site, but exhaustion prevailed, and the next thing I knew I was driving by the neon flashing vacancy light of an RV park.
I knocked on the door and was immediately greeted by a friendly couple. They invited me into their home, and I told them I was looking for a tent site. They gave me a quick head-to-toe, and I suddenly became aware of how I must look: my legs covered with a thick coat of dust; my hair matted from too many days under a hat; my clothes a wrinkled, dirty mess. The woman spoke first, saying, “Well, it looks like you need to treat yourself to a good night’s sleep.” I informed her that I was on a budget, but she waved her hand, telling me not to worry. The next thing I knew, I was unlocking the door to a sweet little cabin with clean towels in hand.
Throughout my time exploring the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in Washington State, spontaneous moments like this were part of what made my trips so memorable. Whether it was fresh goat cheese from a gardener in Stehekin, homemade honey from a street vendor in Hood River, colorful veggies from the Twisp Farmers Market, or a hot cup of espresso from the hardware store in Plain, each mountain community surrounding the PCT had something unique to offer.
This book is a culmination of my experiences along a trail full of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. Selecting my favorite hikes was no easy task. Like the communities that surround the PCT, each trail offers something special that sets it apart from the others. I found myself on numerous occasions saying, “I had no idea this place was so beautiful. This hike is definitely going in the book!” Or perhaps it was a bit of history that caught my attention, such as finding an old sheepherder trail or seeing the remnants of an abandoned fire lookout. In the end, I whittled them down to 33 spectacular hikes that stretched from the mighty waters of the Columbia River to the majestic peaks of the North Cascades.
The actual task of hiking all the trails was no easy feat. (I would be lying if I said my trip to Chain Lakes in a torrential downpour was a highlight of my hiking career.) But as time fades, memories of napping on sunbaked rocks, taking a dunk in alpine lakes, or watching alpenglow dance on snowcapped peaks replaces those less desirable moments.
This book will inspire you to discover a side of Washington State that you may have never seen, whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re just passing through. Hike with open eyes, and your journey through this beautifully diverse state will bring you as much fulfillment as I experienced while hiking these trails.
RECOMMENDED HIKES
BEST OVERNIGHT HIKES WITH KIDS
11 Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap
BEST HIKES WITH DOGS
BEST HIKES FOR VIEWING WILDFLOWERS
BEST LOOP HIKES
12 Bullion Basin to Silver Creek
18 Cathedral and Deception Passes
28 Rainbow Lake and McAlester Creek
BEST HIKES FOR ALPINE VISTAS
15 Commonwealth Basin to Red Pass
25 Suiattle River to Miners Ridge, Including Image Lake
HIKES WITH BEST SWIMMING HOLES
BEST HIKES TO SUMMITS
