and a historic wildfire lookout. Once the snow starts melting higher up, take the kids to some of the more moderate hikes off Highway 20 in the Washington Pass area, such as Lake Ann, Blue Lake and Cutthroat Lake. At just over 3 miles round-trip, the Lake Ann hike is relatively flat and brings you to a lovely alpine lake with a gorgeous granite backdrop. Nearby
Blue Lake is farther in (4.4 miles round trip) and has more elevation gain, but offers the reward of a sparkling turquoise gem of a lake into whose icy waters a surprising number of youngsters are tempted to jump. Views of popular rock climbing routes on Liberty Bell and the Early Winters Spires contribute to the alpine feel of this hike. Cutthroat Lake has a gentle
ascent to a quiet lake in a dramatic setting, with views of the soaring cliffs of Cutthroat Peak. Closer to Mazama on Highway 20, an easy 4-mile round-trip hike brings you to roaring Cedar Creek Falls, a spectacularly raging twin waterfall. Turn around here or continue on the trail for as long as the kids’ energy lasts. Although the access road is a bit rough, the 2-mile round trip hike to Tiffany Lake can result in an afternoon of swimming and exploration, with wildflower-strewn Tiffany Mountain looming above. The walk in descends gently; children can scamper to the lake in minutes. Leave some of the group playing at the lake while others ascend to the saddle overlooking the lake en route to Tiffany Mountain.
I can hike for miles and miles
Starting down the trail. PHOTO BY ASHLEY LODATO
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Methow Valley Summer
At last, all of your coaxing, cajoling, and compelling have paid off and the kids are finally ready to tackle one of the routes you might consider a real day hike. Whether you start with this North Cascades classic or save the best for last, you won’t want to miss Maple Pass.
Beginning from the same trailhead as the Rainy Lake and Lake Ann hikes, this 7.5-mile loop is hands-down pretty much everyone’s favorite, so get an early start. Traveling clockwise takes you up steeply and down gradually; reverse your direction for a more gradual ascent and a knee-slammer on the descent. After passing through old growth forests and subalpine hillsides you’ll emerge into the alpine meadows at the top of the loop with a 360-degree view of the Pasayten Wilderness and nearby Corteo and Black Peaks, as well as the distant summits of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Another local favorite is Goat Peak, mostly for its panoramic view of the North Cascades but also for the novelty of the staffed fire tower — one of two remaining staffed lookouts in the Methow Valley Ranger District — on the summit. The 5-mile round trip hike is strenuous but provides enough variety to keep things interesting for the kids, particularly if they get to visit with fire tower resident “Lightning Bill.” If the kids are into the rigorous
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