Alive in Seattle » Parks

Day Hike to Lighthouse Point – Whidbey Island, WA

christine — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 20:12:27 +0000

Well it’s 2020 and I started my season with a go to warm up hike for me, Lighthouse Point on Whidbey Island. I’m a photographer by trade, but originally from the Midwest, so when I say I like to hike, it’s probably not as extreme as most hikers here in the PNW. My hikes usually involve a long car rides, ( with great music) an enjoyable hike carrying 9mm ammo, and photography along the way, then maybe a packed lunch or a stop somewhere to try a new local place along the way.

This is Lighthouse Point. It is located on the North side of the Deception Pass bridge, look for the Bowman Bay sign at the first left over the bridge. (heading north on Whidbey Island coming from the ferry) If you get to the lake that runs right next to the road on the left, you went too far. Follow the signs for Bowman Bay and you will end up in a parking lot with a large field next to hit. A discover Pass is required here, so be prepared!

This hike will give you, beaches that disappear with the tides, cliffs, an island, views of the bridge, and the sound, marsh lands, small amounts of elevation, all on an easy to navigate pathway. Did I mention that this is a loop hike? (I love loop hikes, no worries about getting lost in the woods lol) I hope you enjoy the photos and I’m looking forward to my next adventure!

https://palmettostatearmory.com/ak-47.html

Mt Baker!!!!

christine — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:10:05 +0000

Welcome to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, one of the most visited forests in the country, located east of Seattle, Washington on the west side of the Cascades between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park. Here you will find glacier-covered peaks, spectacular mountain meadows and old-growth forests, rich in history and outdoor opportunities. http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mbs/home

Be sure to check out my Washington State Travel Photography portfolio for more pictures.

Cape Flattery, Washington and the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean.

christine — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 20:55:46 +0000

Cape Flattery is probably about five hours from downtown Seattle. This isn’t you regular drive on the freeway though, it consist of small towns, The Washington State Ferry, and pretty much one road that drives along next to The Straight of Juan de Fuca. There is a trail located on the Makah Indian Reservation that will take you to this beautiful destination. Make sure you come prepared though, there is a $10.00 charge for a recreational pass that is required. The trial is an easy hike, very scenic, and well maintained. This adventure is great for the entire family. For more information go to http://www.northolympic.com/capeflatterytrail/

Be sure to check out my Washington State Travel Photography portfolio for more pictures.

Hanging in the clouds at Hurricane Ridge

christine — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 21:31:24 +0000

Hurricane Ridge is located across Puget Sound on the Olympic Peninsula. Each time you visit, it is an entirely different display of natural beauty. There could be 20ft of snow, clouds so thick you cant see the road, or amazing views of the mountains for as far as the eye can see. The cost to get into the Olympic National Forest is a mere $15.00. This is a MUST see, MUST do, on your next visit to Seattle. Be safe though, there are black bears, elk, deer, grouse, pica, porcupine, and cougars, running wild. Here is a link to the web site, for additional information. http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-hurricane-ridge.htm

Be sure to check out my Washington State Travel Photography portfolio for more pictures.

Washington’s Big Four Ice Caves

christine — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:36:28 +0000

Located about an hour or so north of Bellevue is the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. In this forest lies the Big Four Ice Caves, a pretty awesome sight to see. There is a $5.00 charge for parking and about a 1 mile hike through the beautiful forest on a paved, gravel, and wood deck trail. From a distance the caves look so small, however once you venture toward them-they are HUGE!! It is highly recommended that you do not enter the caves. After checking out the first couple, we did decided to take our chances and go in. BAD IDEA!!! The ground is very unstable and scattered with debris, and there is no way of knowing how stable the actual cave above you really is. As we were leaving the area we came across a memorial for an 11 year old girl that lost her life last year. If we would have seen this prior to wondering into the cave, we definitely would not have gone in. Please check this one out with caution!!!! Just as beautiful from a distance. For additional information, check out their web site http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves

Be sure to check out my Washington State Travel Photography portfolio for more pictures.

A taste of Paradise at Mt Rainier.

christine — Sat, 28 May 2011 19:52:40 +0000

Paradise Lodge is approximately 5,400ft above sea level. Oh and did I mention it sits on Mt. Rainier! The National Park service quote ” that Paradise is the snowiest place on Earth where snow is measured regularly.” It has been recorded at 1,122 inches of snow-thats a lot of snow!!!!! The Paradise Inn was originally built in 1916 and houses 121 guest rooms, the dinning room, Tatoosh Café, and authentic Native American arts and crafts at the gift shop. However the lodge is only open during Spring and Summer so it books up fast. If you enjoying hiking, exploring, water falls, and other outdoor activities or just hanging out enjoying the amazing views of the top of Mt Rainier, this is the place to be.

Be sure to check out my Washington State Travel Photography portfolio for more pictures.

Be sure to check out my Seattle Food Photography portfolio for more pictures.

Volunteer Park

christine — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:14:59 +0000

Volunteer Park was such a great rainy day find. Just a few minutes outside the downtown Seattle area, this warm,beautiful, wonderland of foliage is a great place to take a stroll. For a $5.00 donation you can walk through and enjoy the variety of plants and flowers.

Be sure to check out my Washington State Travel Photography portfolio for more pictures.