Tag Archives: Washington hiking

Rosario Beach

March 9, 2023 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

Activity; Day Hike, Beautiful Vista

Date 6-15-22

Alec and I enjoyed one last outing together in the PNW. Deception Pass State Park is one of the most popular of Washington’s State Parks. The Park is over 3,800 acres of luscious old growth forest, surrounding by rugged coastline on Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands connected by the Deception Pass Bridge.

This was our third outing in Deception Pass State Park. We had earlier completed North Beach on Whidbey Island and Pass Lake Loop Hike on Fidalgo Island.

This short hike at Rosario Beach has a nice picnic area, bathrooms and a grassy area for family to enjoy. The little hike I took alone, because my teen opted to just kick back by the rig, was both cultural as well as a scenic.

I went out on the point that was a sort of peninsula with Rosario Beach adjacent to the North and Sharpe Cove just to the East off of Bowman Bay. The trail to the point was rather steep in places and there was more than one way to go so I pretty much wandered around taking it all in. The scenic waterways could be enjoyed from high on a cliff, but watch your step.

There was an entire squad of First Responders there while I was hiking about practicing their belaying and cliff rescue skills giving me a feeling they picked this spot for a reason.

**Certain parts of this area are dangerous. As a matter of a fact, there was a large team of first responders practicing different life saving techniques on the cliff there.**

The center piece of the area is the Maiden of Deception Pass Totem Pole. The carving depicts the story of Ko-Kwal-alwoot, a legend of the Samish Native American Tribe.

Pursing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
Rosario Beach
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**“I firmly believe that nature brings solace to all troubles.” – Ann Frank**

My son Alec and I celebrating being together in the PNW for almost a month of Adventures before he
headed off with buddies to Cancun celebrating his graduation from the Army and Navy Academy.

Thanks for joining Alec and I- while I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ and Alec was just kicking back by the rig, (being a little hiked out I suppose, lol). When you are looking at all of that gorgeous water you can’t help but have a feeling of calm envelop you, which is some of that Balance this website speaks about. Nature can do that, bring things into perspective, adding some Balance to an otherwise stressed out, hurry up, do this, do that existence that is modern life. I am sure those early people stood on this spot as well taking in all of the beauty of Nature and needing that little break as they struggled to find food, and shelter. There is more adventure to be had in the great state of Washington so I invite you to stick with me by doing this: LIKE. COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will discover that PBTA travels not only all around Washington, but all over the West seeking Balance and Adventure. The menu is categorized mostly by location, and each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. I hope these Adventures in Nature will inspire you to get off the couch, breath some fresh air, getting the heart pumping, fill the senses with all of the goodness of Nature, and set your soul soaring. For Adventure Wear I suggest checking out my line of PBTA hats and shirts at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Anacortes

Pass Lake Loop Hike

February 22, 2023 Roger Jenkins 1 Comment

DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

ANACORTES

Activity: Day Hike

2 miles. 423′ elevation gain, 1 hour duration, rated Easy

Date: 6-15-22

Started out a great little trek with a nice lake, well maintained trail, and a proper PNW forest. About halfway through the trail became a little over grown, then some muddy spots to maneuver, and all of that was okay, but the part I didn’t like is the portion of the hike that is near a busy road. Still an enjoyable hike.

My recommendation in this case would be do this particular hike as an out and back instead of a loop to avoid the road noise.

Be advised you will need a Discovery Pass for parking.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
Alec entertains Nature
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**“Nature is the purest portal to inner peace.” -Angie Weiland Crosby**

Thanks for joining my son Alec and myself on this little jaunt in the woods. We were very busy on this day trying to take in and experience as much as we could of this beautiful area. Our first hike of the day was North Beach. To make sure you don’t miss any of the up coming outings such as the one we had just after this at Rosario Beach be sure to COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go up to the Menu you will discover that PBTA ventures all over this Great West of our seeking that Balance that we can experience when soaking up Nature in an Adventurous manner. Breath in Nature exhale stress, breath in Adventure exhale anxiety. I have ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Adventure Wear. It is fun, top quality, and available for purchase at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

