Hiker Rescued on Mount Teneriffe
Kimberly Haines, missing for days after a trail run, makes contact by cell phone signal.
Washington Trails
Washington Trails
Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., is dominated by high peaks. The Olympic Mountains cover the far northwest, the Coastal Mountain Range extends into Oregon to the south, the snow-capped Cascades lie further east, the Rockies cut across the northeast into Canada, and the Columbia Mountains form deep valleys in the southeast.
Washington is home to Mountain Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic national parks. Mount Rainier National Park encompasses the 14,000-foot namesake peak, North Cascades National Park has some of the best camping in the state, and Olympic National Park encompasses nearly one million acres of rugged wilderness.
Washington also marks the beginning (or end) of the 2,663-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail, a National Scenic Trail that runs from the United States-Mexico border through California, Oregon, and Washington, where it reaches its northern terminus at the United States-Canada border.
Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S., is dominated by high peaks. The Olympic Mountains cover the far northwest, the Coastal Mountain Range extends into Oregon to the south, the snow-capped Cascades lie further east, the Rockies cut across the northeast into Canada, and the Columbia Mountains form deep valleys in the southeast. Washington is home to Mountain Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic national parks. Mount Rainier National Park encompasses the 14,000-foot namesake peak, North Cascades National Park has some of the best camping in the state, and Olympic National Park encompasses nearly one million acres of rugged wilderness. Washington also marks the beginning (or end) of the 2,663-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail, a National Scenic Trail that runs from the United States-Mexico border through California, Oregon, and Washington, where it reaches its northern terminus at the United States-Canada border.
King County Hikers Can Now Catch Shuttles to Area Trailheads
To prevent overfull parking lots at three popular trails, Trailhead Direct will connect Metro riders on weekends and holidays.
100 Days Outdoors: Mt. Adams Part Two "Tent Stake and Eggs"
Creativity is always important, especially when it comes to food after a long hike.
Lost Olympics Hiker Recounts Survival Tale
The 71-year-old woman made it through six days by building a shelter and eating ants and currants.
Cougar Kills Dog on Trail in Kittitas County
The dog and its owner were walking along a trail around 8 pm when they encountered the big cat.
Hiker Dies in North Cascades Fall
The 61-year-old Bellingham resident was found in a crevasse on Forbidden Peak.
Olympic National Park Wants Goats Out
A new management plan proposes killing or relocating the park's population of mountain goats.
100 Days Outdoors: Mt. Adams Part One "There’s a Beetle in Your Water"
It's week six of 100 Days Outdoors and my definition of ‘clean’ is rapidly changing.
Missing Woman Found at Olympic National Park
The 71-year-old Port Angeles woman had been lost in the park since July 17.
New Segment on Mt. Hood's Timberline Trail Closes the Loop
A restored stretch of trail near Cloud Cap once again completes the 40-mile loop around the Oregon volcano.
Scottish Lakes Camp Reopens with a Makeover this Summer
The iconic Cascades getaway will now be a mountain biking destination, too.
Park Ranger Finds Jesus–in a Crab
The distinctive crustacean was discovered this week in Whidbey Island's Crescent Harbor.
Forest Service Warns Hikers about Deadly Snow Holes
Just one snow hole on Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments has killed three in the past six years.
100 Days Outdoors: "Washington on Wheels" Driving the Pacific North West
Taking ‘Car Camping’ to the next level
Skier Dies in Crevasse on Mt. Rainier
The skier fell into a chasm on the Emmons Glacier after successfully summitting the peak.
Search for Missing PCT Hiker Set to Resume
The 34-year-old Ohio man disappeared last fall near White Pass.
Popping the Question at Mt. Rainier…From a Hot Air Balloon
A news crew captured a Los Angeles couple getting engaged in ultra-romantic fashion.
Rockfall Kills Hiker on Mt. Rainier's Eagle Peak
The 75-year-old Olympia man left his group to hike cross-country.
Historic Spruce Railroad Trail Reopens in Olympics This Weekend
The 100-year-old McFee Tunnel trail segment is on the north shore of Lake Crescent.
Hiker Dies in Fall on Sauk Mountain
The 69-year-old woman slipped while hiking a popular trail in the Mt. Baker National Forest.
Watch the Milky Way Sink Behind Mt. Rainier
Mesmerizing time-lapse video show the galaxy spinning alongside The Mountain.
Guide Breaks Record for Mt. Rainier Summits
An RMI Expeditions guide notched 520 ascents this summer.
