Washington Trails: Classic Backpacks

The July/Aug issue of Washington Trails is now available, with this issue's feature being on outstanding backpacking trips throughout the state. Highlighted are three areas: the Glacier Peak Wilderness (on my own to-do list now for several years); the rugged and remote Goat Rocks area; and Olympic's own Enchanted Valley, penned and photographed by yours truly.

This was a fun article to write, as it was a highly memorable trip. As I mention in the article, we happened across this location in our guidebook by accident, as were were actually looking up a similarly-named location: Enchantment Lakes. After checking out the description of this hike, and the author's comparison to a Hawaiian-like valley filled with rainforest and waterfalls, we just had to do this one. As it turned out, this was our first backpacking trip where we got to see a bear in the wild. It was quite an exhilarating experience, and a lasting memory.

The two-page spread features a moderately-detailed summary of our hike (including our bear-sighting!) and three photos from the trip—two of which include Mitzi; because WTA continues to love photos of Mitzi. See the article online, or pick up a copy.

Next up is a feature piece about the John Day Fossil Beds, in Central Oregon. That one is currently in the works, and will be appearing in the Sept/Oct issue...