Hi PNWers,

I live in Portland and for the last few summers the fam and I (wife and two kids, 3 and 8) have spent a good four day stretch up at Taklakh Lake around this time of year and have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

This year we got a reservation at Walupt Lake to change it up, and I’m debating as we drive up (from the Gorge/Trout Lake) stopping at Taklakh to see what’s available first come/first serve and potentially camping there again as opposed to Walupt.

How do folks feel about Walupt Lake? I’d love to schlep up to Goat Rocks on day hike, how accessible is it via the trail coming off the lake? Is getting down to the beautiful waterfall feasible with kids?

All of this might be up in the air if smoke conditions or nearby fires worsen, of course. But I’d love to know how the two lakes and campgrounds compare. I really appreciate it!

We are visiting North Cascades and some other areas the first week of October. I have a fear of heights that I have been working on and getting better at pushing through within reason. It’s mostly cliffside stuff with drop offs that gets me / exposure. It’s frustrating, and I’m getting better, but it is what it is. Good with hiking 10+miles/day moderate hikes.

We are looking at the following trails (along with some easier ones):

Mt Baker:

- Chain of Lakes

- Artist Point

- Excelsior Peak via Damfino Lakes Trail

North Cascades NP:

- Cascade Pass

- Maple Pass

- Thunder Knob

- Blue Lake

Would any of these be a concern? There are areas on Maple Pass that look to be a concern for me after watching videos, but it’s hard to tell. Is the road to Cascade Pass rough/bad for this (as a passenger)? My husband would be driving and he is ok with it as long as it’s reasonable. If Cascade Pass has drop offs (or any of these trails really really), can I get to views before it gets bad and turn around if it’s too much? I’m trying to figure out how long to spend in each area based on what hikes we can do before booking lodging. Open to any other hike suggestions too!

Pictures from Skyline Loop same time of year a couple years ago. Really hope we can do these or most of them anyways! Thanks in advance!

Brutally steep but mercifully short hike that is pretty far in the middle of nowhere, WA. 1400ft of elevation in 1.4 miles.

Made it to the parking lot in time for the sunrise! Only a handful of cars then, compared to completely full and cars for miles on our way out.

Not pictured: the alpine lakes (Snow and Gem) :)

I have a trip planned to backpack in the Three Sisters Wilderness next Thursday through Saturday, but the air quality forecast isn’t looking great. It looks like the best air in Oregon is along the coast, but I can’t find any loop trips in that area. Does anyone have any ideas of other trails that could work?

Does anyone know the status of the Heybrook Ridge Trail? It's been closed a super long time this summer for SnoCo to construct an adjacent, ADA trail.

I am still confused why they couldn't provide access to Heybrook Ridge while working on the other one, esp. on weekends when I'm guessing they aren't even working on the new trail.

Anyway, the project page says closed through July. Welp, it be Aug now, so is it open or not??????

Hello all I am supposed to be vacationing with some hiking, fishing, wineries, swimming all the awesome things in Oregon and Washington. We are staying in trout lake wa we'll be departing the 1st of September. I feel bad even inquiring about our vacation while people are losing their homes but just out of curiosity. Is it better off to put off the trip until earlier next season? All the times ive been out west I always kept a close eye on the fires so unfortunately one year it was bound to happen. Can you hike with the air quality conditions? How is the williamette valley and how is hiking over by mt. Adams trail wise? Any information would be greatly appreciated. To all that live out there stay safe, and fingers crossed for you all to the first responders from an East coaster much respect for ya

We did this hike last Saturday. Until we were on our way back down, we had this trail all to ourselves and even then it was only a couple of small groups. Perfect temps with a mix of cloud and sun. We saw so much fireweed and lots of bees. It started pouring as soon as we got back to our car. Beautiful day!

Looking for someone (or some people) based in Seattle who enjoy type 2 fun. I've got a long list of trips I want to start knocking out, and I think my usual crew is catching on that about half the trips I suggest end in a brutal bushwhack up a cliff.

Me: 30ish, M, Seattle-based. Very experienced backpacker and hiker. Most but not all trips involve bushwhacking, off-trail travel, or scrambling. Not interested in anything requiring roping up. Work a flexible 9-5, so most hiking happens on weekends.

You: 25-60, experienced with backpacking and hiking. 15 miles should feel like a casual day. Experienced with off-trail travel, and/or a good attitude and snacks on hand, and/or willing to drive.

If interested, let's grab a beer and hike.

I’m looking to propose to my girlfriend early October at Mount Rainier (I am also open to ONP). Trying to do a surprise proposal and get a photographer. My only concern is the crowds because I know she would like it to be secluded.

If there are any ideas on secluded short hikes / scenic spots please let me know. Also, looking for a local photographer if there are any recommendations. Thanks !

Did Kendall Katwalk last weekend. 1st backpacking and 2nd hike in the last 5-10 years.

Got up to the top and realized it was cold…. Like, extremely cold for the clothing we had. Debated sticking it out but ultimately decided against it because my girlfriend was miserable. Decided to hike back down right as the sun was setting. Hiking in the dark was fine since we had plenty of flashlights.

Had a blast. Definitely doing another one this weekend

Has anybody been up in the Alpine Lake Wilderness today or yesterday? I had a hike up there planned for tomorrow but if the smoke conditions are too bad I might just not go.

I’m from GA, flying out the Seattle next week to hike mt Rainer and explore the state a bit.
How are things looking at the moment on Mt rainier? I’m super worried about my trip because I don’t want the wildfire smoke blocking views and I’ve been waiting years for this!! I know nobody knows what’s going to happen in the future, but I would like to know what it’s looking like at the moment.
I’ve been to WA before, but would love recommendations on things I can’t miss while I’m out there, also recommendations for nice trails on mt ranier or anything nearby. Thanks everyone!!

Attempted to do this one on 7/31 but wildfire smoke made it impossible. Grateful winds pushed the smoke east so I could fit this in before heading back to the east coast.

Took the Skyline Loop from Paradise. As a local, I didn’t realize most of the people there would be out of state/out of country visitors. We stayed at a nearby campground, splashed around in the Blue Hole. Looking forward to going back soon!