Hike and Bike: Central Cascades

Lucky us: We live near some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the Pacific Northwest. Want to break a sweat? Take a stroll before lunch? There’s a trail for that.

Edited by Laura DannenBy Hayley Poole and Craig RomanoWith contribution from Kasey Cordell, Judy Naegeli, Erin Reading , and Courtney Nash

Photo: Craig Romano

Spray Park

MODERATE If you think nothing compares to Mount Rainier’s Paradise, with its dazzling wildflowers set against an icy backdrop, you haven’t seen Spray Park. Located on the quieter northwest side of the mountain and accessible by a bumpy dirt road, Spray gets a fraction of the foot traffic at heavily touristed Paradise. Wander along the Wonderland Trail past aptly named Spray Falls—splashing 300 feet down a cliff face of volcanic andesite rock—to this magnificent alpine garden, lush with purple lupines that match shades of the sunset. INSIDER TIP Wildflowers are optimal in late July. —Craig Romano

Round Trip 6 miles. Duration 4 hours. Distance from Downtown 75 miles. Permits and Passes National Park Entrance fee; dogs prohibited. Map Green Trails no. 269 Mt Rainier West. Find it.

Kendall Katwalk

MODERATE TO DIFFICULT At first glance, the Katwalk is intimidating. Who really wants to walk along a ledge cut into a granite cliff more than 1,000 feet above the ground? But the trail’s wider than most, and as safe as a tried-and-true trek into the Grand Canyon. Plus, it’s only a small part of a beautiful hike along the Pacific Crest Trail from Snoqualmie Pass, with views of Red Mountain along the way. INSIDER TIP Never attempt to cross the Katwalk when there’s lingering snow. —Laura Dannen

Round Trip 11 miles. Duration 7 hours. Distance from Downtown 55 miles. Permits and Passes Northwest Forest Pass. Map Green Trails no. 207 Snoqualmie Pass. Find it.

Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

Photo: Courtesy Sean Gwizdak

MODERATE TO DIFFICULT Beware: This trail has split personalities. At 1.7 miles, bear to the right and you’re on the Jekyll route: a short, moderate trek to the 100-foot Bridal Veil Falls, meandering along creek beds and up stairs to a waterlogged boardwalk and viewing platforms. Chances are you’ll get wet, though that’s as aggressive as this trail gets. But head to Lake Serene and out comes Mr. Hyde: a beast of a climb up stone steps, gaining 1,300 feet in a mile and a half. It takes effort to finish the remaining half mile, but the rewards are great. Nestled within a forest thicket, against the northern face of Mount Index, is the sparkling glacier lake living up to its name. Catch your breath and picnic atop Lunch Rock, a smooth stone slab that sits at the cerulean water’s edge. Or for those looking for a quicker cool-down, consider cannonballing into the ol’ watering hole—it was looking too serene anyway. —Hayley Poole

Round Trip 4–8 miles. Duration 2–4 hours. Distance from Downtown 55 miles. Permits and Passes None. Map Green Trails no. 142 Index. Find it.

Skyscraper  Mountain

MODERATE No pigeons cooing on the ledges of this skyscraper. Instead, you might see eagles or mountain goats as you approach the mountain’s easily attainable 7,078-foot summit. Start from Sunrise Visitor Center and head along Wonderland Trail, which cuts across alpine tundra and through meadows of asters and lupine. Marmots whistle encouragement as you hike 1,000 feet up to the boot-beaten path to Skyscraper Mountain. Though the windswept summit feels a bit precipitous, it’s as safe as peering from behind the guardrail atop the Empire State Building, with 360-degree views of Rainier Park’s finest: the West Fork of the White River and lush green of Berkeley Park below, Sluiskin Mountain, and of course, Mount Rainier herself. INSIDER TIP No shade and no shelter—avoid in bad weather. —CR

Round Trip 8.5 miles. Duration 5 hours. Distance from Downtown 100 miles. Permits and Passes National Park Entrance fee; dogs prohibited. Map Green Trails no. 270 Mt Rainier East. Find it.

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Published: June 2010

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