Hikers walk along a section of the Heybrook Ridge Trail that runs underneath power lines on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

Hikers walk along a section of the Heybrook Ridge Trail that runs underneath power lines on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

‘It took my breath away’: Lace up your hiking boots because spring is here

Heybrook Ridge Trail packs stunning views and a moss-covered forest in a 3.3 mile round-trip package.

About a mile up the Heybrook Ridge trail, east of Everett, Wash., along Highway 2, Jenny Li came bounding around a switchback. She paused when she saw us. 

“When you get to the summit, don’t stop there,” she said, grinning. Her joy seemed palpable (probably the direct effects of spring sunshine on her skin). “Follow the power lines to the second tower, and there’s a second scenic viewpoint.”

Li and her husband, Bob Conrad, came from Edmonds to “take advantage of the weather.”

March 20 officially marked the first day of spring, and last Saturday’s nearly 70-degree temperatures and cloudless skies seemed designed to get people outside. With meadow wildflowers blooming, mountain waterfalls gushing and trail parking lots overflowing, it may be that time of year to trade in your snowshoes and skis for good ol’ hiking boots.

READ MORE: What to bring on a hike: WCT Travel Guide

As you’re heading east on Highway 2, there’s a curve in the road just past Gold Bar that reveals Mount Index in all its snow-capped glory. The highway winds down toward the Skykomish River valley, magnifying the mountain’s prominence and threatening to send gawking observers swerving in awe.

About three miles on, you’ll see the turn off for Index and our hiking destination.

Sunlight hits the spray of a waterfall along the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

Sunlight hits the spray of a waterfall along the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

At 3.3 miles round trip and 775 feet elevation gain, Heybrook Ridge offers a moderately challenging hike through moss-covered forest and past small waterfalls to a stunning vantage point of Mount Index and the surrounding peaks.

READ MORE: Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park to go cashless on entry fees and camping

Vehicles filled the trailhead parking lot last Saturday. A parking pass or entry fee is not required. We tiptoed across river step stones and side-stepped sword ferns to embark on the trail.

The Rays, a family of four from Lynnwood, were on their way down the mountain when we ran into them. They entertained my questions as I panted, trying to catch my breath. Parents Nick and Aimee brought along their kids Lucie, 5, and Milo, 2.

“This is our fifth or sixth time hiking this trail — it’s spectacular,” Nick Ray said. “And it’s a county park so you don’t have to have a permit. It’s just a sweet spot. One time, a lady was at the top with an easel just painting the peaks.”

Mount Index covered in snow visible from the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

Mount Index covered in snow visible from the Heybrook Ridge Trail on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

A final series of switchbacks revealed a sun-soaked patch of trees near the ridge’s summit. Then, with no warning, Mount Index rose up from the salmonberry vines.

And those peaks definitely deserve to be painted.

READ MORE: Tiny Pacific tree frogs find the ‘perfect little home’ in dahlias on Washington farm

Families and couples dotted the ridge, a place in the sun to have a snack, crack open a drink and enjoy the view.

Several members from Evergreen Church’s men’s group tossed rocks from the cliff’s edge.

“We’re just so grateful to be here, together,” said Elijah Klein, 26. “We took the time out and are spending the weekend in Skykomish. The views, the landscape — it took my breath away.”

Following Li’s advice, we followed the powerlines to a second vantage point that offered vistas of the Skykomish River. Munching on some Smokehouse almonds, we begged the sun to burn our noses and let us pretend summer had already arrived.

Hikers walk along a section of the Heybrook Ridge Trail that runs underneath power lines on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

Hikers walk along a section of the Heybrook Ridge Trail that runs underneath power lines on Friday, March 18, 2023, in Index, Washington. (Kayla Dunn / The Herald).

Back at the trail’s base we encountered a different breed of outdoor adventurists.

Josh White and Chloe Drace came from Seattle to free climb the Index Town Walls, an imposing collection of sheer granite crags rising 1,200 feet up above the city of Index.