First Baby Fisher Confirmed in South Cascades
The newly reintroduced population of furry carnivores is reproducing in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Wildfire Kills Endangered Pygmy Rabbits
About 70 endangered rabbits were killed when the Wenatchee-area fire burned a state breeding facility.
Three Bodies Discovered at Olympic National Park this Week
One of the victims is thought to be a hiker missing since April.
Rangers Recover Body Believed to Be Missing Hiker in Olympics
An unidentified body found at Olympic National Park is thought to be a hiker who vanished last April.
Search for Missing Mt. Rainier Skier Comes Up Empty
Rescuers were unable to find a skier who plunged through a snow bridge into Pebble Creek.
Coast Guard Rescues Injured Teen at Olympic National Park
Rescue swimmers medevaced a 17-year-old who fell while hiking last weekend.
Hiker Rescued After 50-Foot Fall
Crews responded after a hiker fell from a Carbonado-area trail.
State Parks to Stay Open Friday Despite Budget Crisis
Washington's state parks reversed course and will remain open for at least one more day, even without a finalized state budget.
Residents Evacuated as Eastern Washington Wildfires Grow
Three fires near Wenatchee have grown to more than 23,000 acres.
Mt. Rainier Roads to Open in Time for 4th of July
The Sunrise and Mowich Lake roads are set to open Friday.
Two Weeks, Five Rescues on Mt. Pilchuck
Lingering snow continues to get unprepared hikers into trouble on the Cascade peak.
Entiat River Road Reopens
The access point into the Glacier Peak Wilderness is finally cleared after three years of wildfire- and mudslide-related closures.
Seniors: Hurry Up and Buy Your National Parks Pass
The lifetime pass for those 62 and older will jump to $80 from $10 this year.
17-Hour Rescue Concludes in Alpine Lakes Wilderness
65 Search & Rescue crew members rallied to help save a severely injured hiker.
New Species of Flying Squirrel Discovered in Northwest
University of Washington researchers helped identify North America's third known type of the tree-dwelling animal.
Kayaker Survives Hood Canal Capsizing
Rescuers say good preparation was the key to the happy ending of this paddling tale.
Search & Rescue to Seattle Hikers: Don't Get in Over Your Head
After a weekend responding to calls of hikers in distress, rescue teams urge people to prepare themselves better for wilderness conditions.
Hikers Rescued from Too-Deep Snow at Snow Lake
Search & Rescue crews helped two unprepared hikers who got into trouble in the Central Cascades' early-season snowpack.
Public Comment Sought on Cell Coverage at Mt. Rainier
The national park is calling for public input on a proposed plan for expanding wireless at Paradise.
One Injury, One Lost Hiker on One Cascade Peak Sunday
Busy night for Search & Rescue on Mt. Pilchuck as officials respond to two separate incidents.
Seattle Met Names Top 5 State Park Cabins
Snag one of these rental cabins for the perfect (cheap) Washington weekend getaway.
Water Trails in the Works Along Skykomish River
Local advocates look to promote tourism in Sultan and Monroe with better access to the Cascades' big rivers.
Mt. Rainier's Chinook Pass to Open Friday
The scenic pass to the park's eastern entrance should be snow-free for the weekend.
The Best National Park Campsites: Sahale Glacier Camp
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Seattle, WA: Umtanum Ridge Walk (Early Season in the High Desert)
Explore the Pacific Northwest’s high desert steppe on this trip through the foothills of the Cascades. BY PAUL CHISHOLM
Watch a Winter Storm on the Pacific Coast
Olympic National Park, Washington
Southbound on the PCT: A Passion Pursued
Our field scout is about to embark on a yearlong journey of a lifetime.
Three Amazing Foliage Hikes To Do in a Day
Score local color without the crowds.
The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes: Stuart Lake
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes: Buckskin Lake
Pasayten Wilderness, Washington
North Cascades National Park Hiking Guide
This remote park saves its best for hikers willing to tackle long miles and steep climbs. Our insider dishes the best ways to see its best views.
Seattle's Best Local Hikes
Collect wild berries; steal amazing views of Mt. Rainier; or camp in the shadow of twin mountains in some of Seattle's best local hikes.
Spokane, WA: Colfax Trail
Trace the path of the Palouse River through a basalt canyon on the 3.1-mile Colfax Trail south of Spokane.
