Customer Reviews

Washington's Best Wildflower Hikes

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There seems to be quite a dichotomy between hiking guides. Often the best guides are simple, colorless paperbacks that present all the info you need, but do little to stimulate your senses. Other guides are pretty and elegant with color photos, but are so at the expense of the information. This book has the best attributes of both.

Fifty hikes are covered in this book and span the entire state from the Okanagons and Blue Mountains to the Olympics. All the necessary info needed to hike is available. The maps are clear, although they do not show elevations. The wildflowers you are likely to see on each trip are detailed, although no mention is made of when they may be in flower (i.e., spring and summer bloomers are mixed, so it is not clear on when the best time to go is to see a particular species).

What really sets this book apart is the photography. Most hiking guides have photography that looks like it was done by an amateur ith a point-and-shoot camera, but not this one. While it is a very good hiking guide even without the photos, the photos are done done by a professional (the author) and are excellent. Heck, the guide is suitable as a coffee table book because of the photography.

My only real quibble is that because the hikes are spread out across the state, a large number of very good wildflower hikes are omitted (the author acknowledges as much). As such, the actual number of hikes that are within an easy driving distance is actually far less than 50. Of course, this is a problem with any state-wide guide that has this few hikes profiled.

It is still a very worthwhile guide to purchase and one which anyone would enjoy flipping through.

1. Granted, there isn't much competition in re: wildflower books in WA, however... it is the best one.

2. It's nicely formatted, has nice photographs, and most importantly, the author knows what he's talking about (C. Gurche is first and foremost a photographer).

3. For those considering the Mountaineer's book--> C. Gurche's book is much much better.

4. My only criticism (which is not a pragmatic criticism): I wish the book was longer / bigger (ie more photos, more text / details)--> ie give me more and more information.

This book has truly captured Washington States' wonderland of wildflowers and hiking guide.
It has detailed trail descriptions and gorgeous full-colour images, Gurche spotlights the states's 50 best day hikes for wildflower viewing. You don't have to be a studdly hiker to experience this kind of beauty, just be a nature lover and enjoy the beauty of Wash. State.
Favourite hikes for me:
Skyline Divide, Heliotrope Ridge, Railroad Grade, Sauk Mountain, Green Mountain, Windy Pass, Gold Rdge, Maple Pass, Noble Knob, Spray Park, Van Trump Park, Mazama Ridge, Naches Peak.

I can't add to much that hasn't been said in the other review only to reiterate that this is just and excellent reference book for anyone who loves wildflowers and lives or comes to Washington State. It is well organised and has great trails from many parts of the state to explore. I borrowed it from the library but I am definitely buying this one for my own collection now.