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If you’re lucky enough to live in the beautiful state of Washington, you are (hopefully) taking advantage of all the outdoor explorations it has to offer! Even if you are just visiting we have four trips (day trip, hikes and weekend getaways) you’re sure to love.
You can read about our other trips in the Passport section of the blog here.
First up it’s only appropriate to do our first real hike in Washington.
1 & 2: POO POO POINT TRAIL ON TIGER MOUNTAIN AND SNOQUALMIE FALLS
I know. When I first heard this trail’s name in November 2015 I thought….this is a joke. But nope, it was extremely real and set me up for years full of expectations that hiking meant ‘death to a hangover’ haha!
It actually isn’t named after the #2 but it references steam whistle sounds from logging days in the 70s. This trail is 7.2 miles, roundtrip, and 2021 feet at the highest point. It was a fairly narrow trail but very busy. We didn’t have a dog yet but it was leashed-dog friendly with some beautiful lookout points as you near the top.
I hope you get a beautifully clear day like we had so you’ll likely see the launching pad used by paragliders which was a great spot to sit down for a quick break. There’s also an expansive view northwest toward Issaquah and Bellevue. To the west are Squak and Cougar Mountains, with a hint of Seattle’s tallest buildings showing beyond.
You’ll cross several small bridges, creeks and I remember it being very steep. Once you put in the hard work of getting up you will experience less elevation gain and get those views. Keep that in mind while working your way up!
After a few hours on the mountain, head back down and enjoy sitting in the car for 20 minutes to another vastly popular area: Snoqualmie Falls. Both Poo Poo Point and Snoqualmie have free parking and are usually filled with visitors. They are worth at least one visit so don’t let that deter you!
Snoqualmie Falls is the most famous waterfall in WA state. It is 268 feet high with the width ranging from 50 to 150 feet, depending on water levels. It’s beautiful and gives you Pocahontas jumping off the waterfall vibes. Who DOESN’T want that?! I also took my girlfriends here when they came to visit for a weekend in Seattle.
It’s easy to navigate the short nature trails and there are paved trails above if you prefer to stay on level, easily accessible ground. I recommend taking a few minutes to walk to the base for another view that offers a boardwalk and boulder hopping should you want to hop out there….or apparently grab a drink of cold water.
Afterward you can stop in their gift shop for some delicious and famous waffle/pancake mix but we were always able to find it in the grocery stores like Safeway. If you’re hungry (we were STARVING) you can drive into Issaquah (about 20 minutes driving) and fill up with burgers and beers at Rogue Ales Issaquah Brewhouse.
3. Ruby Beach
A pinnacle of the Olympic Peninsula, Ruby Beach will not disappoint. Even in December!
We first went to Ruby Beach with my mom and sister on December 18, 2016 (thanks, Facebook) and had a fantastic time. We were able to take our dog on a leash and it was a special trip because it was the first time my husband and dog saw the Pacific Ocean.
The second time we were near this area was my all-time favorite trip ever backpacking and camping around the Olympic Peninsula. If you have time I recommend doing this trip! The beach was cold with the wind coming off the ocean but it amazes families daily and always attracts visitors to stop their car and explore.
The beach is a short walk down from the parking lot and you could do a short stroll or spend a long afternoon here. We probably spent two hours walking the beach, taking photos, exploring small caves, collecting pebbles and navigating the driftwood.
When we decided to come back up we definitely noticed the tide had come in more which left us jumping over larger areas of water and warming up in the car. As you can tell this beach, like many in the PNW, is entirely made of pebbles so wearing tennis shoes or hiking boots is recommended. The last thing you want is a rock stuck in your flip flop or a kid with a twisted ankle! This beach was gorgeous on an overcast day and the pictures of the spring and summer days prove it’s a great day trip year-round.
I hope you have a great time. Let me know if you go to any of the trips I shared in the Passport section of my blog!
Cheers!
Marin
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