Boulder River

I'm absolutely loving getting out and about this month!! Yesterday I ventured out into the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.  It was a typical pacific northwest day--which means it was cloudy and wet!  But I wasn't the only one crazy enough to go hiking in the rain.  I passed a bunch of people on this trail which was just gorgeous. 

There were two waterfalls along this trail which was nice. No big finish at the end but there was a big boulder next to the river that I sat and had lunch on while waiting for the rain and hail to let up. 

The trail had a lot of beautiful wildlowers and lots of mushrooms too.  I also passed a lot of skunk cabbage which is hardly surprising given how muddy and marshy it was in some places.   

Pine & Cedar Lakes

I have a goal of actually getting out and about this summer to see what the area has to offer.  I'm starting out with the local trails and then spreading out (or at least that's my plan!) So today I did a nice 6 mile hike that had me panting the entire way up because it was super steep!

And at the top was an incredible view of Mt. Baker:

And here's me at the top:

At Pine Lake I found some cute little critters including this frog!

Fragrance Lake Trail

What a beautiful day!! We finally got a weekend with lots of sunshine and I definitely took advantage of it. I went on a nice little 5 mile hike next to Larrabee State Park. It was a nice steady climb up with a loop around Frangrance Lake and then back down the same way. My shins were totally protesting the downhill portion on the way back but it was worth it! Loads of fun. Makes me wonder why I don't get out to go hiking more often.

Here is the requisite picture of me included but since I went alone it's the classic "I'm trying to get the best picture possible while taking a picture of myself" pose. :)