Lorain - Backpacking Washington: from volcanic peaks to rainforest valleys

Backpacking Washington

From the book

Olympic CoastNorth ()

The wild Olympic coast is a national treasure [Y]ou will see crashing waves, scenic offshore rocks, dense inland forests, and abundant wildlife.

Enchanted ValleyLaCrosse Basin Loop ()

Amid glorious mountain scenery, the trip samples every major environment in the range from lush rainforests to glaciers. There is also plenty of wildlife to enjoy, including marmots, deer, elk, and black bears. The route leads along a strikingly beautiful stream and climaxes in the most sublime alpine basin in the entire range.

Larch PassHidden Lakes Loop ()

The Pasayten Wilderness is the backpackers cure for claustrophobia. From atop any of the areas tundra-covered ridges, views extend over a vast array of peaks, ridges, and valleys that hold no trace of human activity.

Chelan Summit Trail ()

Protected by the moisture-loving ranges to the west, these drier mountains feature open forests and beautiful meadows that provide endless vistas of distant peaks. In the few days of September and the first week of October [the alpine larches here] put on the best fall-color display in the state.

Mount RainierWonderland Trail Loop ()

The route provides a generous sampling of all the attractions in the Cascade Range including meadows choked with wildflowers, abundant and varied wildlife, old-growth forests, huge glaciers, impressive waterfalls, and scenic lakes.

Northern Mount St. Helens Loop ()

This loop hike samples all of this little known areas charms: lush forest, possibly the monuments best waterfall, high ridgetop viewpoints, and a lovely mountain lake.

Backpacking Washington: From Volcanic Peaks to Rainforest Valleys

1st EDITION September 2000

2nd EDITION February 2007

3rd printing 2010

Copyright 2000 and 2007 by Douglas Lorain

Front and back cover photos copyright 2007 by Douglas Lorain

Interior photos: Douglas Lorain

Maps: Douglas Lorain

Cover design: Lisa Pletka

Book design: Andreas Schueller, Jaan Hitt, and Larry B. Van Dyke

Book editor: Laura Shauger

ISBN: 978-0-89997-423-1

Manufactured in the United States of America

Published by: Wilderness Press

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Berkeley, CA 94710

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Distributed by Publishers Group West

Cover photos: Big Face Basin, Pasayten Wilderness () (front);

Mount Rainier () (back)

Frontispiece: Mount Rainier from above Spray Park ()

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.

SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions and know your own limitations.

There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country. A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo. Even a bicycle goes too fast.

Paul Scott Mower