Tag Archives: Day Hike

Little Si and Boulder Garden Loop

September 12, 2023 Roger Jenkins 2 Comments

Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area

North Bend

Day Hike, Peak Bagging

6 miles, 1,560 elevation, 1,742’ elevation gain, duration 3.5 hours, rated Moderate

Date: 6-19-22

My plan starting out was that I was only going to do Little Si Boulder Garden. Well, that led to a loop is always better than out and back, which led to the summit is only 1.5 miles further.

I did the Boulder Garden Loop counterclockwise. If I had it to do over I would have done the Little Mount Si Summit first then the Boulder Garden Clockwise. The way I did it featured beautiful green luscious ferns, stately firs, and moss covered boulders. It was steep, but the decline was even steeper. I would rather tackle the steepest portion going up hill. Going down a slippery steep incline is problematic.

I am so glad that I added the summit on to my trek. It was wonderful. It had all the fantastic features of a proper PNW forest plus add large moss covered boulders, rocky bluffs, cliffs with ferns, and then the views of Mount Si, (Mount Si is a heavy duty hike that hopefully I will get the chance to take on at some point), from Little Mount Si were heavenly. Looking the other direction trekkers are treated to a glorious view of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley and North Bend

This is a very popular hike, so plan accordingly. You will need a Discover Pass for parking. I was there on Father’s Day, apparently a day that Dad get’s to choose the activity, and he chose hiking. Trekking poles are helpful as this hike starts out on the steep with switchbacks then levels out, but the last portion become steep once again.

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Little Si and Boulder Garden Loop
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**“In every walk with nature one receives more and then he seeks.” – John Muir**

Thanks for coming along ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ with me on this journey to find balance between the everyday world filled with obligations and duties, and this magical carefree world of nature and adventure. We need both in order to thrive, but we certainly need that balance and the healing that profound experiences in Nature can bring. Stay with me as this is a never ending journey into Nature and ourselves. You can do that by these simple tasks: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you like my hat in the photo you can purchase one and other top quality PBTA logo gear at SHOP APPAREL. If you peruse the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures to many extraordinary locales, each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Anacortes, Peak Bagging

Mount Erie, Sugar Loaf Summits and Whistler Lake Hike

December 15, 2022 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

MOUNT ERIE PARK

NEAR ANACORTES, WASHINGTON

11.5 miles 2,200’ elevation gain, 6 hour duration, rated Moderate +

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

Date: 6-13-22

The hike my adventure loving son Alec and I set out on was moderate at just over 6 miles, but we supplemented in 2 peaks which added a lot of elevation and distance. That and we missed a turn which added a 1/2 mile or so. I guess we were enjoying the scenery so much we were not paying close enough attention to our route at that moment. So I think our trek might have been kicked up to the next category from Moderate as we about doubled the mileage and altitude.

However we averaged over 2 miles an hour so that might still be moderate. It certainly had some steep hard portions. And what a great hike! What this hike didn’t have you don’t need.

Superb high views of the surrounding areas which just happen to be so darn gorgeous, the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, majestic purple mountains, deep green hills, and big luscious firs. Our hike circumnavigated a beautiful tree lined, remote lake, and a couple tiny waterfalls.

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**When asked, “What is the biggest mistake we make in life?”**
**The Buddha replied, “The biggest mistake is, you think you have time.”**
**Time is Free, But is Priceless.**

Thanks for joining Alec and I on Fidalgo Island during a hike that we just kept adding to mostly on purpose, but even the portion that was by accident just added to ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. When you enjoy an outing such as this and you pretty much have the whole place to yourselves well… that is extraordinary and a great way to mend woes. Woes and sorrow was something which Alec and I felt so deeply and laid heavy on our minds, as the main reason for us to be in the PNW was a last visit with one so dear… my beautiful, wonderful Mother as her time on this planet winded down. You see we greatly needed each other, Alec and I, in this time of great loss and we greatly needed what profound outings in Nature can do and that is put the pieces back together again. Please stay with us for this Summer of Loss, but also of Celebration of a life so special and a person so beloved and how ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ was so needed. COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go up to the menu above you will discover that PBTA travels to many fine place throughout the West seeking adventures in Nature. Each location or activity is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you like my cap you can get one of your own and at the same time help support PBTA. You can find first rate Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Anacortes

Washington Park Loop and Trails

October 14, 2022 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

ANACORTES

FIDALGO ISLAND

3 miles, 275’ elevation gain, rated Easy

Date: 6-12-22

The 2.2 miles loop in Washington Park provides stellar views of Puget Sound and the surrounding San Juan Islands. Besides the water views it has a lush thick forest with big firs, and lots of ferns. It is absolutely beautiful. Still, being someone that wants to get away and really immerse myself into nature I was a little disappointed that I was walking along a single lane roadway with cars going by once in a while. However, about half way through my walk I found the trails and then I was in hog heaven, as this was exactly what I was looking for. Maybe even a bit more as one trail I took me on a tiny trail, slippery with mud, with a steep short grassy hill sloping dramatically to a cliff with a drop either onto rocks far below or into the sound and with no way back. So once it went from sketchy to hair ball, (That is when it also added some scrambling), I said to myself, “this is a view to die for” literally! That is the point were I retraced my steps to a more moderate version on a PNW trail.

