Northwest Outings

  • Weekend Getaway: Foothills Dash

    What: This fun run on the Foothills Trail starts and finishes at Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary School in Orting. There are 5- and 10-kilometer races. There also will be a free one-mile run for ages 12 and younger. The trail is paved, wide and mostly flat.

  • Hike of the week: Skookum Falls and beyond, Trail No. 1194 to the suspension bridge site

    Hike description: The Skookum Flats Trail is a modest hike that is perfect for families, beginners and people testing out boots or other equipment. It's an easy walk through old growth forest along the White River. Yellow violets, trilliums, vanilla leaf and salmonberry bloom along the trail in season. Notice the tangled rootballs on fallen trees that have succumbed to the river during the floods.

  • Weekend getaway: Spree at Alpental

    What: The event gives snowriders a chance to test out new gear and raise funds for Outdoors For All. The 14th annual event is a mix of snow sports, races, music, food and entertainment. Manufacturers such as Atomic, Burton, Fischer, Head, K2, Rossignol and Salomon will be on hand with 2012 gear to demo.

  • Hike of the week: Slab Camp Creek to Camp Tony Trail No. 838

    Hike description: The Buckhorn Wilderness in Olympic National Forest is a special place. Deep forest, even when it is the second growth that follows a fire, always is a treat. It’s quiet, green and lush.

  • Weekend getaway: White Pass Winter Carnival

    What: White Pass is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Winter Carnival this weekend. The centerpiece is a giant snow castle kids can slide through on an inner tube. Yakima’s Dave Mahre, who died in 2005, built the original castles. The carnival is packed with lessons, a snow sculpture contest, races and other events. The snow sculpture competition began Thursday.

  • Hike of the week: Edith Creek Basin Snowshoe Trip

    Hike description: Heading up to Mount Rainier in winter is a great way to enjoy our Northwest snow without having to shovel your driveway.

  • Weekend getaway: Ski Orienteering

    What: The Cascade Orienteering Club is hosting an orienteering competition at the Summit at Snoqualmie Nordic Center. The event combines cross-country skiing with route-finding using a map and compass. People on skis will search for markers with the fastest Ski-O participant declared the winner. Snoqualmie Pass has more than 50 kilometers of groomed trails.

  • Weekend getaway: Pyramid Creek Sno-Park

    What: Pyramid Sno-Park is a popular destination for snowmobilers and offers access to 68 miles of groomed trails. Snowmobiling is one of the state's most popular winter activities. Washington's Winter Recreation Program offers more than 3,000 miles of trails, including this large collection of trails near Greenwater.

  • Snow report for February 18

    Crystal Mountain has packed its weekend full of activities.

  • Hike of the week: Green Mountain State Forest Gold Creek Trailhead

    Hike description: Abundant rhododendrons and a relatively low elevation make this a wonderful spring hike. Not only that but after a short drive from the city, you're off in the woods.