North Beach Trail

February 8, 2023 Roger Jenkins 2 Comments

DECEPTION PASS STATE PARK

WHIDBEY ISLAND

Activity: Day Hike, Beach Stroll

2 miles, 118′ elevation gain, 1 hour duration, rated Moderate

This wonderful little hike is on Whidbey Island just across a narrow strait from Fidalgo Island. The hike is in the Deception Pass State Park and you will need an Adventure Pass. This hike meanders through a wooded area with gorgeous peak-a-boo views of the water. There are many little offshoot paths to wander around this area. Eventually the path ends up heading to the Deception Pass Bridge that spans the two islands.

Walk in the woods with peak-a-boo views of the strait.

My son Alec and I walked across the Deception Pass Bridge as well as it provided an excellent vantage point with which to view the two islands, the woods, beach and the larger body of water the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

We strolled back along the rocky shoreline admiring the stately evergreens, grayed driftwood, and the blue-green water, where Alec worked on his rock skipping skill.

Alec seeking the perfect skipping rock with the Deception Pass Bridge in the background.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
North Beach Trail
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Thanks for joining Alec and I on this delightful outing in the Pacific Northwest where we were “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure”. It is a fantastic area. There is more to come regarding our trip to these divine Washington Islands. To be sure not to miss out we invite you to : COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures all over this great West of ours in search of that Balance that adventurous outings in nature can provide. Each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Need Adventure Wear? Then checkout SHOP APPAREL where you can stock up on shirts and hats with the PBTA Logo and Mantra.

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

Palmer Lake Burn Springs Back to Life

June 16, 2021 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

RE-HIKING THE PALMER LAKE FIREBREAK

NEAR LOOMIS WASHINGTON

Activity: Day Hike

>8 miles, 2,630’ elevation change, 4 hour duration, rated Hard

Date: 4-18-21

I took this hike, ‘Hiking the Firebreak’, back in November and it was easy to see that the firebreak made a big difference to the Palmer Lake area as the wildfire burned over the ridge and right down to the firebreak. The use of the firebreak by the brave firefighters made a difference. Last year the ground was charred and black, but now with Spring’s promise of renewal the area is literately “Springing” back to life. It was great to see not only the domestic animals, a herd of beautiful horses being sustained by the land, but a strong deer population as well.

I invite you to enjoy my ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ YouTube Channel clip “Hiking the Palmer Lake Firebreak”.

PBTA YouTube Channel

On this particular hike I went past the ridge line to a nearby peak. I had wanted to summit nearby Bullfrog Peak, but came to realization that there wasn’t enough time in the day to accomplish that task. There was a climb down from where I was and then up to the summit of Bullfrog and all of that was going to add mileage and elevation change that there just wasn’t time for. Another day…

“**Like wildflowers; You must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would .” – Evan Williams**

Thanks for joining me ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ to a unnamed peak above Palmer Lake via the Palmer Lake Firebreak. I find solace in the renewal Spring brings each year. The ice on the lake is long gone, winter snow has melted away from all, but the Chopaka Mountain. It is good to see new life rise up from the ashes. Please stay with me for more adventure here at ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Washington Hiking by leaving a COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. You can find adventurous undertakings throughout the West by going to the Menu above. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You can find PBTA Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

*Btw there is a Father’s Day Special of 30% off all Cotton Tees, just leave me a message with your order to receive the special price.)*

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Spring Time at Palmer Lake

April 21, 2021 Roger Jenkins Leave a comment

Near Tonasket, WA

Palmer Lake is a special place in Okanogan County just outside Loomis, WA. It is wonderful anytime of year, but with the blossoms from the pears, and cherry trees in bloom along with all the apple trees beginning to leaf out it is spectacular. The weather starts to warm up, the deer are down grazing near the lake edge, and the osprey are soaring overhead.

A little walking by the lake, a little hike up the mountain to enjoy views of the surroundings, and of course the heavenly views of Palmer Lake.