“But with ropes — no free solo-ing,” Chloe said, reassuring me that she and White weren’t setting out to be the next Alex Honnold, a world-famous climber who doesn’t use safety gear.

The couple said they’ve tried to climb a few times this year, but snow and moisture kept them in the climbing gym for the past three months. On Saturday, they set out to climb five pitches, or about 500 feet, of the upper wall.

“It’s the first good day because its warm and it’s been dry for the past few days,” White said.

Before heading out:

  • Remember to leave no trace! If you pack it in, pack it out.
  • Always hike prepared. Bring ample water and snacks as well as a first-aid kit and knife.
  • Check the weather before heading out — best to not get caught in a storm.
  • Bring a buddy!
  • Check reviews: Washington Trails Association offers all information necessary to stay prepared for your hike.

Plan your adventures throughout the West Coast at westcoasttraveller.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly Armchair Traveller newsletter!

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Travel

Jonathan Nelson visits Wallace Falls State Park for his virtual tour project with the Washington State Parks Foundation. (Jonathan Nelson)
Step into adventure: The top three hikes you can’t miss

Ready to hit the trails? These stunning hikes are calling your name!

Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth, Washington, the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest.
How one village became the Christmas capital of Washington state

Leavenworth, in central Washington, calls itself the Christmas capital of the Pacific Northwest

Amtrak Cascades train 517 to Portland departs from Everett Station on Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
U.S. federal money moves Pacific Northwest high-speed rail forward

Planning for an ambitious high-speed rail system in the Pacific Northwest will… Continue reading

People take photos of the lights surrounding the the fountain at the the entrance to the Tulalip Resort & Casino in Tulalip, Washington. Olivia Vanni / The Herald
Record Tulalip holiday display lights up the night

The largest light display in Washington is free of charge and open through Jan. 12.

Enchant Christmas returns to T-Mobile Park in Seattle! Enchant Christmas photo / Courtesy Visit Seattle
Why Seattle is a favourite holiday season destination

No matter the time of year, Seattle offers endless opportunities for adventure,… Continue reading

Tourists crowd the Snoqualmie Falls viewpoint to get photos of the falls and the adjacent Salish Lodge & Spa, in Snoqualmie, Washington. Ryan Berry / The Herald
Twin Peaks fans may know this Snoqualmie, WA retreat as the Great Northern Hotel

Salish Lodge Spa is a perfect mix of romance and relaxation – and suspense, if you’re a Twin Peaks fan

The award-winning and locally owned Magnolia Hotel is perfectly located for those wanting to enjoy downtown Victoria. Courtesy The Magnolia Hotel
City lights, cosy nights: ​​A weekend escape to downtown Victoria

“We need to get away,” I said to my husband after the… Continue reading

Mountains in the Spokane area are eying opening day as they start piling up snow.
Let it snow: Spokane-area ski hills ready for winter

It’s always a good sign when a chairlift starts running before the… Continue reading

A rainy day is no match for a city like Seattle, which offers an abundance of wet-weather activities, including a visit to the famed Space Needle. AdobeStock
12 great things to do in Seattle when it rains

An iconic city synonymous with rainy weather, Seattle brilliantly showcases that drizzle… Continue reading

Twede’s Cafe is pictured at the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in North Bend, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Relive ‘Twin Peaks’ with cherry pie and damn fine coffee at Twede’s Cafe

The North Bend cafe, known as Double R Diner on the campy cult-classic, serves up nostalgia and a damn good breakfast.

Avoid being taken in by a fraudster by knowing some of the tell-tale signs. Photo courtesy Canva
Don’t fall prey to a vacation scam: 7 tips to safeguard your holiday travels

It’s a nightmare scenario: you’ve made all the arrangements for an exciting… Continue reading

People enjoy the grand opening of the new Heritage Distillery tasting room at Angel of the Winds Casino on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Heritage, Stillaguamish partner on new Angel of the Winds distillery

Until 2018, it was illegal for tribes to distill on their land. Now, the casino near Arlington has its own tasting room.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.