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Fall is in the air, the air is cold and the leaves are turning colors and we set out to see some fall foliage!

Took a drive up to the Blue Lake trail to see the larches on Sat Oct 11. It’s about a 3 hour drive from Everett and we knew it was going to be packed, so we took the laid back approach and ended up getting there around noon. Those clear blue skies certainly pop!

Before parking at the trail we drove a quarter mile down the road to the Washington Pass Overlook. Great little rest stop with a goodly amount of restrooms and a short paved walk to some remarkably great farscapes of the Liberty Bell spires and surrounding mountains . Look at those views!

Parking wasn’t bad. There were cars lined up Highway 20 but we managed to catch a spot near the front as some early morning hikers were heading out. The hike itself was relatively easy going, though the misting of snow over everything was certainly a sight. So many people on the trail though! About as busy as Rattlesnake on a sunny Saturday! Once we got to the lake there was definitely a line for the choice spots.

Coming back down the trail we encountered a bit more mud in the covered areas but otherwise it was still an easy enough hike to manage. It was cold in the shade so glad I wore my long-johns! Other highlights were the flock of Canada Jays fluttering around the trailhead looking for dropped snacks and looking extra fluffy and cute. It turns out they’re from the same corvid family as crows and blue jays.

This was an enjoyable and unchallenging hike to view the golden larches of fall, and the trail density definitely showed it. That said it’s great having an easily accessible hike like this available just a few hours from Seattle & Everett. I think noon was a great time to hit this trail and there were even people still starting their way up when we were leaving.

Did you manage to get out and see those golden larches this year? Any other larch heavy hikes I should earmark to check out next year? Let me know!

It was a hot one this last weekend, so obviously time for a hike and to check another troll off the list. Troll number four is Jakob Two Trees, one of six Thomas Dambo creations scattered across the Pacific Northwest. Check out my previous posts to learn more about the PNW trolls!

Jakob Two Trees – Issaquah – Rainier Trail

Jakob Two Trees is a quick 0.3 mile walk from the Issaquah community center parking lot. Just saunter down the nicely paved walkway past the local dog park and you’ll be there in no time. Just to the right of the trail you’ll find Jakob hanging out between the trees. He’s got a fun birdhouse-lined necklace and a relaxed repose with his arms casually draped around some trees. As you look up into his face, it really gives the vibe that you caught him taking a breather before he continues hiking the Rainier Trail up to Tiger Mountain. Or maybe I’m just projecting, because that’s what we did next!

Rainier Trail to Park Pointe

If you continue along the Rainier Trail it will take you to a wonderful little section called Park Pointe. Well-maintained trails wind up and down the forested hillside in a way that feels more like a nature walk than a workout. If you’re feeling more adventurous, the trails interconnect and can take you to far-flung destinations like Poo Poo Point (a popular paragliding launch site with views of the Issaquah Valley) or Round Lake. We opted to just circumnavigate the Park Pointe loop today, which clocked in at a little under 3 miles on my watch. There is a “viewpoint” in the center of the trail but its currently closed for restoration. The canopy provides good shade cover, and there are enough little dips and rises to keep things interesting without wrecking your legs before lunch which is where we’re headed next!

Umi Cafe

After nodding to Jakob on our return trip we continued heading North along the Rainier Trail past the community center to a wonderful little spot called Umi Cafe. All the food was delicious, especially the steamed buns and boba, but even more delightful was the outdoor seating area. Out front you’ll find a large lily pad covered pond with a waterfall cascading into it, ringed by a mix of flowering plants and shade trees. We sat outside under an umbrella cover table just enjoying the combination of good food, each others company, and the sound of the water. On a hot day after a few miles of trail, it was basically perfect. Umi Cafe is going on the permanent list. When we come back to take on the longer Tiger Mountain trails, lunch here is already penciled in.