Bookmark This!

Just a note to let you all know that the revamp of Hikeoftheweek.com is moving right along. Started by me and Michael Fagin back in 2005, Michael turned over the full reigns to me this past month. My wife Heather has been teaching herself web design and she is slowly learning some new tricks. What you will get right now if you visit is a new hike every week which is timed so that you can hike it when it is posted. Destinations vary from around the state-usually coordinated with some of my books (I give you a little taste and hope you'll want to get the book to get the details and more) and every other week the destination is in Snohomish County, our major sponsor. So check it out and let me know what you think. We'll be adding polls and news features and eventually a comment/forum section as well. See you on the trail!

(Photo- Heather on the White Chuck Bench Trail, this week's hikeoftheweek.com destination.)

What's up Chuck?

Actually, what's up the White Chuck? It was in 2003 that devastating floods pretty much closed off this valley to all but the hardiest of souls (Yes, Kim and Jim-that would be you two!). But the Forest Service is slowly restoring access to this area. Bring on those TARP and Bailout Funds. Heck, if this administration is going to bankrupt the nation (the last one helped too) well we might as well get some trails out of the deal! The White Chuck Bench Trail, once one of the finest winter snowfree hikes in the Cascades is slowly coming back to life. Two miles of the 6.7 mile trail have been restored and those two miles are in excellent shape. This restored section of trail is practically level and its both kid and dog friendly. And it is a quiet alternative to the carnivals that are usually in play off of I-90 and the Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls. The trail is located just short of 10 miles from Darrington and it is all on paved road except for the last .8 mile. Check it out and find out what's up the White Chuck!

(Photo-White Chuck River from viewpoint 1.5 miles up trail. Beyond, after another .5 mile the tread fades away)