Spokane, WA: Enchanted Ravine Loop
Weave through a maze of rock formations on this 2.6-mile loop in the Dishman Hills on the outskirts of Spokane, Washington.
Spring Canyon Hikes in the Inland Northwest
It's spring! The high country trails may still be covered in snow, but drop down into one of the Inland Northwest's many scenic canyons and you'll find warmer temps, blooming wildflowers, and abundant wildlife.
Spokane, WA: Trails and Ales with the WTA
Trails and Ales provides a fun, informal opportunity to meet other hikers and learn about opportunities for outdoor volunteering in Spokane.
Spokane, WA: High Drive Parkway
Expansive views of Latah Creek and the city of Spokane, Washington await hikers who tackle the trails of the High Drive Parkway.
Spokane, WA: Pine Lake Loop
Wander through an ornithologist’s dream on this 1.3-mile loop through a secluded wetland south of Spokane, Washington.
Spokane, WA: Nisqually John Canyon
Discover basalt rock formations and blooming desert plants on this 3.8-mile hike in Nisqually John Canyon south of Spokane, Washington.
Valentine's Day Hikes in the Inland Northwest
Ooo, la la! Couples are swooning in each other’s eyes, cheap chocolates are selling like hotcakes, and single people are writing ironic posts on Facebook. Whether it’s your first date or your 50th anniversary, these hikes will make the fire burn brighter.
Devils Dome Loop, Washington
Score Swiss-Alps scenery without the trans-Atlantic flight.
Spokane, WA: Inland Northwest Snow Report
Winter 2015 in the Inland Northwest has been disappointing for many ski and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Spokane, WA: Rose Creek Preserve Loop
Take a stroll through wide-open Palouse prairie on this loop in Rose Creek Nature Preserve south of Spokane, Washington.
Weekends: Juniper Dunes Wilderness, Washington
Choose your own adventure in this trailless, dune-covered wilderness.
Weekends: Rapid River Loop, Idaho
Low elevation and an arid climate guarantee year-round access to this secluded riverine gem in the Nez Perce.
Spokane, WA: North Fork Asotin Creek
Look for bighorn sheep browsing in the cliffs above the North Fork Asotin Creek Trail south of Spokane, Washington.
Seattle, WA: Heather Lake
Explore 4.4 miles through old growth timber to a glacier-carved lake on this family-friendly hike in the Cascade Mountains.
Seattle, WA: Ebey's Landing
This 6.6-mile loop features a coastal bluff with dazzling wildflower displays and a wild beach with exceptional views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Seattle: Far Country Lookout
Only minutes from downtown, this easy 4-mile hike into the Issaquah Alps passes near a charming waterfall en route to a memorable view of greater Seattle and the Olympics.
Seattle: Iron Goat Trail
Trace the abandoned Great Northern Railroad to remarkable stone tunnels, collapsed avalanche sheds, and super views of the Cascades on this 12.2-mile, out-and-back historical hike.
Seattle: Lena Lake
A good spring hike, this 5.2-mile out-and-back strolls through the shade of old-growth forest to the peaceful banks of Lena Lake. The trail is snow-free most of the year.
Seattle: McClellan Butte
The 4.3-mile climb to McClellan Butte is steep and rugged, but the payoff on top of this strikingly sharp summit is nothing short of spectacular. Wear sturdy boots for extra support.
Seattle: Kachess Lake Trail
Solitude rules on this 9.4-mile out-and-back hike along Little Kachess Lake to rock gardens ablaze with wildflowers,giant green forests, and a quiet lakeside hideout.
Seattle: North Fork Taneum Creek Trail
Hike 8.6 miles along a rippling creek and past high cliff walls to pockets of old-growth forest, birding hotspots, and a bonanza of wildflower patches.
Seattle: Bridal Veil Fall
Switchback 1,800 vertical feet to a sapphire-blue glacial lake in the shadow of Mt. Index on this moderate 6.4-mile round trip- with a killer picnic at Bridal Veil Falls.
Seattle, WA: Granite Mountain Trail
A steep climb of 3,700 feet in 3.6 miles gains a firetower lookout with spectacular views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Mount Stuart.
Seattle: Twin Lakes
Enjoy stunning views of Mt. Rainier, old-growth forest, and colorful summer wildflowers on this 2.8-mile hike to a pair of high alpine lakes.
Spokane: Devils Eye Route
This short but challenging hike climbs 1,300 ft. to shallow caves, a delicate natural bridge, and spectacular view of the Snake River. Good route-finding skills required.