28 » On Trail
Day Hikes and Cheap Sleeps Are you a soft-bed enthusiast? These hikes on the south side of Mount Adams, in the Methow Valley and on the west Olympic Peninsula just happen to have nice soft beds nearby
Have you ever gone hiking for the whole entire weekend, but left your tent at home? As West Olympic Peninsula in, on purpose? Because I’m about to give you permission to do so. Moss, moss, everywhere you look. Shun the crowds as you hike under towering trees in the I love backpacking. I even like car camping. quiet, deep peace of this section of Olympic But sometimes, I really crave a hot shower and National Park. Don’t forget your raincoat! And a soft bed after a long day hike. That’s when I bring a windbreaker for the next day as you find a cozy inn or friendly B and B to use as a comb the rocky beach for sea stars and climb base camp as my family samples several day among the old-growth driftwood. hikes over the course of a weekend … perhaps a river walk on Friday, an exhilarating climb on Where to Hike Saturday, and maybe a beach comb on Sunday before heading home. It’s especially convenient Quinault National Recreation Trails to travel this way in the shoulder seasons, Olympic National Forest, Pacific Ranger Dis- when lots of great hiking destinations are ac- trict. 3.9 miles, 300 feet gain. cessible, but overnight temperatures can make outdoor sleeping less than hospitable. This gentle path among emerald giants and along a pretty lakeshore gives you a taste of I’ve assembled three fabulous regional what Franklin D. Roosevelt saw when he felt destinations, providing inspired to protect ad- not only suggestions jacent wilderness lands for excellent day hikes, within Olympic National but also some pretty Park. Lauren great places to sleep. I’m a budget traveler, Bogachiel River Braden so none of these accom- Olympic National Park. modations is more than 12 miles, 400 feet gain. $125 a night for double Lauren is WTA’s occupancy. As each of With your feet in communications di- these “cheap sleeps” is waterproof boots (hint, rector. She can also independently owned, hint), you’ll hike through be found sharing her you can rest assured second growth for a lodging recommen- that your tourism dollars few miles before enter- dations at Northwest are staying in the com- ing old-growth heaven. Cheapsleeps, a blog munities you’re visiting. Enjoy the silence as you about great places dodge hanging lichen, Try one out, have fun, and keep an eye out for to stay throughout and send us a postcard elk. the Northwest. from the trail! www.wta.org March + April 2010 » Washington Trails On Trail « 29
Third Beach sive after spring snowmelt when the creek and Olympic National Park. 3.6 miles, 280 feet falls are swollen with turbulent water. gain. Goat Peak Lookout A hike along this wide, sandy stretch of wild Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Olympic coast leads you to a plunging waterfall. Methow Valley Ranger District. 5 miles, 1,400 Choose this beach for a longer, quieter hike. feet gain. If strolling through More day hikes: Hole in the Wall, Queets A rugged trail with tight switchbacks, the a meadow of bal- River reward is the view of peaks in every direc- samroot intrigues tion from one of two active fire lookouts in the you, you will love Methow Valley. Where to Sleep the Methow Val- ley. Photo by Erika Black Lake Near the heart of Forks, Huckleberry Lodge Klimecky. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Pasay- Cabins comprise a handful of cabins set on 5 ten Wilderness. 8 miles, 780 quiet acres of forest next to the Calawah River. feet gain. Amenities include down comforters, extra pil- lows, kitchenettes, on-site laundry, a hot tub This hike through a recent and a sauna. If you are lucky, you may even get burn along a pretty creek a visit from a local herd of elk. Rooms run $60 to Black Lake is delightful to $110. Contact: (360) 374-4090 or visit their in late spring when colorful website, www.huckleberryforks.com. flowers paint the forest floor. The funky, cheap Rainforest Hostel, also More day hikes: Wolf south of Forks, is popular with hikers, cyclists Creek, Lookout Mountain and international backpackers. Shared accom- modations are $10 per person and guests are asked to contribute to daily chores. A large Where to Sleep communal kitchen is available for guest use, and the common areas are comfortable and Head to Twisp for a funky, clean. Contact: (360) 374-2270. charming cottage at the Idle- A-While Motel ($49 to $125). Like to fall asleep to the soothing sound of Some units have kitchenettes. ocean waves? Stay right on the beach for under The bumping Methow River $100 a night at the La Push Oceanside Resort. is just a short path away Offerings range from oceanview cabins with from your bright yellow door. kitchenettes to comfortable hotel suites. Con- There’s a hot tub and a sauna tact: (360) 374-5267 or visit www.quileutenation. for guests to relax weary org/accommodations. muscles after a day of hiking. Contact: (509) 997-3222 or More cheap sleeps: Hoh Humm Ranch B and www.idle-a-while-motel.com. B in Forks (quite eccentric, good for kids). Lake Quinault Lodge (historic building, a bit more Also in Twisp is the pricey). Methow Valley Inn, a bed and breakfast just one block from Twisp’s main street, providing easy access to the The Methow Valley Cinnamon Twisp Bakery Spring is a marvelous season to visit the and the Methow Valley Methow Valley, before the summer crowds brewpub. The inn has mod- descend and people start to outnumber the est-size rooms that are well- ponderosa pine. Hike along cedar-lined creeks kept and nicely detailed. and to stunning vistas of the North Cascades. The hardwood floors are as creaky as they are beautiful, Where to Hike though the rooms seem suf- ficiently soundproof. $89 to $119. Contact: (509) 997-2253 Cedar Creek Falls or www.methowvalleyinn. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, com. Methow Valley Ranger District. 3.5 miles, 500 feet gain. More cheap sleeps: The Mazama Country Inn, Duck This easy early-season hike is most impres- Brand Hotel 30 » On Trail March + April 2010 » Washington Trails www.wta.org
Little Huckleberry Mountain Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Ad- ams Ranger District. 5 miles, 1,800 feet gain.
The views afforded on this moderately steep trail are truly unique, including the huge black Big Lava bed below, as well as Mount Adams and Mount Hood.
More day hikes: Bird Mountain, Blue Lake
Where to Sleep
South Side of Mount Adams The Trout Lake Valley Inn is pet-friendly, Mount Adams dominates the South Cascades kid-friendly and hiker-friendly. It’s also budget- landscape at 12,276 feet. Hikes in this region friendly at $80 to $100 a night. Start your day of are both numerous and diverse, and the small hiking right with their signature sweet potato town of Trout Lake makes an excellent base Belgian waffles. End your hike relaxing in the from which to explore nearby lava tubes and hot tub or warming up with your gas log stove. lookout hikes on day excursions. Trout Lake, Wash. Contact: (509) 395-2300 or www.troutlakevalleyinn.com.
Where to Hike Enjoy truly warm hospitality and wake up to a delicious breakfast of huckleberry pancakes Sleeping Beauty Peak at Kelly’s Trout Creek Inn Bed and Break- Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Ad- fast, where the recent economic downturn has ams Ranger District. 3 miles, 800 feet gain. lowered rates to $50 to $70 (until May 1). Your dip in the hot tub beside a roaring creek will re- Short and sweet, this climb rewards with a lieve tired muscles from your hike. Trout Lake, picture-perfect view of Mount Adams from a WA. Contact: (509) 395-2769 or www.kellysbnb. Above: Mount former lookout site. com. Adams. Photo by Lindsay Parker. Ice Cave and Natural Bridges More cheap sleeps: Mount Adams Lodge Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Ad- (groups welcome), The Farm B and B Below: Just a few of ams Ranger District. 0.5 miles, no gain. the blue ridges you’ll Hike details and driving directions can be enjoy seeing while Lava tubes formed by the long-ago volcanic found at www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes. hiking in the South activity of Mount Adams creates a enthralling Cascades. Photo by play area for kids. One of the lava tubes has an Find more recommended accomodations at Tracy Aue. ice cave in it. www.nwcheapsleeps.org.