Mitch PittmanExplorer

This place is really the stuff of fairy tales. Where else can you find a tiny cabin with 360-degree views of stunning mountain scenery? To the west, you can see all the way to Bellingham and the Puget Sound. To the south and east lie the jagged North Cascades. And the entire northern horizon is dominated by Koma Kulshan, or Mount Baker to us non-natives. To get here, start with an easy hike t...

Oh, small but mighty Norquay! You might not hear as much about this gem as you do its larger siblings in the area, but don’t underestimate its charm or gnarly terrain. While we couldn’t quite access all of the nooks and crannies at the beginning of the season, old-timers regaled us with tales comparing Norquay’s steeps to heli-skiing terrain. I believe them from the looks of it – from ample beg...

Start at the Stuart Lake trailhead, which at 3400' is a full 2000' higher than the Snow Lake trailhead you'll finish at. Put 2.5 easy miles under your feet along Mountaineer Creek before turning left on the trail up to Colchuck Lake. The trail steepens for the next 1.5 miles before popping you out at the rim of the spectacular blue-green lake. Rest your legs while you take in the views of your...

As if erupting volcanoes weren't awesome enough, ancient lava flows also left behind these giant, hollow tubes as they cooled. Spend all day exploring deep underground in this 2.5 mile cave.To get there, head to the SOUTH side of Mount Saint Helens. You must pass through the town of Cougar to get here, DON'T go to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.Now, let's explore some caves! It's a short walk f...

Back in early 2014, a group of fifth-graders from nearby Washtucna, Washington were able to convince the governor to name Palouse Falls the official State Waterfall. These miniature John Muirs were on to something. Palouse Falls is every bit as accessible as it is spectacular. From the parking lot, walk about 50 feet to an overlook with interpretive signs and sturdy fences to guard you from t...

For those that aren’t skiers – or maybe for skiers who just want to stretch some different muscles – Elevation Place is a fantastic climbing gym in Canmore. It’s brand new and has tons of top roping, bouldering, and even seven auto-belays with climbs rating from 5.8 to 5.11d at the time we were there.  There are some added charges for taking a belay test and things like that, but it was well wo...

Just a short drive from some of the best trails and rock climbing at Pinnacles National Park, Wrath Wines' Soledad winery is a great way to wine'd down after a day of adventure.  What makes this grape growing region unique is the constant marine layer fog and wind stress out the grapes (that’s a good thing!) to the point of making beautiful, complex wines. After tasting a few wines over one of ...

Not for the faint of heart - or those with a fear of heights - Mount Pugh offers some of the most rewarding summit views in the Cascades.Located off the northern end of the Mountain Loop Highway, this is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Puget Sound area. Though finding the trailhead can be tricky - it's not at the end of the Forest Service road, but rather just after the last switchback. P...

One of the best parts of Monterey is the beaches – but their popularity is also their weakness, so if you want seclusion head to the lesser-known Fort Ord Dunes for solitude and beautiful views of Monterey Bay and the Pacific Coast. Historically, this location was chosen as the location for Fort Ord because of its defensibility. But fear not as access is easy, the views are expansive, and ther...

Just a short drive from downtown Monterey you will find yourself amongst the rugged yet serene hills of Toro Park. For a day-use admission fee ($) you will have access to 20+ miles of trails that climb through canyons and run along ridgelines to peaks with views of the ocean in the distance. While the map is full of official trails, you will find additional social trails weaving through the hi...

Fort Ord National Monument is a fantastic place to cruise around on your mountain bike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking for flowy trails to cruise on. Access is easy from the highway and there is ample room in the parking lot even on busy days.  Dozens of trails wind through the canyons and ridgelines of this open park, and linking up trails is easy with a network of...

What's cooler than skiing down a volcano? Nothing. Nothing is cooler than skiing down a volcano.Even better, you can ski year-round at Mount Rainier! There are many areas on the mountain where this is possible, but none more easily accessed than the Muir Snowfield above Paradise.Depending on the time of year, you can start on snow from the parking lot - or it might take a couple miles of hiking...

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the most diverse and rich waters in our oceans, and you have the chance to see it up close and personal! The big prize is getting to see a whale, but these waters are teeming with other wildlife from dolphins to otters to sea lions.  For those who haven't been out on the open ocean, simply riding the swells out on the water is an exp...

Lake Louise has risen to the ranks of a legendary ski resort for more than just its views alone. The massive vertical drop and expert-focused back side make it a mountain to test your mettle. On the front side of the mountain are wide, flowing groomers and sneaky little powder patches in between them. Ski patrol also said that some of their best terrain hardly ever gets tracked-out because it’s...

From the moment you turn into the parking lot, you know Marina State Beach is special. Grab a parking spot in the large lot and then run down the dunes and onto the shoreline! The beach feels spacious on this section of the shore and gives plenty of room to run around or to put down a blanket to catch a sunset (with some local wine). If you are in the mood for a workout, the beach goes on for ...

Do you like skiing wide open slopes of light, fluffy powder? How about staring off at massive, jagged peaks while you do it? Then do I have the resort for you… Sunshine Village in the heart of Banff National Park offers something for everyone on the slopes. There are ample wide open groomers for those looking to cruise or learn, then there’s Delirium Dive and Wild West where you have to bring a...

The Enchantments is one of the most beautiful spots in Washington, but rarely visited outside the summer months, when access is merely difficult. But for those brave souls with the knowledge and determination to ski these hallowed slopes, the experience is surreal.The approach up Aasgard Pass is more direct but can be prone to avalanches, so check the forecast before heading up. An alternate ap...

Tucked high in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Tank Lakes has everything you could ask for out of a Washington hike. You start low at the Necklace Valley trailhead just south of Skykomish along Highway 2 and meander five miles to a giant log crossing of the East Fork Foss River. From here the trail turns UP for a thigh-burning 2.5 miles before emerging into the wonderfully named Neck...

All around you, waterfalls pour over cliffs as you gaze upon colorful lakes. If you're lucky, a coyote scampers by through a patch of wildflowers – it's just another beautiful day in the Ancient Lakes basin, a gem tucked along the Columbia River Gorge in Central Washington. From the parking lot, meander through a valley of sage brush under the hot sun until the whispers of waterfalls become ro...

Mount Rainier is spectacular to look at, but sometimes the best views aren't from on its slopes, but just a little ways away. Tucked in the seldom-visited northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, the Tolmie Peak fire lookout frames the mountain's rugged slopes with a pristine alpine lake and rocky peaks. Start from the west side of deep-blue Mowich Lake, the largest in the park, and hi...

Escape the crowds at Paradise and come enjoy the best views in the park! Start from the visitor's center parking lot and head up the Sourdough Ridge Trail and hike the 1.3 miles to Frozen Lake. Along the way (depending on the season) you'll hike up snow, through glorious fields of wild flowers, or tall grass rustling in the wind. You'll also get views of Adams, Stuart, Glacier, Baker, dozens o...