PNW Hikes: Lake Twenty-two

You know those hikes in the Pacific Northwest that make you feel like you are in some sort of theme park that perfected the experience? Lake Twentytwo is one of those hikes. It is incredible. 

This time of year is a really nice time to head over. The trail starts near Granite Falls, WA, in the North Cascades and is classified as "moderate" for hikers, which we would agree with primarily because it is a bit longer, but it isn't actually very steep or strenuous. You can take it at your own pace, but if you are like us you will want to make sure you don't forget snacks (snacks should just be a constant every day in life). The trail to the top has waterfalls, it has dense moss and greenery, it has rock fields (is there a technical term for this? probably), and ample plants to identify for all you botanists out there. Once you arrive at the top you have a stunning view of Lake Twentytwo and Mount Pilchuk. We recommend giving yourself a pat on the back when you arrive with some Bandit boxed wine (yup, classy ladies writing this blog).

Don't forget: Northwest Forest Pass required. If you don't have one and you are planning to hike a lot, definitely invest in one. You can find more info here.

Last tip, we LOVE Washington Trail Association's hike summaries. We usually just skip to the bottom and read the trip summaries by hikers who have been out in the last week or two. That will give you the most up to date, accurate information about trail conditions, etc. 

3 Best Dog Parks in Seattle

Meet Maggie.

The happiest dog in the world.

She is a trusted part of the Rain or Shine team and gives a valuable perspective to our research. Questions like, "How do the trees smell?" and "How roll-able is this patch of dirt?" can be answered with certainty. When it comes to dog parks she is our expert so we defer to her to a recent question: "What are the best dog parks in the city?" 

Northacres Off Leash Dog Park

Northacres is just shy of one acre and has lots of trails to explore. More importantly, there are ample tree trunks to sniff and lots of dirt to roll around in. The park is always well-kept and can get busy on nice days. Feel free to bring the kiddos on a warm day to enjoy the spray park (Adults: no official age limit at spray park, so if you don't mind getting some sideways looks feel free to run through the fountains as well, it is oddly liberating).

North Acres dog park is full of trees and trails.

Magnuson Park Off Leash Dog Park

Magnuson is huge for an in-city dog park, sitting pretty at around nine acres. Best part? Water feature! Magnuson butts up against Lake Washington so dogs get to cool off after romping around the property (and sometimes rolling in questionable piles in the woods -- Maggie we're looking at you). Magnuson also has a shy dog area for our furry friends who aren't feeling as outgoing. 

Magnuson Dog Park ends at Lake Washington giving all pups a chance to swim and cool off.

Dogwood Play Park

When we first visited Dogwood we both looked at each other thinking, "Wow, why didn't we think of this?" It is an indoor/outdoor dog park with a bar, light snacks, and a few TVs. When it's rainy and you just can't stand the thought of being outside you can now bring the pooch to Dogwood, watch the football game, and have a beer while throwing a ball around the large indoor space. Short of tennis balls? No worries, they have them for sale in a vending machine!

You do need to bring your vaccination records the first time and entry is $10 (you can also do a monthly fee, which can be worth it in the winter). 

Dogwood is an indoor dog park making it perfect for those rainy and cold days.

Honorable Mention: Shoreline Community College

This one isn't technically in Seattle, but we thought it deserved a mention. If you go out the back of the property you can find a bunch of trails that are pretty hidden and secluded. It can be a lot of fun to explore them with your four-legged friend. 

In addition to seeking out the best dog parks in the city, we also rely on some trusted sites for top pet information. Check out Animal Authority, which provides helpful articles on how to take care of your dog (and cat!). We also use My Pet Needs That for reviews on gear and helpful tips! Check them out!

The Best View in Seattle: Kerry Park

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary the Space Needle was painted orange, the original color from the 1962 World Fair.

No trip to Seattle is complete without a trip to Kerry Park to get your iconic shot of the Seattle skyline. Halfway up the hill in the beautiful Queen Anne neighborhood you can find a tiny one-acre park overlooking the city. This park was gifted to Seattle by the Kerrys in 1927 so that everyone in Seattle could enjoy the beautiful view. So when you visit, say a silent thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Kerry (we like to imagine them as a slightly richer version of the old couple in Pixar's Up) because otherwise we would have to sneak through people's yards to get these photos (Sarah will do anything to get a good photo).

On a clear day you can see as far south as Mount Rainier. Or as Seattleites refer to it, The Mountain.

The view from Kerry Park during a foggy sunrise.

If you want to shoot at night make sure to bring a tripod or use the length to steady your hand! Photo credit: Suzi Alexander

We were recently asked if we recommend visiting during the day or night. We are going to take the easy way out on this one and say, "It depends" and "Both." 

If you have never been to Seattle before it is neat to come to Kerry Park during the day and get a panoramic view of the city. You can see Mount Rainier in the distance on a clear day and identify lots of landmarks from your lookout. At night though, the city offers a whole different experience. The city lights along with the water of Puget Sound glistening as the ferry boats go back and forth is something you can sit and watch forever (realistically more like 10-15 minutes, but it's really nice, okay?)

The park might be small, but there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the view!

Changing Form by Doris Totten Chase. 

You can always identify Seattle parks by these colorful signs! 

Insider Tip: Molly Moons Homemade Ice Cream has a location just a few blocks up. On a warm day/night stop there first and walk down with your waffle cone to the park. Don't forget to check out all the beautiful homes in the neighborhood while you stroll.