# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A relatively short and easy hike within a stone's throw of Seattle, Snow Lake delivers splendorous alpine scenery - crystal clear waters, towering peaks - at a mere pittance of sweat and toil. Just don't expect to have the trail to yourself - Snow Lake is Washington's most heavily-used trail in a wilderness area!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you want to see the headwaters of the mighty Snoqualmie River, head for the source. Source Lake, that is. It's a modest pond, but the setting is remarkable. Craggy peaks ring this pool, found along the way to one of the state's most popular alpine lake -- Snow Lake.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Follow a tumbling, churning, whitewater creek upstream as it thunders through a narrow gorge of glacier-polished rock on your way to a waterfall that drops 301 feet in a single plunge. Admire numerous small waterfalls and cascades and two significant ones, all in less than two miles. This is the Comet Falls trail.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oyster Dome is a rocky promontory on the western slope of Blanchard Mountain, the grandest member of the Chuckanut Mountain range, an extension of the Cascades that rises directly from the ocean. The sheer cliffs of Oyster Dome offer year-round access to commanding views of the San Juans, Skagit River flats, Olympic Mountains, and Samish Bay.

# data[].attributes.body
*Currently closed because of fires, but the picture doesn't do it justice!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Visit one of the most striking lakes in the Henry M. Jackson wilderness. The vibrant blue of the glacier-fed lake provides the perfect rest stop for hikers who have braved the thirty-odd, steep switchbacks that lead to the lake.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Hike Description Written by John Soltys, WTA Correspondent

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls compete for attention on this 7.2 mile trip. Either would be a worthy destination by themselves and combined they are a great day on the trail.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Despite its intermediate difficulty, hikers flock to Mount Pilchuck for its historic restored fire lookout with grand panoramic views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
After you've explored a few trails with your little one, the Heather Lake trail makes a wonderful next step. It's the perfect place to take children on their first 'real' hike. The trail is short, but steep and challenging--it'll give a child a real sense of accomplishment once they reach the lake.

# data[].attributes.body
*Currently closed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hiking with kids, new to hiking, or just looking for an easy day hike with a spectacular endpoint? Look no further then Franklin Falls! At just 2 miles with 400 feet in elevation gain it is the perfect destination for any hiker looking for something easy and beautiful!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From Rachel Lake you can access further adventures at Rampart Lakes, Lila Lakes and Alta Peak. This hike is a popular weekend overnight destination; so don't expect to be by yourself in high season.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If the name Kendall Katwalk conjures up an image of a narrow pathway blasted out of a steeply sloped rock face, that's part of it. But the whole package includes old growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A popular trail, thanks to its gentle, family friendly grade with amazing destinations. The natural water slide area at Denny Creek is a must visit for families! Keekwulee Falls offers a stunning viewpoint that is easily accessible. Snowshoe Falls maybe a bit elusive and more difficult to see from the trail, but is also a beautiful natural wonder.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This long, meandering hike heads upstream along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, offering a long day hike, or a great beginning backpacking experience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking for the perfect first hike for young kids? Eaten too much bratwurst in Leavenworth and need a walk in the woods to settle your stomach? Want a moderate flat snowshoe with a beautiful winter destination? The short trail to Hidden Lake adjacent to Lake Wenatchee is the answer to all of these requests.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tucked in a cirque a few miles east of Stevens Pass are Minotaur Lake, its immediate neighbor Theseus and overlooking Labyrinth Mountain. This group of alpine destinations, named for symbols in the Greek mythos, make for a great day hike and an excellent workout.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Waterfalls, wildflowers, sheltering forests, mountain views and an alpine lake are offered on this well-maintained trail. At the lake, enjoy the sights and relax for a while. If you backpacked in, stay at the campsites for a sunrise and sunset on the lake.

# data[].attributes.body
Super awesome when it is rainy and gross because it just POURS down the mountain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A beautiful waterfall flows out of Lake Serene and cascades below the rugged east wall of Mount Index at the end of a trail on the west side of Bridal Veil Creek. Take time to see and enjoy a stunning view of Bridal Veil Falls and climb flights of steps paralleling the falls.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With a moderate grade on a wide trail, the hike to Talapus Lake is the perfect introduction to the outdoors for hikers and beginning backpackers. Upon arrival at Talapus, break out lunch or pitch camp. Either way, you can cool off in the large lake.

# data[].attributes.body
Just a little past Rachel Lake

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rampart Lakes is a pretty collection of pothole lakes with a maze of social trails lacing them together. Though doable as a day hike, it is better enjoyed as an overnight destination, with nearby Alta Mountain and Lila Lake making excellent side trips.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This long but easy valley romp follows boisterous Phelps Creek to a mile-long broad flower-bursting meadow and a giant cirque beneath a formidable wall of towering peaks. But don't expect solitude, for Spider Meadow crawls with backpackers-brigades of them!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The demure Top Lake trail provides easy access and a popular jumping-off point for hikers, backpackers, equestrian riders and trail work volunteers, all headed into the Cascades backcountry during summer and early fall once snow has receded.

# data[].attributes.body
*Closed due to wildfires but hopefully open after October

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of about six former lookout sites in the Stevens Pass area, Poe Mountain boasts two different trails to the summit; the original steep supply route to the retired fire lookout via a trail rising from the Little Wenatchee Falls campground, and the more moderate trail via the Irving Pass Trail.

# data[].attributes.body
*Closed until October but easy and a fav (some people even kayak it!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This trail travels along the valley floor of the Little Wenatchee River for several miles before switchbacking up 1500 feet through intermittent slide alder and mature forest to Meander Meadows. While the trail does receive occasional brushing, the lower section can be challenging.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives.

# data[].attributes.body
WAY better than Mount Si

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Companion piece to neighbor and big brother Mount Si, the small rocky bluff known as Little Si is a moderate grade 3.7 mile trail located in the hike rich North Bend area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Approach a calm, quiet lake on a rugged canyon trail, where wildflowers bloom in spring, and you can rest lakeside in the heat of the summer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We did this from both directions so I will detail both. Road into Trout Lake is dirt but excellent condition. Trout Lake campground is small but was not busy in mid/September. Hoodoo Trail from this end crosses Trout Creek and climbs in switchbacks to high up on the mountain side where it terraces along a pretty steep slope. At about 1.6 miles there is a slide - also mentioned earlier. Some people have gone above it but I err on the side of caution. It looks like it will be very challenging to repair so It might be out for awhile. If you really want to get to Emerald Lake go in from Deadman Creek. Nice views down to Trout Lake from above - some Fall color. We turned back. 2 Days later we went in from the Deadman Creek side. About 10 miles in on Deadman Creek Road off Highway 395. Washboard road in some areas and cows on the road. Look for a large meadow (dry now) to the right and the Trail Head sign. There is a steady uphill climb but through Cedar forest and mostly in shade. The viewpoint at the high point in the trail really had no views - forest has grown. Perhaps if one climbed up on top of the big rock? The sign says 1.75 to the viewpoint but if you are going to Emerald Lake you would continue to an unmarked junction (was a tie on a bush there) that marks the trail down to Emerald Lake. It was a 6 mile round trip hike with 1567 ft. in elevation gain according to my gps. Not a lot of water this late in the year but a lovely lake.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We did this from both directions so I will detail both. Road into Trout Lake is dirt but excellent condition. Trout Lake campground is small but was not busy in mid/September. Hoodoo Trail from this end crosses Trout Creek and climbs in switchbacks to high up on the mountain side where it terraces along a pretty steep slope.