Rating System

Assigning a rating to a certain hike or trail is a lot like trying to "rate" ice cream brands.  One brand may be rich and creamy but unoriginal.  Another may be readily available, moderately priced and luscious but melts too fast, has a texture like a Brillo pad or comes in just one flavor.

The same is true with rating a hike.  Some hikers prefer high-altitude, less crowded adventures above the tree-line.  Others turn tail and run at the mere mention of "elevation gain" or "climb."  Some hikers prefer easy, scenic strolls with lots of breath-taking vistas and minimal exertion.  Others want to "get away from it all," explore new territory and get a real work-out. One hiker's treasure is... well.  You know.  Anyway, the hikes found in these pages are all worth taking.  They're all day hikes (no overnight stays necessary, unless you hike as fast as a gimpy snail in a molasses factory). 

The Scoop:

- I've personally hiked every trail listed, at least once. 

- Every hike appearing in Take a Hike is worth taking.  (We've left the Tofu and alfalfa sprout-type hikes for someone else to discuss.  Every hike in TaH is pure dessert!)

- Since hiking is one of our family's favorite outdoor activities, the bulk of these hikes are rated with "family" in mind.  (Note: Several of these hikes would be beyond the abilities of most toddlers.  Depending on the individual child and how used to hiking he or she is, some of these adventures may be appropriate for ages five or six.  If you're a parent reading this, it's strictly your call.  Age seven or eight and older is the target.)

- Our favorite Northwest hiking site is Mount Rainier National Park.  Our love affair with this grand old park dates back to the sixties.  Hence, while several other areas and sites are included, the bulk of the entries and adventures in TaH are related to Mount Rainier.

- Hikes are ranked on my highly subjective ice cream scale: Store Brand (SB), Jerseymaid (J), Haagen Dazs (HD) to Hand-Cranked Homemade (HCH).  More on this below.

- Sometimes the difference between an HD or a HCH hike may be miniscule - predicated upon the season, the weather, the amount of snow or wildflowers on the trail, the scenery, proximity to clear blue lakes, rivers or streams,  or the number of fallen logs you have to scramble over to reach your destination.  All of them are among the best we've found in our nearly ten years of hiking the Northwest.

- Make sure you're properly attired - dressed in layers - and properly prepared prior to any hike.  Always, always, always carry The Ten Essentials.  Don't even *think* of heading out on the trail without 'em.  While you're at it, make sure you check the weather report before hitting the trail as well, especially at Mount Rainier National Park.  See Hiking 101 for more.

Rating System:

I've devised a clever rating system that connects my love of hiking with another love: ice cream.  :)  Here's how it works:

Jerseymaid (J): Lots of fun.  Interesting sites, history, discoveries; a good trail for family memories.  Satisfying and tasty.

Haagan Daz (HD)s: Now we're talkin'!  A hike with an HD rating is an ambulatory delight.  Rich and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.  You could take this trail once and die happy.

Hand-Cranked Homemade (HCH): My highest rating, reserved for the best of the best.  The physical and aesthetic rewards of this hike are worth the exertion.  If you doubted divine creativity or providence before striking out on any of these trails, you'll become a true believer before you finish.  Your life isn't complete unless you've taken this hike at least once.