City Hikes: Meadowdale Beach Park

If you're looking to avoid a long drive to the mountains this is a great hike to stay in the city and still enjoy nature and be rewarded with great views at the end! 

Lush, quiet forest surrounds you on your hike.

Meadowdale Beach Park is located in Lynnwood, so head north from Seattle and weave through some neighborhoods once you get off I-5 to make your way to the small parking area to start. Head over to the trailhead to begin the 2.5 mile roundtrip hike. It won't take you too long, but we would budget in time to enjoy yourself once you make it to the beach. It isn't too strenuous, so packing a small picnic in a backpack and a blanket to relax is a great idea. There is a small open park at the end of the hike with some picnic tables and also ample room on the beach further down the trail. Once you finish the trail you head through a tunnel that runs under a railroad and out onto the beach. The tunnel definitely adds a little fun to the end of the hike. 

Walk through a low tunnel to get to the final reward - Puget Sound and all the beauty that comes with it!

The hike itself is really enjoyable, the trail is well maintained and, although close to the city, feels very removed from civilization. It's downhill going to the beach and there are benches to stop and rest along the way, a creek to explore off the trail, and depending on the time of year, berries to pick and eat. It's good for kids and people looking for something pretty easy or hikers who want a quick jaunt in comparison to something that eats up an entire morning/day. The hike back up might leave you a little sweaty, but overall it's fairly moderate. 

Enjoying the sounds of the ocean and taking in the views of the Olympic Mountains from the beach at the end of the hike.

People enjoying the beach on a warm afternoon in Seattle summertime.

Check it out and let us know what you think! 

Little Si

Little Si is the smaller companion of the much more challenging and ominous Mount Si. Little Si is more our style - takes about 3-4 hours, a solid 4.7 miles, and doesn't require you to pack a meal to keep from turning into a monster halfway through. It's also relatively close to Seattle, so you don't spend too much time in the car getting there. 

Little Si is great year round - it is fairly protected from the elements so when we did it in January we stayed pretty dry even though it was raining most of the hike. The trail is well kept and offers great checkpoints along the way to keep you entertained, including rock climbers doing some scary climbs on the cliffs or pretty creeks running through the trail. 

The hike is rated moderate on WTA.org, but we think it is fine for beginners. There are a few switchbacks, but those are few and far between on this hike, with the majority of the trail being moderate inclines that will keep your blood flowing, but you won't be keeling over from exertion. The very end is tiring, but the reward of the views at the top will keep you going! 

Once you get to the top there are two viewpoints, one to the left of the trail right as you come out and then another a bit farther up that allows you to see a more 360 view of the area. Check out both, but the first viewpoint is the truly stunning one, with Mount Si looming above you. 

Check out the trip reports before you go at WTA. 

Happy Hiking! 

Big Four Ice Caves

We've been on a lot of hikes in Seattle - none as otherworldly as the Big Four Ice Caves. Situated just a two hour drive north of the city, in the Cascade Range, sits Big Four Mountain. A mountain that has a steep, black face on the north side, shading its base year-round which allows a beautiful and slightly terrifying natural phenomenon to occur - ice caves. That's right - big ole caves made of ice. 

Our pictures won't do this area justice, but we will try our best to describe the beauty to help them along. When you arrive at the hike, you will park and head up the trailhead. You'll find a pleasant, well maintained trail that is good for most skill-levels. Over the next mile you'll walk through the woods, over streams, and up small inclines. At the end of the short hike you'll be rewarded with your first views of the caves. From the end of the main trailhead they look small, dwarfed by the mountain. As you get closer you realize their size - these are the lowest elevation glaciers in the lower 49 states. They are massive and awe inspiring.

See photos as evidence. Amazinngggggggg, amiright?!

The caves are only visible late July through early October, so before you head out we recommend checking trip reports on WTA.org. We also have to mention that these caves are not structurally sound - if conditions aren't right they can collapse and due to their size this is something you do not want to be in there for - enter at your own risk and please please exercise caution while you explore this area. 

Beyond seeing the caves, this hike offers truly stunning scenery to take in as well. In the summer months the ice at the top of the mountain melts and creates a crazy amount of waterfalls - we counted 20 the last time we were there. Watching the water gush down the mountain and flow into streams at your feet is something you don't get to experience everyday. Add the beautiful trees (visit in late September, early October and you can see the bright yellows and reds of the leaves changing) and it really does seem to have it all in terms of PNW beauty. 

