Fly Fishing Seattle WA

Activities: Hiking, Fishing

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Olympic National Park
Length: One-Way: 2.2 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 900 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1020 feet
Elevation Change: 120 feet
Trail Surface: Primitive
Best Season: Summer
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Four Stream Trail begins at the Staircase Ranger Station and leads north along the western bank of the North Fork Skokomish River. This short trail begins at only 900 feet elevation and climbs slightly as it follows the river for about a mile to a junction. The trail leading east crosses the river on a wooden bridge and heads to the North Fork Skokomish Trail. You can use this trail to return if you choose to make a loop of this short trek (turn right at the next junction). Or continue north on the Four Stream Trail from this junction to reach Staircase Rapids and Four Stream. The trail ends 1.2 miles past this junction. To return retrace your steps back to the junction and turn left crossing the North Fork Skokomish River. On the eastern bank of the river turn right and walk south to a stream crossing. This is Slate Creek, cross it and continue south one half mile to the Staircase Ranger Station.

Activities: Hiking, Hunting/Shooting, Fishing

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Length: One-Way: 10.6 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 1800 feet
Maximum Elevation: 4200 feet
Best Season: June to November
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Light
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The Quartz Creek Trail follows Quartz Creek drainage, although access to the creek is limited. It is very steep for a good portion of the trail with grades exceeding 40%. It ascends and descends through numerous side drainages as it climbs its way up the valley. The trail features an ancient forest of magnificent cedars, firs and hemlocks in addition to craggy spires of exposed rock and steep rocky slopes as visitors break out into the upper section of the Quartz Creek Trail.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length: One-Way: 3 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 3300 feet
Elevation Change: 1600 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Heavy
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The Railroad Grade Trail is accessed by following the Park Butte Trail (#603) to its junction with the Railroad Grade Trail at the 2.25-mile mark. The Park Butte Trail begins in meadows covered with heather and huckleberries and crosses Rocky Creek on a seasonal suspension bridge that is usually in place between July and October. Rocky Creek can sometimes change course during periods of heavy runoff; expect some unbridged stream crossings before and after Rocky Creek Bridge, which may be hazardous in the afternoon as water levels, rise. After the first mile the trail begins to climb a series of switchbacks through the forest, reaching a junction with Scott Paul Trail (#603.1). Stay left at the junction and continue on the Park Butte Trail to Morovitz Meadows. The open meadows offer spectacular views of glacier-capped Mt. Baker. Standing at 10,781 feet, Mt. Baker is an active volcano and steam can be seen rising from Sherman Crater. Wander through the meadows until reaching a fork in the trail. The left fork leads to the Park Butte Lookout. Stay to the right at the junction for the Railroad Grade Trail (#603.2). The trail leads up stairs of stone to the edge of a glacial moraine deposited by the recession of Mt. Baker’s Easton Glacier. The trail lies within the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and is a popular approach for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Baker. Climbing parties are encouraged to sign the climbers’ register at the Mt. Baker District Office in Sedro-Woolley before entering the backcountry. Camping is allowed only in designated camps along the Railroad Grade Trail. Constructed tent pads identify camps. This camping restriction does not apply to climbers camping above 6000 feet on the Easton Glacier summit approach. Carry a backcountry stove, as fires are prohibited within the National Recreation Area. There are numerous meadow restoration projects underway in the Railroad Grade area.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Length: One-Way: 1.4 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2710 feet
Maximum Elevation: 3400 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: The June Lake Trail provides a gentle climb through a young fir forest as you follow along the course of June Creek. The ease and short distance make this trail an enjoyable family outing. The lake lies nestled along the base of a basalt cliff over which a waterfall pours to replenish the lake’s cold, clear water. On the south shore an inviting sandy beach is bordered by a massive lava flow and Mount St. Helens looms just out of sight. This maintained trail climbs gently but steadily to June Lake. From there, it’s a steep ascent to the junction with the Loowit Trail system.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Washington
Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Length: One-Way: 1 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 1800 feet
Maximum Elevation: 2000 feet
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Moderate
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.

Description: This maintained trail follows a predominately level grade. It travels along the ridge top above Big Creek and descends slightly as you approach a rocky promontory high above the Lewis River. Extreme caution should be used when approaching the waterfall. The drop-offs are dangerously steep. The trail ends abruptly at a rocky promontory high above the Lewis River.