The things I do to increase my FOLLOWING! No that is not a rubber snake nor is it dead, checkout the video, (Coming Attraction), and watch the flicking tongue. The creature in my hand has the coloring of a RATTLESNAKE, however it does not have the large angular head, nor the rattle. It is a gopher snake. Just the same KIDS DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, OR HOME ON THE RANGE EITHER!

**Time spent outdoors is not spent it is invested.**

Thanks for traveling with me to Palmer Lake, located in about the center of Washington State just shy of the Canadian Boarder. What a great place to find yourself ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. It is a place of mountains, and rolling grass highlands, lakes, and timber, a place to perch on a peak, or stand next to the lake and reflect in the quiet ambience of a sunny day. If you want to be included in more inspirational experiences then here is what you should do: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you would like to checkout other places to be PBTA then go to they menu above. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. While you at it go to SHOP APPAREL where you will find logoed adventure wear. You will not only adorn yourself with top quality gear, but you will carry forth the manta ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ immersing yourself in a world of unplugging- a place about getting away, putting down the heavy pack filled with all the worries, fears, noise, confusion, responsibilities, and deadlines of our busy, crazy, world… if only for awhile. Breath in, breath out, breath in nature, breath out stress and anxiety.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

SINLAHEKIN’s Blue Lake

February 27, 2021 Roger Jenkins 3 Comments

SINLAHEKIN WILDLIFE AREA

OKANOGAN HIGHLANDS

LOOMIS, WASHINGTON

Date: 12-12-20

Activity: Day Hike

3.5 miles, 2 hour duration

A couple days after my adventure: ’Quiet Walk Through a Dormant Land’ in the Sinlahekin Valley I returned to the area. In stark contrast to my first outing, the weather was bright and beautiful. I savored the joys of adventure and discovery through the snowy area this time along Blue Lake with my brother-in-law Dale, an outdoor enthusiast, backpacker and lover of nature.

All of the surrounding mountains and ruggedness of the cliffs were now fully exposed, illuminated in brilliant sunshine. However, the weather did change towards the end of our hike as the low hung clouds once again returned to the valley with weather beginning to rolling in.

We navigated the snow covered back road effortlessly with 4WD, and then hiked the backside of the lake along a snow hidden trail. I was fascinated when Dale discovered bob cat tracks on our trek. Boy, would that have been something to see if I had the chance. Most of Blue Lake was frozen over, but there still was a portion where we saw ducks and geese enjoying the day in ice clear water. A spectacular outing in a beautiful pristine spot.

**4WD is necessary to navigate the snow covered country road.**

**Nature has a way to repeatedly awaken ones senses and speak to the heart – Ray Jardine**

**Dale takes a snack break with snowy mountains and an icy lake view.**

Thanks for joining Dale and I as we found ourselves ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’, at Blue Lake in the Sinlahekin. My brother in law would be the first to tell you, as a busy lawyer, nature is so important to releasing some of the stress and to balance out such a busy life. Replenishing emotional and mental wellness by balancing that connection between body and mind through the healing that nature provides is essential. ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure‘s’ prescription is simple: fresh air, a little exercise, let your mind and indeed your soul be nurtured by the stunning beauty that Mother Nature has provided. You only need to get out and open up your senses. Feel the winter breeze, smell that wonderful pine scent, spy the glint of the sun off of a icy crag, listen to the wild geese honking across the sky, breath it in, breath it out, feel the rekindling. Stay with us as we continually experience rebirth through profound experiences in nature. You can do this by these very simple tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and don’t forget SHARE. If you will browse the menu you will see other special places to gain this fulfillment, neighboring Oregon, or maybe Utah, California, Nevada, Arizona and numerous place across the West. Be mindful that each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. At SHOP APPAREL you will find PBTA logo adventure wear. Let’s get the word out, “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Lake Shore Trail

July 9, 2020 Roger Jenkins 4 Comments

LAKE CHELAN NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

SAWTOOTH WILDERNESS

OKANOGAN NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Backpacking

Distance 18 miles, 1800’ elevation gain, duration approximately 12 hours of hiking, rated Moderate to Strenuous

Date: June 17-19, 2020

Nestled in the North Cascades Lake Chelan is 50 miles of Summer. At one end it is a respite from the busy, hectic life in bustling Seattle filled with lakeside homes, cabins and condos, ski boats, swimmers and sun bathers. The other end is quite different. Because of the ruggedness of this area there are no roads to the small town of Stehekin at the far end of the lake. The only way to get there is by boat or float plane keeping this area pristine and majestic.

