Oliver Lazenby - Hiking Washington: A Guide to the States Greatest Hiking Adventures

Oliver Lazenby is a journalist and author who lives in Bellingham. Hes a native Wash-ingtonian who grew up in the Snoqualmie Valley, at the foot of the Cascades. He likes the mountains near home the best, but loves exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest.

A lot of special people helped with the writing and research of this book. Id like to thank my friends and family for encouragement, for companionship on the trail and on the road, and for the space on your couches and in your guest rooms.

Ron Johnson contributed beautiful photos, and his whole fantastic family hiked with me on several occasions. My parents helped by being the mother and father of my passion for wild places, among innumerable other things. Thanks, Annie Keegan, for being my first editor and reading the entire book in its earliest stages. And thanks to the rest of my editors for their careful job.

Many individuals from the parks and land management agencies through which these trails pass provided invaluable information and feedback. Those land managers are invaluable in keeping this book up to dateit wouldnt be possible without them. And most important, thanks to the people who work to preserve the amazing and diverse landscapes in Washington.

THE TEN ESSENTIALS OF HIKING

American Hiking Society recommends you pack the Ten Essentials every time you head out for a hike. Whether you plan to be gone for a couple of hours or several months, make sure to pack these items. Become familiar with these items and know how to use them.

	1. Appropriate Footwear Happy feet make for pleasant hiking. Think about traction, support, and protection when selecting well-fitting shoes or boots.
	2. Navigation While phones and GPS units are handy, they arent always reliable in the backcountry; consider carrying a paper map and compass as a backup and know how to use them.
	3. Water (and a way to purify it) As a guideline, plan for half a liter of water per hour in moderate temperatures/terrain. Carry enough water for your trip and know where and how to treat water while youre out on the trail.
	4. Food Pack calorie-dense foods to help fuel your hike, and carry an extra portion in case you are out longer than expected.
	5. Rain Gear & Dry-Fast Layers The weatherman is not always right. Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Wear moisture-wicking cloths and carry a warm hat.
	6. Safety Items (light, fire, and a whistle) Have means to start an emergency fire, signal for help, and see the trail and your map in the dark.
	7. First Aid Kit Supplies to treat illness or injury are only as helpful as your knowledge of how to use them. Take a class to gain the skills needed to administer first aid and CPR.
	8. Knife or Multi-Tool With countless uses, a multi-tool can help with gear repair and first aid.
	9. Sun Protection Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing should be used in every season regardless of temperature or cloud cover.
	10. Shelter Protection from the elements in the event you are injured or stranded is necessary. A lightweight, inexpensive space blanket is a great option.

Find other helpful resources at AmericanHiking.org/hiking-resources

PROTECT THE PLACES YOU LOVE TO HIKE.

Become a member today and take $5 off an annual membership using the code Falcon5.

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American Hiking Society is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.

5. Park ButteRailroad Grade Moraine

6. Thunder Creek

9. Horseshoe Basin

13. Gothic Basin

29. Indian Heaven Loop

45. Flapjack Lakes

49. High Divide Loop

10. Tiffany Mountain

11. Lookout Mountain (Methow Valley)

17. Mirror Lake

22. Naches Peak Loop

23. High Rock Lookout

40. Ancient Lakes

46. Mount Ellinor

17. Mirror Lake

18. Rachel Lake and Rampart Lakes

19. Lake Ingalls

26. Twin Sisters Lakes and Tumac Mountain

45. Flapjack Lakes

49. High Divide Loop

1. Yellow Aster Butte

8. Hidden Lake Lookout

10. Tiffany Mountain

12 Mount Pilchuck

14. Beckler Peak

21. Burroughs Mountain: Second Burroughs Loop

23. High Rock Lookout

37. Shedroof Mountain

44. Oregon Butte

46. Mount Ellinor

50. Petes Creek to Colonel Bob Peak

3. Oyster Dome

6. Thunder Creek

15. Wallace Falls

30. Lewis River

32. Northrup Canyon Wall

40. Ancient Lakes

41. Cowiche Canyon

42. White Bluffs North Slope

52. Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall

53. Shi Shi BeachPoint of the Arches

5. Park ButteRailroad Grade Moraine

9. Horseshoe Basin

13. Gothic Basin

26. Twin Sisters Lakes and Tumac Mountain

27. Killen Creek Meadows

35. Sherman Peak Loop

48. Grand Valley

5. Park ButteRailroad Grade Moraine

20. Summerland and Panhandle Gap

22. Naches Peak Loop