Aimee ([info]just_aims) wrote in [info]seattle,
@ 2008-07-21 10:15:00
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Entry tags:outdoors

Hiking around these parts?
I’d like to get some hiking in before the summer is over. The thing is, I’m not the most experienced hiker. Can anyone recommend some local “light” loop trails for beginners? I’m especially looking for something with a reward at the end/mid-point (a pretty lake, waterfall, viewpoint, etc.). I’ve heard hiking up around Snoqualmie Falls is pretty awesome, but do any of you have other recommendations? Preferably within a 30-60 minute drive from Seattle.

If it helps, last fall I nearly hiked up to Panorama Point on the Skyline Loop at Mt. Rainier. I would’ve liked to have kept going, but it was getting dark and we had to head back. That’s probably my limit as far as difficulty is concerned, so anything on par with that or lighter is what I’m looking for.

Also, if I were to invest in some hiking gear (I got nothin’ – I usually just go with a backpack, a water bottle, and a pair of tennis shoes), what would be your #1 recommendation? Poles? Camel? Boots?

Thanks, Seattle.


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[info]firni
2008-07-21 05:19 pm UTC (link)
Poles. A pole kept me from twisting my ankle and falling on my ass while navigating around a huge fallen tree on the hike to Lake Dorothy yesterday.

The view up top was stunning but it's way the fuck out in in the middle of Nowhere, Snohomish County.

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[info]firni
2008-07-21 05:32 pm UTC (link)
Oh, and boots. Last time I went hiking in my sneakers, I ended up on my ass when I hit a wet patch of rocks.

I seem to end up on my ass a lot when I hike.

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[info]glitch25
2008-07-21 05:20 pm UTC (link)
On the east side, long before you make it to Snoqualmie, you have the High Point trailhead, and parts thereof

http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Page.asp?NavID=526

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[info]fuggler
2008-07-21 05:26 pm UTC (link)
I recommend Twin Falls State Park to see its namesake falls. It's a 3-mile hike and the elevation gain isn't too crazy.

Lighten up your load and buy a hydration pack.

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[info]firni
2008-07-21 05:39 pm UTC (link)
I second the Twin Falls recommendation.

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[info]glass_lion
2008-07-21 05:41 pm UTC (link)
Third.

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[info]gorthok
2008-07-21 07:48 pm UTC (link)
and if you get bored, you can go to exit 38 and hike down to it from the rock climbing area on the john wayne trail!

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[info]lindsandahalf
2008-07-21 05:27 pm UTC (link)
Cougar Mountain, between Bellevue/Issaquah is really easy, quiet, and pretty. There are some "reward" points--waterfalls, etc.

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[info]stephaniek1985
2008-07-21 06:54 pm UTC (link)
Ditto this. We just went last week! The Licorice Fern Trail might be a good spot for you to start.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cougar_Mountain

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[info]bebopboy
2008-07-21 05:28 pm UTC (link)
Tiger mountain, Rattlesnake Ridge. Twin falls is great too.

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[info]derrickito
2008-07-21 05:33 pm UTC (link)
if you're a total noob and dont want to travel too far, go to discovery and do the loop. you get great views, beach, lighthouse, climbing, all while in the middle of a forest. the bonus, it's in the center of town.

you can do that with tennis shoes and a water bottle

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[info]bebopboy
2008-07-21 06:06 pm UTC (link)
I agree with this statement, however it think the author is a terrorist.

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[info]joandirk
2008-07-21 05:41 pm UTC (link)
If you're thinking of getting into hiking seriously, I'd buy a nice pair of hiking shoes. Your feet will be doing a lot of work, and they can last forever if you get some good ones.