Lake Chelan is as blue as sapphires and the views along the way compare with picturesque scenes of Norway. The long slender lake reminds me of the fjords in Alaska. Lake Chelan’s idyllic shores are heavily forested with green firs, although the area is also recovering from a damaging fire a few years back. Some of the world’s roughest mountain peaks stand as silent snow capped sentinels keeping watch over this remarkable place.

Lake Chelan, the largest freshwater lake in the state of Washington, fills a valley formed by a glacier that cut through the area making it the deepest gorge in the USA, 8,631’, measuring from the top of Pyramid Mountain to the low point of Lake Chelan 386’ below sea level. Chelan means deep water, in fact it is the 3rd deepest lake in America behind California’s Lake Tahoe and Oregon’s Crater Lake.

We boarded a boat at Fields Point, not far from the city of Wenatchee. National Geographic claims this trip is a “must do” taking about an hour through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. We disembarked at Prince Creek shouldering our backpacks and heading out on this special adventure into the wilderness.

Our trek along the scenic Lake Shore Trail would be 18 miles long and is rated moderate to strenuous with 1800’ of elevation gain. We hiked in mid June, which is not recommended as the Summer months can reach temperatures over 100 degrees, but we had just had some rain and it was unusually cooler than normal, but I will say that even the mid to upper 80’s was quite warm. It seemed we were seldom hiking along a flat plane, constantly climbing or descending. Most of the trail is a couple hundred feet over the lake, but at times drops to within 50 feet of the lapping lakeside. Much of the time you will have a view of the water, and some of the open vistas will take your breath away with the stunning natural beauty of the blue lake, the green forest, hills, mountains, and strikingly rugged snowy peaks.

The vegetation was diverse ranging from ponderosa pine forest, as well as some of the burn area, to dry, hot, grassy and rocky areas. We fording multiple rushing streams and dropped down into green, lush, creek fern grottos. Although we only encountered lizards, a blue grouse, and a deer on our trip the area is also home to black bear, elk, and rattlesnake.

After a long day of hiking at the quick pace, set by backpacking enthusiasts brother in law Dale, and my sister Peggy, we arrived at our camping destination just South of Moore Point. After a bit of bush whacking, in order to find just the right spot, we settled in. Wow, what a place to camp! In the forest, right on a the edge of a little bluff, with a stupendous view of the lake, mountains and peaks. Peggy treated us to a scrumptious homemade camp meal Salmon Curry Couscous. The following day we doctored our sore, blistered feet and continued our journey through this land of wonder ultimately arriving tired yet satisfied at the quaint town of Stehekin.

Peggy and Dale take in the serenity of the moment after a long hot day of backpacking.

**“Beautiful Lake Chelan! It probably has no equal for beauty and wonderful scenery any where on the habitable glove. Those who come to Chelan are charmed…” – The Chelan Leader 1892**

It has been said that Lake Chelan’s Lake Shore Trail ranks among the World’s Best, and is certainly a bucket list type of experience. Something to be cherished. Thanks for joining Dale, Peggy and I as we backpacked our way through the wilds of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area while “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure”. Take a moment to LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, and SHARE. There is more to this adventure and you don’t want to miss it. Checkout the menu above for other locations to ”find yourself” in, they are all separate sites and thus need to be followed individually. If you like the long sleeve performance shirt in the picture of me and the boat or the face gator with the PBTA insignia then visit SHOP APPAREL and get yours today.

Happy Trails,

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure