includes dessert bar, coffee/tea and no-host bar OR CALL 877-854-9415 ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRAIL ASSOCIATION January+February 2011 » Washington Trails Backcountry « 41

7 Commonwealth Basin Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Pass

Total Mileage: 4 to 6 miles Elevation Gain: approximately 1,000 feet Highest Elevation: 3,800 feet Map: Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass #207

Snowshoe Snoqualmie Pass under the tower- ing Guye and Kendall Peaks, through pristine alpine meadows, across frozen steams, and into snow-covered old-growth forests. The primary route takes you through Commonwealth Basin, a moderate 4- to 6- mile hike with approxi- mately a 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Winter is the best time to enjoy the solitude of pristine snowshoeing before the melt comes. Join Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Laurie Barnoski Recreation on Saturday, February 19, for a guided 5-hour hike with Ranger Kim Larned 8 Capitol Lake and Tumwater Falls that covers winter ecology, wildlife tracking, birding and snow safety. You’ll learn how trees Olympia Tumwater Foundation, Puget Sound and Islands photosynthesize under the snow, how elk have adapted to eat lichens in the winter, how hares Total Mileage: 2 to 8 miles (6 miles makes a great loop) change their brown fur coats into white, as Elevation Gain: up to 100 feet well as quite a bit more. Ranger-led hikes go Highest Elevation: 50 feet for 4 to 6 hours, but you can alo go out on your Map: USGS Tumwater own. For more info visit, http://biparks.org/ The U.S. Forest Service’s Snoqualmie Pass This “hike” is a surprisingly woodsy urban walk with waterfalls, fish office also offers a variety of snowshoeing runs in the fall, coffee and tea shops, plenty of bathrooms, and interpre- programs that range from 90 minute hikes to tive signs sharing historical and environmental information. In any order, kid-friendly snow day programs. Snowshoe rent- walk around both Capitol Lake in Olympia and Tumwater Falls Park in als are free if you end up participating on one Tumwater. For instance, you can connect Capital Lake and Tumwater of their programs, though a donation of $10 to Falls Park, by walking uphill and south on the zigzag trail up from lake, $20 is suggested for upkeep. then walk thru the old south capital neighborhood (State Capitol Museum), over the historic totem pole bridge, into Tumwater Falls Park. After walk- Jeff Ozimek ing the loop at Tumwater Falls Park, go back north by walking down Bainbridge Island, Washington thru Tumwater Historical Park, the interpretive wetlands park, and then Deschutes Parkway. Dry out at Bayview Thriftway, overlooking Budd Bay and more walking and history, or at Traditions Café and World Folk Art, a fair trade cafe by the lake. The Tea Lady and a bakery are both found nearby during the walk north. Side trips up the west side hill, Tumwater Hill, and the Tril- lium Park neighborhood add variety.

Maxine Dunkelman, Olympia, Washington

Karen Sykes 42 » Backcountry January+February 2011 » Washington Trails

9 Crab Creek Crab Creek Wildlife Area/Milwaukee Railroad Corridor, Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Total Mileage: 4 to 10 miles Elevation Gain: flat up to 400 feet Highest Elevation: 900 feet Map: USGS Smyrna, Beverly SE

I have led Cascadian winter walks to the Crab Creek Wildlife Area for a number of years under varying weather conditions, from sun to low clouds and an inch of snow on the ground, and this trail has become one of our favorites. It is an easy hike with a number of varia- tions. From the parking area on the Beverly/Crab Creek Road, found 9.2 miles from SR 243, under a dramatic basalt buttress of the Saddle Mountains, cross the road and follow the trail out to the old Milwaukee Enjoy the Kettle Crest, with snow, this winter. Railroad bed. Here you can turn either east or west. Whichever way Photo by Craig Romano. you walk the railroad bed is flat and straight as an arrow, but the sur- roundings are beautiful. Crab Creek showcases lush riparian vegeta- 10 Sherman Peak Loop tion, which this time of year has turned to beautiful gold, amber, and russet tones. Beyond the creek lie the broad scablands and northern Snowshoe, Kettle Crest Trail cliffs of Lower Crab Creek Coulee, and looming overhead, the dramatic Colville National Forest, Kettle River 1,200-foot escarpment of the Saddle Mountains. If you walk west, you will pass a number of pools and side channels reflecting the moun- Range tains. If the ground is dry, a third option is to walk the railroad bed about Total Mileage: 6 miles one-quarter mile west and then head out across the coulee. This takes Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet you into a land of small buttes, pillars and old channels left from the Highest Elevation: 6,440 feet massive ice age Missoula floods. Climb the northern cliffs for even Map: USGS Sherman Peak more spectacular views across the coulee to the Saddle Mountains. From here, if you have time, make your way across Dry Island to Sand Snowshoe through proposed wilderness in Hollow Lake. I have seen ducks and giant flocks of geese on this hike, the Columbia Highlands along a portion of the as well as deer and a coyote or two. Kettle Crest National Scenic Trail. You will This is one of my favorite winter walks both because of the scenery, circle Sherman Peak, just off Sherman Pass, which is beautiful in any weather, and because I can be guaranteed and can also take an optional jaunt up to Sher- of sure footing even when the rest of central Washington is muddy or man’s 6,440-foot high point. The forest here under a few inches of snow. holds pine, larch, fir and aspen. There are also plenty of open places, where you’ll enjoy views David Hagen, aka Mytho-Man of the Kettle, Selkirk, and Cascade mountain Yakima, Washington range. Novices and newcomers alike will enjoy exploring this winter wonderland in the Colville National Forest just 2 ½ hours northwest of Spokane! This trek is “moderate”, or a 3 out of 5 in difficulty. Conservation Northwest will be leading a guided snowshoe trip here on February 19, 2011. Group size is limited to 15, and pre-regis- tration is required. Visit www.conservationnw. org/getinvolved/hikes-some-common-questions or contact Crystal at crystal@conservationnw. org to sign up or for more information.

Crystal Gartner Outreach Associate, Conservation Northwest Spokane, Washington