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[info]ladibug21
2008-07-21 05:43 pm UTC (link)
Hiking boots. I really recommend them. I went on a 10 mile hike last weekend in sneakers and my feet are still hurting. By the end I felt every single rock and root. These were new sneakers with lots of padding too.
We went here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snoqualmie_Tunnel
and it was pretty cool. It's a long(ish) hike but not much elevation gain so it's pretty easy as long as your feet are comfortable. :/

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[info]glass_lion
2008-07-21 05:45 pm UTC (link)
All you need is a water bottle, sunblock and boots in my opinion. A pack is nice, but you really don't need anything fancy - what you have will doubtless work fine. And toss in a mini-first-aid kit, bandaids, antiseptic, tweezers. I'm a reasonably serious hiker/backpacker (Appalachian Trail etc) and I've never used a pole or hydration pack.

Take your time getting boots though. Buy good ones, with good toe room, and consider buying a good pair of wool socks for them (even in summer).

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[info]firni
2008-07-21 06:11 pm UTC (link)
Find someone who likes to hike and load up THEIR pack with all your crap.

It works for me. "Stop, I need my camera."

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[info]superdeluxe
2008-07-21 08:55 pm UTC (link)
Thru Hiking, North to South, or South to North?

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[info]glass_lion
2008-07-21 09:02 pm UTC (link)
north to south - thru, but I didn't do the whole AT (I did middle section). So I am only "reasonably" serious :/

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[info]superdeluxe
2008-07-21 09:04 pm UTC (link)
The middle section is best from what I hear..the Blue Ridge mountains right in Virginia?

You have to be hardcore nails to do the whole thing.

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[info]glass_lion
2008-07-21 09:59 pm UTC (link)
And have a trust fund. Sheesh, 6 months to hike?

It was awfully pretty. Their mountains are so short and "mellow" compared to ours, though!

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[info]sgiffy
2008-07-21 05:49 pm UTC (link)
I second Rattlesnake. The nice thing is that you make the hike as long as you want and there are a series of nice things to see. So you can say set out for a 3 miler, but if your feeling frisky can push on to 4 or 5 or even more.

http://www.trails.com/ is a nice resource as it is searchable.

As for gear, a camel is nice as you don't have to get out the water bottle, but some people find them gross. A good pair of boots or shoes is nice, or even some sturdy sandals, like Teva or Ecco. I like the ones with a strap across the toes and one across the top of the foot. The key is something comfortable with good traction. Also a basic first aid kit can be handy for the minor cuts and shit that one can get.

A GPS can be fun as you can Geochache. I like it because it gives you little goals to accomplish along your way and its a fun way to find new trails, things to see, etc. You should be able to pick up a decent one for 50 bucks.

Really the key is to just be comfortable. If your sticking to trails you really do not need anything fancy. Just some breathable clothes, comfy and sturdy shoes, and a backpack with water snacks, and basic first aid.

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[info]rainbowgirl28
2008-07-21 05:52 pm UTC (link)
If you are just doing easy short hikes, just get some waterproof trail running shoes, boots might be overkill. The trail runners should have thicker soles than your sneakers, which is nice when walking over rocks, and waterproof is always nice for dealing with mud (as long as it's not past your ankles).

I recommend checking out local garage sales. I just got an awesome pair of hiking boots that I _think_ are waterproof for $1!

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[info]niac
2008-07-21 06:16 pm UTC (link)
Poles are good. Especially on the downhills. Saves the knees. ;)

Boots are very overkill for summer hiking. I wear light hiking shoes basically all the time. Sneakers probably are a bad choice, but hiking shoes are comfortable (as much as sneakers.) Merryl makes some nice ones that are relatively inexpensive (~$80.)

Carrying the ten essentials would be good, but if you're on well established trails, you can cut that down a lot.

I carry (in a hydration pack w/ ~1200 cu in of capacity):
* A multitool
* Water
* food
* medical kit
* camera

The pack I'm using (for day hikes) is: http://www.rei.com/product/749982

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[info]niac
2008-07-21 06:17 pm UTC (link)
Oh, and socks: I exclusively use wool light hiking socks. They're comfortable year-round, and treat my feet well. They're not hot, or itchy. More stuff from REI.

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[info]firni
2008-07-21 06:39 pm UTC (link)
How do you pick hiking boots or shoes that won't cause heel blisters?

Maybe I'm just not wearing them tight enough, but it drives me nuts.

