Until very recently, I hiked almost exclusively in the summer. Happily, thanks to monthly hikes with the Alpine Trails Book Club, I've had reason to do a lot more hiking year round, and I've found my favorite times to hike are during the transition between seasons. Hiking outside summer has also led me to discover all kinds of new trails, including the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. The trail a perfect meandering riverside hike that I was happy to share with the Alpine Trails Book Club. It also turned out to be a meaningful trail to pair with our book selection of Reclaimers in ways I hadn't expected.
Read moreMargaret's Way
Something magical happens on the trail in the rain. With distant views obscured by mist and cloud, the world becomes smaller. Instead of landscapes of jagged, snow-capped peaks, your views are of moss and bark, puddles and branches. Sound is literally dampened by the weather, with the drip-drumming of the rain on your trusty rain jacket as a persistent soundtrack. Unless you're not wearing a rain jacket, but if you're out hiking in the PNW in January, I very much hope you are!
Read moreGold Creek Pond Snowshoe
Typically, when planning an Alpine Trails Book Club outing, I start with the book, then wrack my brain to come up with the best possible trail to pair with it. To start off 2018, for once I knew exactly where I wanted to go: a short snowshoe around Gold Creek Pond paired with a stop at my nearby family cabin would be the perfect way to ease out of the holiday season. I envisioned a laid-back morning of snacking, hot beverages, and meandering conversation. The trouble was I couldn't come up with a fitting book, but when Ashley suggested reading The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, I knew we'd found the perfect combination. I'd already unintentionally planned the perfect hyggelig day for our meeting!
Read morePololu Valley
If you find yourself on the Big Island of Hawaii, and you only have time for one hike, I would would highly recommend the short hike into Pololu Valley! Some of the best views of the rugged North Coast cliffs can be seen from the trail leading from the end of the road down into the valley. Once you reach the bottom, there are rope swings and tree forts to explore, hammocks to lounge in, and plenty of shade from the tall trees lining the beach.
Read morePark Butte
The Alpine Trails Book Club hasn't had much luck with mountains this year but I had high hopes for a crisp, sunny fall day with clear views of Mt. Baker for our September hike to Park Butte. Driving north to the trailhead, the weather looked promising, but the closer we got to Baker, the cloudier it became. By the time we hit the trail, the mountain was shrouded in a dense layer of cloud that refused to budge all day. Even if Mt. Baker refused to make an appearance for us, there was plenty to enjoy on our hike.
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