Note: Even in the summer months it's chilly here - wear layers and pack a rain jacket. If you need help deciding what to wear you can check out how Macklemore dressed when he visited (it's the snowing bit in the beginning).

Head up to check them out and let us know what you think! 

The Best of Whidbey Island: A Day Trip from Seattle

Did you know that just a short drive north sits the 4th largest and longest island in the continental U.S.? Beyond its size, Whidbey Island is also a place full of beautiful, sprawling beaches, amazing hikes with breathtaking views, and local communities that have more charm then you could imagine. If you hop in the car by 9:00 AM you can have a full day exploring the island's many trails, beaches, and towns. Let us take you through a sample day away from Seattle exploring the wonderful island that is Whidbey! 

First stop, 

La Conner, WA

This quaint town isn't actually on Whidbey Island, but it's on the way and we promise you'll enjoy the stop over. Get here in the morning and have brunch at Anelia's Kitchen and Stage. They have amazing Polish pancakes and their Bloody Mary Bar is a nice icing on the brunch cake! We love a place that let's you customize! 

The masterpiece we made at Anelia's Kitchen and Stage

Walk off that big breakfast with a stroll down First Street. There are so many wonderful antique stores, art galleries, and local gift and craft shops to visit you could spend an entire afternoon here. If you are limited on time we recommend checking out a few of these extra special places.

Handmade La Conner is a wonderful store with a variety of goodies including our absolute favorite lotions and soaps! If you need a gift for someone, odds are you'll find something for them here, and most likely a thing or two for yourself as well! 

We are always a sucker for local bookstores and La Conner has a great little gem: Seaport Books. Go in for a variety of PNW authors and books along with some of the popular fiction and children's offerings. 

La Conner also has a great brewery! Stop in and try their wheat beer (our favorite) for a refreshing drink after your shopping or have a beer at one of the many riverfront restaurants and watch the boats drive by! 

Alright, now onto Whidbey!

Deception Pass State Park 

Hop back in the car and head north, through Anacortes and onto Whidbey Island. Your first stop is going to be Deception Pass State Park where the famous Deception Pass Bridge awaits you! 

There are several spots to explore in the park. Rosario Beach is a great place for easy hikes along the water or playing on the beach. There are some spots for BBQing, which also feature nice, clean restrooms. If you have a kayak or paddle board it's easy to launch from here for a nice paddle. 

Goose Rock is a nice 4 mile (round trip) hike, including some waterfront trails and rewarding views at the end. Everyone should also hop out and hike around Deception Pass Bridge. You'll want to get some photos or at least take in the sprawling structure! The many trails around it make it easy to see from every angle.

Ebey Landing 

Ebey Landing will make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, which is precisely why we love to go. Once you park in the small parking lot off Ebey Landing Road you have two choices, stroll the beach or head over to the trail along the bluff.

The Bluff Trail is a steady climb and is good for most skill levels. As you walk farther and farther away from what little civilization is behind you, you get expansive views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. 

After you've had your fair share of exploring the beautiful state parks on Whidbey, head to Coupeville for some grub.

Coupeville, WA

Situated on Penn Cove, Coupeville is known for their wonderful Penn Cove Mussells. We love Front St. Grill for their amazing menu and stunning view of Penn Cove. Get their signature coconut green curry mussels over linguine for an authentic Coupeville dish! Toby's Tavern and Mosquito Fleet Chili are also casual (and great) spots for delicious local fare. 

Wineries of Whidbey

If you prefer sipping wine more than hiking, Spoiled Dog Winery and Comforts of Whidbey are both amazing spots to check out near Langley, WA. They both close at 5:00 PM though, so you might want to also plan on dinner in Langley if you opt for this version of the day. Don't worry, there are a lot of delicious places to get mussels there too! 

Clinton - Mukilteo Ferry 

Now that the sun is starting to dip lower in the sky it's time to head south to catch the Clinton to Mukilteo ferry back to the mainland. If you still have some daylight left when you arrive in Mukilteo, the beautiful Mukilteo Light Station and Lighthouse Park is to the right of the ferry terminal as you dock and is a nice place to watch the sunset. 

It's a lot to cram in, but we promise it will be a day to remember, rain or shine. Happy exploring!