Cuckoo Over Owls
It once roosted in a thicket the size of a two-car garage, amidst wetlands and diked agricultural fields near Stanwood. The brush was so thick, the Long-Eared Owl must have felt unassailable. Long-barreled photographic devices proliferated and trained at it like arms in a cold...
1/0
The Long and Short of Owls
Wintertime visits by Long- and Short-Eared Owls near Stanwood, Wash., as well as a visit by the little Northern Pygmy-Owl near Carnation, Wash. The appearance of the Long-Eareds, who favor shrub-steppe landscape in the eastern part of Washington state, was an infrequent occurrence. The Northern...
Crystal Lakes (WA)
A trip with almost constant ascent to a pair of beautiful alpine lakes, ringed by peaks. Along the way are views of Mount Rainier. The last mile or so is heavenly and well worth the effort. The Crystal Lakes Download Highlights: Two gorgeous alpine lakes,...
The Additional Essentials
by Glenn Nelson Everybody, including us, offers a list of the 10 Essentials. No one calls them the Only-10 Essentials. Thatβs because there are additional, Glad-I-Brought (or Wish-I-Had) Essentials. Study. Bandana (or Wipe Cloth): Because we sweat. We spill. It rains on our glasses. And...
On Rating Hikes
Above: No one said anything about snow on July 31 in Mount Rainier National Park! I am a journalist, so I am accustomed to researching the bejeebers out of everything, including my outdoor experiences. So imagine my surprise when I reached Third Beach in Olympic...
What’s in My Pack
by Glenn Nelson Iβm a journalist and a gearhead, so all my equipment is heavily researched and curated. Keep in mind that Iβm on the trails for the soul-slaking experience, but also to photograph and otherwise record the experience. This is the gear that comes...
Million-Plus National Parks
Photo: Sunset at Clingman’s Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Scott Basford (Creative Commons) U.S. National Parks that have a million-plus, year-to-date visitors through the most current month, and ranked by attendance, as reported by the National Park Service. Through Dec 2014: Yellowstone...
Lakes Loop Trail (WA)
A lot of my favorite places in Mount Rainier National Park β Reflection Lakes, Faraway Rock, Mazama Ridge, Paradise River, and more β all jammed into one stroll. The Lakes Loop Trail Download Click to Download .GPX File Highlights: Glorious bodies of water, Mount Rainier...
Kautz Creek to Indian Henry’s (WA)
This is one of those glad-I-went-there, destination hikes, requiring effort for the payoff. The Indian Henry Download Highlights: Rolling meadows with wildflowers (in season) and views of Mount Rainier and, on clear days, Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. Travel Time (from Urban Centers to...
Naches Peak Loop (WA)
This is a great hike for any time of the year for the views of Mount Rainier, but you must try it during wildflower season. The Naches Peak Download Highlights: A must for wildflower season. Travel Time (from Urban Centers to Park/Trailhead): Almost two hours...