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[info]gorthok
2008-07-21 07:19 pm UTC (link)
pick up a set of superfeet insoles while you're there. after 2 stomps you'll never have a problem.

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[info]niac
2008-07-21 08:37 pm UTC (link)
I don't have blister problems, so I couldn't say. The socks I buy are the "REI light hiking socks", these: http://www.rei.com/product/712774

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[info]niac
2008-07-21 08:45 pm UTC (link)
And I just re-read what you asked; about picking boots. Um, try a lot on, talk to knowledgeable sales people. Wear them so they don't slide around. A snugger fit would probably help a lot for ya.

Thing is, heavy boots have one real place: mountaineering. If you're not dealing with serious rock scrambling and/or the use of crampons for maneuvering in icefields, you don't need heavy boots.

These are what I use: http://www.rei.com/product/748515

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[info]collisions
2008-07-28 07:11 am UTC (link)
The thing that has saved me from the most blisters is merino wool socks. They rock - I can't remember the last time I used moleskin. REI has them. Go buy.

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[info]viiless
2008-07-21 06:26 pm UTC (link)
Do all the local loops this year, and next year do the Chain Lakes loop from Heather Meadows visitors center at the end of the Mount Baker Highway. The trail is pretty easy, though I'd bring poles since there's often snow here and there in August. It's a great loop hike and the views from...Herman Gap--it that what it's called?...about halfway around are pretty amazing.

I say next year because while they've cleared the highway to the Artist's Point parking lot, there's still 18 feet of snow over the restrooms. I'm guessing the trail won't be melted out before it starts snowing up there again.

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St Edwards Park~
[info]stephanieanne
2008-07-21 07:04 pm UTC (link)
I'm also just getting into hiking, and I found out about St Edwards park this weekend! It's the site of an old monastery in the Juanita/Kenmore area, and it has trails of varying difficulty that go down the hill and to the shores of Lake Washington. Just challenging enough, but not easy, either.

It's gorgeous, too.

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[info]feignedapathy
2008-07-21 07:10 pm UTC (link)
Get the camel, really. I am not a serious hiker, and my knees are going to hell, and I'm probably going to end up getting poles, BUT! Changing out the water bottles for a camel was awesome. Really changed things.

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[info]s1obhan
2008-07-21 07:19 pm UTC (link)
Boots. If you have to use poles on a hike in order not to slip/fall, then by default you should already be using boots.

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html edit
[info]gorthok
2008-07-21 07:47 pm UTC (link)
close by, exit 31:
little si trail
5 miles round trip. the view is rad.
exit 34:
otter falls
unlike little si, flat as fuck [at one point there were3 unrealized plans to extend I-90 out this direction]. 3 miles and a taller waterfall than snoqualmie falls.
Exit 42:
franklin falls, etc
from denny creek camp ground or denny creek trail for the killer Keekwulee, snowshoe falls or secluded melakwa lake.
@ the pass:
snow lake
4-5 miles round trip and glorious views w/a cool lake @ the end.

all those are pretty easy, rewarding and right up the I-90 corridor. if you need more, blow by whatever REI's in your neighborhood and pick up this book pretty much anyhting 5 miles and under will get your feet wet in the area and keep you off the pure mindless tedium of tiger/cougar/squack mountain in issaquah.

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[info]glass_lion
2008-07-21 07:54 pm UTC (link)
The Denny Creek waterslide is another easy, short, "reward" hike. http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/Washington_State/Off_the_Beaten_Path-Washington_State-BR-1.html

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[info]tenshiemi
2008-07-21 08:20 pm UTC (link)
2nd this one, just bring something to slide on!

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[info]blondiedoxieluv
2008-07-21 08:06 pm UTC (link)
Yep, little Si is GORGEOUS when you reach the top. It took me and my boyfriend a little over 2 1/2 hours to get up and down and take a bunch of pictures, but you can see evvvvverything up there. There's a rock wall about 1/2 way up that climbers are always on. It's really interesting to stand and watch them and take a little water break!

