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Snowpack melt rushes from a waterfall about one mile into the Palisades trail. Photo by Alex Bruell

Life

Minutes away from: Palisades Trail

In a little over an hour, you could be under this waterfall.

The trailhead for Ranger Falls/Green Lake is clearly marked, three miles from the end of Carbon River Road; the trail to the falls is mostly uphill but provides great natural scenery; and, finally, the roaring falls is the ultimate payoff. Photos by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Ranger Falls: three easy miles, then it’s all uphill

This is the tenth in a series of articles about local hikes.

This time of year, visitors to the Foothills Trail - just east of Orting - will see anglers trying their luck. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Foothills Trail: a popular destination now, even more planned for future

This is the ninth in a series of articles about local hikes.

The access road to the Green River Natural Area is sometimes used by equestrians. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Green River Natural Area: some trails short and simple, others provide a test

This is the eighth in a series of articles about local hikes.

Nolte State Park is geared to almost any lifestyle, whether it's families enjoying a picnic or a dip in the lake or others the prefer the solitude of a walk among the trees. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Nolte State Park: hike the trail, catch a fish or stretch out for a family picnic

This is the seventh in a series of articles about local hikes.

Anyone who has visited Mud Mountain Dam is familiar with this view from the observation platform. In a COViD world, the area is now off-limits, but the area’s Rim Trail, which begins just outside the park gates, is open for visitors. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Mud Mountain Dam: Rim Trail remains popular, everything else closed for now

This is the sixth article in a series about local hikes.

Hiking the Naches Peak Loop Trail begins and ends with the iconic view of Tipsoo Lake with Mount Rainier in the background. This photo shows a family enjoying a stop at a small alpine pond. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Life

Naches Peak Loop Trail: mountain lakes and stunning Rainier views

This is the fifth article in a series about local hikes.

Flaming Geyser State Park is gorgeous this time of year, particularly off the beaten path where trails welcome hikers. The trek to Bubbling Geyser involves a decent climb but the view along the way, including this tiny waterfall, is worth it. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Flaming Geyser State Park: wide open spaces for the family, trails offer solitude

This is the fourth in a series of local hikes.

Signs along the "east side" of the Black Diamond Open Space indicate its favored status among mountain bikers. On the "west side" the ladder bridge spans a peaceful stretch of Ravensdale Creek. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Black Diamond Open Space: plenty of room for trail hikers, mountain bikers

This is the third in a series of articles about local hikes.

An excursion up the Old Mine Trail is short, steep and leads to the mouth of a long-abandoned mine. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Sports

Old Mine Trail: a short-but-steep climb provides a vivid reminder of region’s mining history

This is the second in a series of articles about local hikes.

Hiking the Melmont Ghost Town Trail has visitors stepping into the past. Here is the former dynamite shed, where coal minters stored explosives. Photo by Kevin Hanson

Life

Melmont Ghost Town: remains of the former coal-mining town are a short drive, easy hike away

This is the first in a series of articles about local hikes.

PHOTOS BY KEVIN HANSON Most visitors to the Melmont Ghost Town trail park at a Pierce County entrance. Along the way, hikers discover a former dynamite shed and the standing remains of the Melmont school. The trail leads guests under the towering Fairfax Bridge.

Life

Get out and hike: a look at three trails south of Carbonado

Hiking trails are scattered throughout the Plateau region, offering a chance for outdoor recreation. Some are flat and…

Victor Falls is a popular destination for Plateau hikers. Image courtesy of the city of Bonney Lake.

News

Popular spring and summer hikes on the Plateau

It’s as easy as putting one foot in front of the other. Whether taking a simple stroll or…