I loved the hike on the trails, the loop on the roadway was beautiful as well, in-fact I loved the area so much that after my adventure companion, my son Alec, and I finished we drove the loop as well which was very special too.

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Thanks for coming along with Alec and I on this adventure in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island. There are more fun hikes ahead in this beautiful area and beyond. To stayed tuned all you have to do is this: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you explore the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures extensively throughout the West in search of that ever elusive Balance that we seek as an escape from this busy life of ours. I believe profound outings in Nature are the key to this journey. If you like hiking clothing I invite you to checkout my line of Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Quiet Walk Through a Dormant Land

February 1, 2021 Roger Jenkins 1 Comment

SINLAHEIKEN WILDLIFE AREA

OKANOGAN HIGHLANDS

LOOMIS, WASHINGTON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: December 10, 2020

Just 10 miles from the Canadian Boarder in the Okanogan Region lies the Sinlahekin Valley and this wild area. The Sinlahekin Natural Area is 14,000 acres that supports a diverse population of birds including grouse and pheasant and it’s several small lakes are teeming with water fowl and rainbow trout. The area also is home to deer and other animals.

Those visiting Sinlahekin Natural Area can enjoy wooded areas with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, as well as various deciduous trees, rolling hills of grassland, surrounded by the steep hills and mountainsides. There are 8 miles of trail, the Dave Brittell Memorial Trail.

In the summer this place would have blue skies reflecting on it’s lakes with steep hills and mountains as a back drop. In the spring it would be green and flowering. Fall would be delightful with many deciduous trees bringing color to the landscape, and in winter it would be a wonderland.

I walked 8 miles of this area in between seasons. Not Autumn, as all the leaves had fallen leaving a earthy scent of damp soil and decaying leaves hanging in the air. Not winter per se, as there was only a few patches of crisp snow here and there. The low level clouds hung over the valley fogging the appearance of all but the nearest hills or mountain sides at their foot.

So my venture was a quiet walk through a dormant land, void of all sound other than the Sinlahekin Creek. No animals, the lakes were frozen so no jumping fish, or flocks of geese. I did see a bald eagle investigating a small open water section that was not frozen, obviously searching for his next meal. Mine was a nice hike in the country, and a time for reflection, a silent time for ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’.

**The frozen lake and the low hung clouds let you know that winter had arrive at Sinlahekin.**

**“I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” -Henry David Thoreau**

One thing that is great about nature is how it whispers to you while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. On quiet frozen days like this everything seems asleep and at peace, and the experience really sets you at ease which is exactly what the doctor ordered to bring balance from the stress of our real lives, with do this -do that, be here- be there, rush around, work work work. It is nice to have nature heal us with a quiet walk through a dormant land. For more healing through nature and profound experiences of adventure please: COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW. Please support this site by supporting yourself with a shirt, hat or a beanie that carries the important message for you and all lovers of nature: ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ at SHOP APPAREL. To help you find a special place to find that inner peace checkout the menu to see all the many locations that PBTA ventures to. Keep in mind that each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Whistler Canyon Trail

December 1, 2019 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

WHISTLER CANYON-FROG POND-BLACK DIAMOND LAKE TRAILS

Orville, Washington

Activity: Day Hike

Distance: 9 miles, over 1500’ elevation change, duration 5 hours, rated Moderate

Whistler Canyon Trail near Orville Washington, part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, is actually a 14 mile trail that encompasses an elevation change of 3,776’ and is used by hikers, rock climbers, horse back riders, and just simply nature lovers. This area has all kinds of wildlife such as wild turkey, hawk, eagle, vulture, rattle snake, big horn sheep, mule deer, bear, marmot, coyote, moose, and cougar. There are sweeping vistas of the Okanogan River and Valley, the town of Orville, Osoyoos Lake, and Canadian mountains in the distance.

I bundled three trails in my day hike excursion: Part of the Whistler Canyon Trail, the Frog Pond Trail, and a portion of the Black Diamond Lake Trail.

If you only have a couple hours or so then the Frog Pond Trail might be a fun hike to do. Starting at the Whistler Canyon Trail you climb pretty quickly in elevation then off to your left you will find the sign to the Frog Pond Trail which is a delightful hike through an Ponderosa Pines wooded area with rocky cliffs on both sides. There is a great overlook that is not to be missed with super views of the Okanogan River and Valley. Finally you will arrive at the Frog Pond. When I was there in late August there was no pond only a grassy area surrounded by lovely Aspen, Birch, and Cottonwood Trees. I assume that the “pond” takes on a different look in the Spring.

After enjoying the Frog Pond I rejoined the Whistler Canyon Trail and headed up. It climbs 1000’ in the first two miles. I ventured off to the Black Diamond Lake Trail and went as far as the Overlook that once again had fantastic views, but this time wrapping around a little further north.

I really enjoyed this hike, and hopefully I will get the chance to go back and hike further into this area as the highlands above looked intriguing.