Big Four Ice Caves (Revised)

Where: Mount Baker National Forest

Price: $5.00 all-day permit per vehicle.

Collect your permits at Verlot Ranger Station.

Hiked: Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Facilities for Big Four: the outhouse is pretty cute, looks like a hunter's shanty, was about as clean as a honey bucket. There is a covered pick nick area. Lots of information plaques. Large lawn where the Big 4 Inn used to be. Parking for around fifty vehicles. Dog-walk baggies are provided by Mount Baker State Park.

VerizonWireless Users: I lost cell reception a mile or so before driving past Robe Fire Station.

Condition of Mountain Loop Highway: as of March 13th (2010) the highway is clear and safe until you near Silverton. Motorcyclists, please watch out for the "Reduced Speed Ahead" sign. When you see it, reduce your speed immediately. Ten feet beyond said sign the asphalt has been removed in two areas and has been replaced with slippery gravel.

About five miles out of Silverton I encountered snow on the road. The road wasn't icy, but the snow was around four or five inches deep and I began to worry that my little Corolla wouldn't have enough ground clearance. I wouldn't suggest visiting the Big Four Ice Caves so early in the season unless you have an all-terrain vehicle of some sort. Or at least a car that sits more that six inches off the ground.

Cama Beach State Park

Cama Beach State Park

1880 SW Camano Dr, Camano Island, WA

Open Year Round, 9:00am-5:00pm

Double Bluff State Park, Whidbey Island

Where: Useless Bay, Whidbey Island, WA

Price: FREE minus ferry ticket and gas.

Facilities: good - 9 times out of 10 they are very clean.

Park Offers: off-leash dog park, beach front, picnic tables

Wildlife: bald eagles, live sand dollars, crabs, starfish and deer.

Clamming: WDFW has a profile webpage for the park here. I noticed the park profile mentions that clams and oysters are open all year. Harvest information is here. Don't forget any necessary permits. :-)

Deception Pass

Where: Deception Pass, WA
Facilities: Good - lots of facilities, parking, bathrooms, ect. Not always clean, but they try hard and you can tell. The park entrance/office is very helpful. Provides: camping, rv parking, an outdoor amphitheatre, nice beaches, rock formations, and trails. Wildlife: I personally saw a seal, some bald eagles, and a deer.

How Much Wood Can A Pilchuck Chuck?

Mount Pilchuck is the most recognizable peak in the Cascade Range seen from Snohomish County. Everyone knows Mt. Pilchuck, and if you live near Lake Stevens you've glanced up at Pilchuck's hardened face and wondered, "Who's standing on the Firewatch this very moment?"