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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) The view from Mount Pilchuck's summit is worth the effort to get there.   ADVERTISEMENT   Trail conditions Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/conditions/road_conditions_report.shtml. Under trail conditions, click on Mountain Loop Scenic Byway. Deception Pass State Park: 360-675-2417; www.parks.wa.gov Skykomish Ranger Station: 360-677-2414 Darrington Ranger Station: 360-436-1155 Verlot Public Service Center: 360-691-7791. If it is not open, try the Darrington Ranger Station.   Related Stories • Hike the high country, barely breaking a sweat 8/29/09 • Gastrointestinal problems lurk on sandy shores 7/9/09 • Splash: Camps 6/19/09 • Splash: Vacation close to home 6/19/09 • Splash: Farmers Markets 6/19/09 • Splash: Fairs & Festivals 6/19/09 • Splash: Fourth of July events 6/19/09 • Splash: Concerts 6/19/09 » More SPLASH stories >   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Friday, June 19, 2009 Three day hikes, from beaches to mountaintops Herald Staff One of the great things about our area is that it's possible to stay close to home and enjoy some wonderful day hikes with the family. Here are three that require little driving and, except for Mount Pilchuck, not too much effort -- great if you've got little kids. If you want to try Mount Pilchuck, you might give it another few weeks to let some snow melt. Deception Pass beaches Why go: It's an easy beach and forest walk on Whidbey Island's north end, offering views of Lopez Island, Rosario Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, as well as the churning pass itself. Loop hikes will take you along the beach, through dunes and forest, a good variety of scenery on a short hike. Distance: 3- to 5-mile loops Directions: Take I-5 north and then Highway 20 west to Deception Pass. Or hop the Mukilteo ferry to Clinton and drive the length of Whidbey Island to the pass. Enter the park and follow the signs to the West Point parking area, where there's easy access to both the North Beach and West Beach walks. Old Sauk Trail Why go: It's reminiscent of a rain forest hike. Remnants of an old-growth forest are surrounded by mossy vegetation. Even though the trail is fairly close to the highway, it also parallels the river, and rushing water mostly overpowers any traffic sounds. There is a sense of more isolation than there really is. It's one of the easiest hikes you can find, great for little kids and seniors. Distance: 6 miles round trip Directions: Take Highway 530 to Darrington. From the Darrington Ranger Station, take the Mountain Loop Highway 4 miles to the trailhead on the left side of the road. Parking pass required. Pilchuck Lookout Trail Why go: It's the most difficult of this bunch, but it takes you to some of the best views you're going to find so close to Everett. The trail climbs 2,224 feet to the 5,324-foot summit, beginning in fairly dense woods, then opening up on rocky slopes as you wind around the summit. At the top, climb a ladder to the old lookout tower and look around at the Cascades panorama from Baker to Rainier. To the west, the Olympics are laid out, as are Whidbey and Camano islands and the San Juans. It's well worth the effort. Distance: 6 miles round trip Directions: Follow U.S. 2 and Highway 204 east to Lake Stevens, go north Highway 9, then turn right (east) on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. In town, turn left (north) onto the Mountain Loop Highway. Go 10.6 miles to Verlot Public Service Center and continue 1 more mile east to the turnoff on the right, just after you cross a bridge. This is Forest Service Road 42, which leads to the trailhead parking area, 7 miles in. Pass required. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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