Best Loop Hikes: Washington

by Dan A. Nelson

BEST RAIN SHADOW HIKES W. WA This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898868661
• ISBN13: 9780898868661
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books
• Length: 318 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

great backbacking loops in here!

There is a nice range of loop distances in here. I've only done a couple of routes so far, both 3day trips, and both awesome. Just what I was looking for.

There's nothing loopy about this book of loop hikes!

"Nothing pleases hikers more than finding a great wilderness trail that allows them to wander in circles, never touching the same bit of trail twice. Hiking, after all, is hard work and it's nice when every step takes you into new country, with new scenery. Out-and-back hikes are okay, but a great loop hike? That's the holy grail of the trail world." -- from the introduction That pretty much sums up this excellent guide to loop hikes in Washington State. The novice hiker, or someone like me who hasn't been on the trails in a while, will benefit from the up-to-date information in the introduction. Topics include: permits and regulations, general trail etiquette, low-impact camping, water, clean-up, bears, cougars, weather, and gear. A partial Washington State map near the front of the book helps the reader to locate the numbered hikes, ranging from as far west as Cape Alava on the Olympic Peninsula to Horseshoe Basin/Windy Peak in the Okanogan National Forest in the north central part of the state. The majority of these hikes are in the Cascade Mountains, from North Cascades National Park to Mount Adams in the south. A two-page guide will help the reader select "hikes by interest," including panoramic views, solitude, old-growth forest, dog-friendly trails, kid-friendly trails, wildflower viewing, waterfalls and rivers, lakes, wildlife viewing and natural splendor. One drawback to this fine volume is that there is no simple way to find an easy dayhike without turning to the page for each individual hike. These loops vary in length from short dayhikes to overnight backpack trips that can take several days. Each hike selection begins with a short summary. The text provides clear directions on how to get to the trailhead, a description of each hike and things you might see along the way. A small topographical trail map is provided for each hike, and the book is scattered with black and white photos of sights one might encounter on the trail. An appendix contains helpful contact information and web addresses to parks, ranger districts and volunteer groups mentioned in the book. This is an excellent addition to the Mountaineers catalog of guidebooks. If you're looking for a loop hike in the Pacific Northwest--whether short or long--take a look at this volume.