Great trail for keeping in shape, plus it’s fun to haul a big backpack up and down and get strange looks from people who are only carrying a single water bottle. The view from the top isn’t too shabby, either. This and Enumclaw’s Mt. Peak are what got me in shape for the Wonderland Trail last year.

Another wonderful “me” hike/walk last summer out to Chenuis Falls from the Carbon River Ranger Station in Mt. Rainier National Park. The road to Ipsut Campground has been closed for years now, so from the ranger station it’s all foot-power (or bike-power, for those of you who can handle bikes on bumpy gravel). This is a beautiful area of temperate rainforest, and the waterfalls are a pretty nice bonus… GO!

December 2012, day hike to Angel’s Rest in the Columbia Gorge. It was cold and cloudy, but the clouds were kind enough to part right when I got to the top for a nice view of the river below.

Nice little dayhike to Annette Lake last fall before the snow started. I only saw 2 other people the whole time, so I had some good “me” time up there, great lunch by the lake, soaked in the sunshine for a while, and enjoyed the fall colors.