Boulder River

The weather has been really nice here in Seattle (until yesterday) so I made sure to take advantage and be active outside instead of in the gym.   I decided to go on a hike with a friend, to Boulder River just past Arlington WA.  The weather was a little cloudy but ended up being sunny and perfect weather for a hike.  There were only 2 other cars parked at the trailhead so we practically had the place to ourselves.  The total mileage for this hike is 8.6 miles, but with our time constraints (had to pick kids up from school), we only made it 7 miles round trip.  Oh well, maybe next time:)

This is the 3rd time I have attempted this hike.  Here, you can read about the 1st time and 2nd time and find directions to Boulder River.

The best part about this hike is that it can be done year round.  With many hikes here in Western Washington, you have to worry about snow covered trails well into June and even sometimes July.  This hike is almost guaranteed to be snow free unless you do it in the middle of winter.  Love it!

I hope you get a chance to visit this hiking destination.  It's well maintained and is much less crowded than many of the better known trails.  The views are amazing and hopefully one day, when I have more time, I will actually make it to the top:) 

Have a great day and happy hiking!

Twin Falls

Boulder River

There was some sort of photo shoot going on down there.



 

Pihea Trail Kauai

Long time no see.  I have been so slacking on my hiking challenge and I hate it!  The weather has prevented much hiking around my neck of the woods and I miss it so badly.  Being in nature, the sounds, the smells, being away from the stresses of everyday life.  I feel like I am having hiking withdrawals.  I also sometimes get frustrated because I don't feel safe hiking alone and I don't really have a hiking buddy.  I guess I need to just start forcing people to come with me.  Maybe I will tell them we are going for coffee and just drive for an hour  to the hiking trails:)  Is that considered kidnapping?

Anyways, for my 3rd hike in my 12 hikes in 2012 challenge I am going to tell you about the Pihea Trail in Waimea Canyon, Kauai.  The most beautiful place on earth.  Kauai is my favorite place.  Since I love to be active, this is the perfect place for me to be.  Snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, etc. 

The Pihea trail is approximately 2 miles one way from the Kalalau Lookout to the Alaka'i Swamp Juncture, but you can continue on to the Kilohana Lookout for 3 more miles to make it 8 miles round trip if you want.  We didn't have time for that this time.

The trail is well maintained and was quite busy the day we were there.  After the first mile you will steadily incline until you reach your destination.  I would consider this hike moderate in difficulty since some spots are quite rocky with roots galore.  You will want to watch your step and be careful especially when coming back down.

I didn't take any pictures of the actual trail, but look at these amazing views!

Make sure you bring enough water since it is guaranteed to always be pretty warm.  Can you imagine anything better than this? 

There are bathrooms in the parking area at the Kalalau Lookout and don't worry, there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.  I would definitely take children on this hike, but I think anyone under 5 would have a hard time with the elevation gain and the rocky path towards the top.

To get here take Hwy. 56 South until it merges into Hwy 50. Drive all the way south and west past the town of Waimea until you see Waimea Canyon Drive (Hwy. 550) to the right. It is a rather unassuming road and you have to watch for it. Go right and up and up onto Waimea Canyon Drive until you enter Kokee park and go to the park headquarters to get more information on the park's trails.

I hope to get a hike in soon in Oregon, Vancouver, and Nevada.  If you have a favorite hike in one of these spots, let me know.  I love to hear about your adventures and favorites!

Have a great day and Happy Hiking!

Hike #2 Camelback Mountain Scottsdale AZ

Well, if you read my blog, Livin the Fit Life, you know that we didn't make it to Spain to hike Montjuic and the weather in Italy and Switzerland definitely didn't lend to hiking.  So, for my second hike in my 12 in 2012 hiking challenge, here is a nice warm hike for your reading pleasure.

Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale AZ is a short but challenging hike up steep and rocky terrain.  The mountain got its name because it looks like a camel laying down. We chose to do the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Summit Trail which is the more challenging of the 3 options.  It was a beautiful sunny day while we were there.  A little warmer than I am used to, being from Seattle.  We actually stayed at the Camelback Inn so we were within walking distance to the mountain.

We arrived at the mountain in the afternoon and despite the heat, there were many other hikers there.  We even saw one lady running up the steep mountain and I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  As we climbed the rocky staircase at the base of the hill, we saw several rock climbers climbing up the giant boulders that surrounded the base of the mountain.

I actually had met with a trainer at the resort for a leg workout today which probably wasn't the smartest idea in the world.  This mountain climbs 1200 feet in just over 1 mile and it is so steep there is a handrail  to hold onto.  I highly recommend using it, especially when you are heading back down.  

We passed several lizards on the way up like this one here.

The panoramic views at the top were beautiful and we stayed there for a while just enjoying the scenery and the heat.

After a while, we hiked back down and my legs were so wobbly that they felt like they were going to give out on me.  Note to self:  Don't do an hour long leg workout right before climbing a steep mountain.  I definitely used the handrail on the way down!

This hike was great on so many levels.  Although it was only about 2.4 miles round trip, it was a very challenging ascent and descent.  Sometimes, for me, the downhill is harder than the uphill.  The views were amazing and I loved seeing the lizards.  Being from Seattle, I love to see different plant life and wild life than what I am used to at home. It makes for a really fun experience.

This would be challenging for children under 8.  The footing is difficult and it is very steep.  If you aren't used to strenuous exercise, make sure to take lots of breaks.  Also, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen.  You will be in direct sunlight much of the way and you don't want to get burnt or dehydrated.  Also, this is rattlesnake area so be sure to stay on the path and be aware of your surroundings.

There are port-a-potties at the trailhead.  If you are in the Scottsdale area, this is a must do hike.  Please take some time and check it out.  During peak season (October to April) the parking lot gets crowded quickly so be prepared.  There wasn't a fee to park when we did this hike.

Location:   5700 N. Echo Canyon Parkway, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix.

To get to the Echo Canyon Recreation Area: Take McDonald Drive east about 1/10-mile from Tatum Boulevard in Paradise Valley. Turn onto Echo Canyon Parkway, which is on the south side of McDonald Drive. Note: you will still be driving on a residential street at this point. It will be about a ¼-mile drive to the trailhead parking area.

Stay hydrated and happy hiking!