55 Hikes Around Snoqualmie Pass: Mountains to Sound Greenway (100 Hikes In...) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Ira Spring (Photographer) "On every hike where a shout for help might not bring quick assistance to the lost or injured or ill, each person-and every person-must carry..." (more)
Key Phrases: Middle Fork, Issaquah Alps, North Bend (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The proposed Mountains to Sound Greenway, a swath of forested land along Puget Sound's Interstate 90, is much-loved by recreationists for its accessibility and scenic beauty. This book highlights a range of destinations for hikers and walkers who want to enjoy and preserve this important natural area between Seattle and Ellensburg. From easy afternoon strolls to challenging trails through the Cascades, each hike is described completely. Hikes can also be linked for longer trips. The guide also looks at the history, foundation, and future of the Greenway project.

Product Details

• Paperback: 189 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books; 2 edition (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898867770
• ISBN-13: 978-0898867770
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #321,364 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book with a tight focus, June 17, 2002

By	Clifton Cooper (Corvallis, OR United States) - See all my reviews

I must strongly disagree with the previous reviewer. He gives this book the lowest possible rating because of what he thinks are unclear directions to trailheads. I have read the book in detail, and only find a handful of the problems he describes. For instance, as far as I can tell, only one hike description (#2, Squak Mt.) fails to give directions from an I-90 exit. I agree that this trailhead may thus be difficult for some people to find. However, all of the others should be easily found as long as a person has either a normal state highway map or a rudimentary knowledge of the I-90 corridor between Seattle and Snoqualmie Pass.

Also, I don't particularly mind being referred to other hikes for parts of the driving directions. For a group of ten Middle Fork Snoqualmie hikes that all rely on I-90 exit #34, it makes sense to spell out the shared directions in the first trip, and then repeatedly refer to that trip in the descriptions of the others. Saves paper, cost and trees. Occasionally, the authors overdo it with the cross-references, and things are not as clear as they should be. However, on the whole, they do a great job. Written directions are almost always completely understandable, and are supplemented by good maps for both the driving and hiking portions.

I feel well qualified to judge the book, because I have hiked extensively in the area of coverage with friends and with four outdoor clubs. I have personally done 40 of these 55 hikes, and know other people who have done most of the rest. I find the trips to be well described, and think that just about all of them are worthwhile. I am glad that the Mountaineers have put out a book highlighting the I-90 hikes, which are some of the most convenient to Seattle. Many are spectacular, and nearly all are within an hour's drive of the city. The only reason I am not giving the book a higher rating is because many of these trips are already described in other Mountaineers books, such as "100 Hikes in Washington's Alpine Lakes." Many of the people who are potentially in the market for this book may find it redundant. However, for people who want to start hiking in the region, who don't already have a shelf full of local hiking guides, and who don't want to go too far from town, this book should be a great way to get into motion.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great hiking reference, August 2, 2005

By	Carol E. Whitaker "Carol" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We moved to the Snoqualmie valley area last year. This book is great for showing you the local hikes along the I-90 corridor. Easy to read maps, good descriptions of what to expect and up to date. Slim, yet crammed with information, making it handy for having in your backpack or in the side pocket of the car door. A "worth it" buy for anyone who lives in the area, or those serious about exploring the area when visiting Seattle.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The guide is a gateway to hundreds of great hikes and inspirational moments in the outdoors, August 29, 2007

By	Sam "Tanis Svea Somerville" (Seahurst, Washington) - See all my reviews

Long before Interstate 90 was designated a National Scenic byway, Harvey Manning envisioned a preserved natural greenway from the Cascades to Puget Sound. A place where the over-worked city-dweller could rediscover nature, still close to home but able to experience the beauty of the Mountains-to-Sound Greenway.
The guide has the witty, insightful interpretation of Spring's exceptional photography and Manning's great influence in the hiking community.
**My favorites:
Little Si-easy
Mount Si-brutal
Green Mountain-moderate
Mailbox Peak-brutal
Taylor River-very easy
Snow Lake-easy and very pretty
Dirty Harry's Peak-brutal
Mason Lake-moderate
Bandera Mountain-moderate hike, a leg lifter with view of Mason Lake at top
Talapus and Olallie Lakes-easy, great for snow-shoeing
Pratt Lake Saddle-long and moderate, kinda creepy way deep in the forest
Melakwa Lake-long and a bit creepy too, but Lake is pretty
McClellan Butte-the day after I couldn't feel my bum.....
Annette Lake-easy, saw my first brown bear here.
Kendall Katwalk-moderate and beautiful
Rachel Lake-moderate and pretty lake, good for packing overnight
Margaret Lake-little lake, but the solitude is nice.
Gold Creek-long hike, moderate, can be used in the winter for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing
Mirror Lake-pretty, pretty---have done this hike 10 times. Very easy first hike. On the hike you actually see two lakes, Cottonwood and Mirror. Very short, 2 miles, full hike.
Mount Catherine-easy to moderate hike. Three hour hike, total of 1300 ft.
I get my huckleberries from this area (also Thorp Mountain hike has nice berries too) Good jam and pancake syrup.