This is the third of a three-part series about doing a 3-day trail run/hike on the Wonderland Trail. It’s typically done as a week-long backpacking trip, or at the fast end of the spectrum, as a fast ultra run in under 1.5 days. To understand what is involved in a 3-day, here is a primer […]
Wonderland Trail 3 of 3: White River to Longmire Read More »
Among the most popular fall hikes in the Cascades are those with abundant larch trees. The Maple Pass Loop near Rainy Pass on Highway 20 (aka “The North Cascades Highway”) offers a great mix of larches, views, meadows, and lakes. Larches are an unusual “deciduous conifer” whose needles change a spectacular golden color and completely
Larch Season Hike: Maple Pass Loop Read More »
This is the second of a three-part series about doing a 3-day trail run/hike on the Wonderland Trail. It’s typically done as a week-long backpacking trip, or at the fast end of the spectrum, as a fast ultra run in under 1.5 days. To understand what is involved in a 3-day, here is a primer
Wonderland Trail 2 of 3: Mowich Lake to White River Read More »
Mt. Rainer is visible from the Idaho border and from space. It’s an icon of the Pacific Northwest: 14,410’ of rock and ice rising up from the sea in an immense display of majestic beauty. Less obvious is the thin ribbon of trail circling the mountain, the Wonderland. The trail hugs the mountain’s glaciated flanks,
Wonderland Trail 1 of 3: Longmire to Mowich Lake Read More »
I’m surprised to see how many folks have been out running and cycling during the recent smoky weather. It’s as if the rest of us need to HTFU. Check the current Air Quality Index (AQI). Exercising in unhealthy air isn’t like lifting weights: it’s not going to make your lungs “stronger.” And, just because you
Smoke Season Weather Window Read More »