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[info]wesa
2008-07-21 08:27 pm UTC (link)
You might like Coal Creek over by Factoria. It's relatively easy, full of greenery, there are signs pointing out the old coal chutes and such, plus a waterful with iron deposits or something, so it's pretty red. Random image online: http://www.redecho.org/2004/03/IMG_2810.jpg

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[info]superdeluxe
2008-07-21 08:28 pm UTC (link)
The Nisqually National Wildlife Reserve has a 5.5 mile hike, its all flat ground, but it takes you out to some beautiful areas, also a couple of photoblind spots as well.

Another plus is its not very crowded, since its 5.5 miles.

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[info]julia_here
2008-07-21 11:54 pm UTC (link)
Not so much. They are ripping out dikes and redoing the entire delta; and unless you really like listening to heavy equipment, even the river trail is going to stink for the rest of this year (and after that, no loop any more).

Fish and Wildlife Service has been given the money by Ducks Unlimited, and "this is a wildlife refuge, not primarily a recreation area, blah blah blah..."

The Skagit NWR is boring in summer, but Padilla bay is probably OK, for people who want low-elevation birding hikes.

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[info]superdeluxe
2008-07-22 01:09 pm UTC (link)
Thats right, I was reading that they were taking out the dikes.

Damnit. Oh well!

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[info]nuclear_eggset
2008-07-21 08:28 pm UTC (link)
ah, hiking. I love it. (hence, my 100 mile goal for the month of August for hike-a-thon.)

rattlesnake ledge, snow lake, melakwa lake via denny creek, commonwealth basin, cougar mountain, tiger mountain, squak mountain - all good stuff. lots of stuff around sunrise and paradise in rainier as well. be aware that there's still a lot of snow - snow lake, for instance, is melted out to the lunch rock looking out over the lake, but the north bowl is still covered in snow. (this means lots of skeeters at the moment.)

you should definitely have boots - hiking in the cascades means rocks, and non-flat trails; you want ankle support and good traction. technially, you should always carry the 10 essentials: extra water (and emergency treatment for back country water), extra food, compass, map, knife, first aid kit, fire starter, waterproof matches, flashlight, extra clothing. Sunblock, insect repellent, sunglasses, and an emergency shelter are recommended too. Sounds excessive, until something happens, the weather turns, or you get stuck out way later than you expect - or overnight.

this is the first book I used Beyond Mount Si: Hikes within 85 Miles of Seattle and it has a lot of good reference maps and info on the difficulty of hikes. great place to start.

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[info]nuclear_eggset
2008-07-21 08:42 pm UTC (link)
some reference pics: Talapus Lake '08
Granite Mountain '08
Mt. Freemont '07, Rainier
Gem Lake, past Snow Lake '07
Glacier Basin, Rainier '07
Twin Falls '07
Dutch Miller Gap '06
Lake Serene'06
Granite Mountain '06
Snow Lake '06

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[info]nuclear_eggset
2008-07-21 09:09 pm UTC (link)
oh, and I ditto everyone's advice on the water bladder (I prefer a platypus, and stick in it my regular pack, not a special camelbak) and poles if you have any knee problems. I know a few people who hate poles, and a few people (including myself) who swear by them, particularly on the downhills.

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[info]superdeluxe
2008-07-21 10:55 pm UTC (link)
Plus they are great when you fall into quick sand.

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[info]superdeluxe
2008-07-21 08:29 pm UTC (link)
Pole and Camel.

You are going to need water, especially if its hot.

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[info]antje23
2008-07-22 12:49 am UTC (link)
also, http://www.wta.org.

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[info]abandonada
2008-07-22 04:20 am UTC (link)
http://mountaineers.org/ScriptContent/default.cfm

If you want to do hiking with a group, check out The Mountaineers. There's all levels of hikes and climbs.

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[info]ninaf
2008-07-22 05:51 am UTC (link)
Twin falls is nice. It's very busy so just be aware but it's beautiful.

http://ninaforsyth.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=29627

Some pictures from a couple weekends ago.

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