Walks Rachel Hansen Walks Rachel Hansen

Dewatto Bay Beach

Beach with an expansive view of the Olympics; excellent photography destination. Lots of ripe berries in late summer.

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Walks Rachel Hansen Walks Rachel Hansen

Living Legacy Trail

Spectacular views of the Mt. Skokomish and the Brothers ranges; interpretive signage. Trail passes Hamma Hamma Cabin built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (1930s).

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Walks Rachel Hansen Walks Rachel Hansen

Theresa Johnson Trail

Waterfall with wading pond reflections are visible from trailhead. Follow a wooded trail that runs above the falls and continues up a gentle ravine, then return on same route. Parking at end of Sixth St, beyond Laurel. Falls are visible from street.

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Walks Rachel Hansen Walks Rachel Hansen

Goldsborough Creek Trail

Trail follows extensive concrete fish ladder. In summer, wade among the small waterfalls created by the ladder. Educational kiosk, covered shelter, and railroad trestle span the creek.

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Walks Rachel Hansen Walks Rachel Hansen

Huff n Puff Trail

Popular forested exercise course for joggers and walkers with wide, well maintained trails. Parking available

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Duckabush River In Olympic National Forest

Duckabush River Trail travels near and along the river for more than 20 miles terminating at Marmot Lake in the heart of Olympic National Park. That’s a long journey primarily reserved for backpackers. Day hikers however should be content heading up this trail for just a few miles.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Murhut Falls In Olympic National Forest

Murhut Falls are tucked away in a narrow, green valley. They stayed hidden until a new, simple trail was made. This waterfall has two levels and drops 130 feet. Now, it's a popular spot for hikers on the Olympic Peninsula. The trail begins on an old logging road, where the falls were found due to past logging.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Elk Lakes At Olympic National Forest

A great alternative to the oft-crowded Lena Lakes, the Elk Lakes are a perfect destination for hikers, young and old alike and those just seeking a little solace. The hike described here is the longer way following a remnant of a trail that once traversed the entire Jefferson Creek Valley. If your intent is to get to the lakes, then begin your hike from the upper (main) trailhead.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Staircase Rapids Trail At Olympic National Park

The trail starts off easy on an old road, crossing a flowing creek. Then it gets steep quickly with sharp turns, climbing nonstop through switchbacks. Pass by salal and young trees, with some big ancient firs still standing from past fires.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Big Creek Loop In The Olympic National Forest

This easy hiking loop around Big Creek crosses over several bridges and leads to hidden waterfalls. It's best to hike after heavy rain. The Mount Rose Trail Crew built the loop over twenty years ago using old logging roads and new paths. The trail starts at Big Creek Campground and is maintained by the volunteer crew. One of the highlights of the hike is the well-built bridges.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Hoodsport Trail Near Cushman

Hoodsport Trail Park is a small park located between Hood Canal and Lake Cushman. It offers about two miles of wooded trails with loops and connections. The trail system can be a bit confusing, which adds to the adventure for hikers also exploring Olympic National Park and Forest nearby.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Spider Lake In The Olympic National Forest

Spider Lake is a narrow lake in a valley with old, tall trees. The trail around the lake used to be longer with ancient trees, but most were cut down. Now, the trail is shorter but has been fixed up, and the trees on the hills are growing back.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Schafer Forest Trail At Schafer State Park

Schafer State Park is located on the East Fork Satsop River in the far southwest of Mason County. Despite being away from cities, it was active starting in 1872 when the Schafer Family from Wisconsin settled here. Their sons Peter, Albert, and Hubert began logging in the 1890s.

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Lake Isabella State Park

This park was once a farm by Lake Isabella in Washington. It has over 4 miles of trails through pastures, orchards, and woods. You’ll see deer around the 182-acre property. Delight Park Road cuts through the middle of the park.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Bayshore Preserve

The Bayshore Preserve is on a small land in Oakland Bay. It used to be a golf course but has been restored to its natural state by the Capitol Land Trust, Squaxin Island Tribe, and other partners. The preserve is crucial for wildlife and has cultural significance as it used to be a Squaxin Island Tribe village with a large longhouse.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

McMicken Island

McMicken Island in Case Inlet can be reached without a bridge or ferry. During low tide, a sandbar appears, connecting the island to the mainland. You can hike the island's half-mile trail, picnic in a small meadow, and explore its rocky intertidal zone. But watch out for rising tides to avoid getting stuck.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Twanoh Creek Loop At Twanoh State Park

Known for its expansive beach on Hood Canal, which boasts some of Washington's warmest salt water. Visitors mainly head to the beach or campground, so the park's trails are often peaceful. Find the trail start near a group of rhododendron bushes. The path runs alongside Twanoh Creek, leading to a delta on the beach. It eventually reaches a crossroads.

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Hikes Rachel Hansen Hikes Rachel Hansen

Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve

Explore Theler Wetlands at Hood Canal's edge, where the Union River meets the fjord, providing a diverse wildlife habitat. The preserve, alongside a nearby Washington DFW area, safeguards hundreds of acres supporting various animals. Walk on bridges and boardwalks to see many birds and mammals, such as eagles, ospreys, herons, swallows, deer, coyotes, and otters, along the three-mile trail.

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