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FINDING THE MENU ON A MOBILE DEVICE
While the Menu across the top is very clearly found on a computer, it's less obvious on a mobile device. More and more we are all using our powerful handheld devices more often than a computer. Touch the 3 bars (upper left) to drop down the Menu. [see photo at left]
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Find more FAQ's on the Best of Washington State 2026 page.
LOCATIONS AND HIKES
TEAM ORCAS
We were Team Orcas in 2010 and now again in 2026. This Mascot represents your curiosity, strength and sense of adventure with exploring the Best of Washington State!
OLYMPIA, WA
Home of Jake and Kellee Gunn and daughters. It is Washington State's capital and a great place to explore. It is also well located for some of our best hikes.
We will comfortably lodge again at the well located Doubletree hotel.
OLYMPIA NATIONAL PARK
With nearly a million acres of protected wilderness, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. The park includes mountains, old growth rainforests and many miles of coastline. We will definitely return to hike Hurricane Ridge with its spectacular mountain views.
MT. RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Majestic Mt. Rainier
rises over 14,000' and is an active volcano with glaciers. The meadows below the snowpack are filled with subalpine wildflowers.
We'll do the Naches Loop trail (3.5) with an option to go out and back to Dewey Lakes (6.1).
LEAVENWORTH
This alpine village bustles with adventure seekers year round. Our casual and moderate hikers may choose to explore and enjoy this enchanting village.
Our Enchantment Lakes hike starts at Stuart Lake trailhead for our elite hikers. We have hired special shuttles to get to that trailhead and back from Snow Lakes trailhead.
ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS
TEST HIKES REQUIRED
Washington Trails Association says,
"The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches and ambling mountain goats. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives "
This hike will both challenge and reward you!
Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Creek Trailhead (20.1). [download MAP]
PORT ANGELES
Port Angeles is known as the gateway to Olympic National Park, offering access to mountains, rainforests, and coastline, with a vibrant outdoor recreation scene of hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Cape Alave hike (9.4)
MORE LOCATIONS AND HIKES
FIDALGO ISLAND-ANACORTES
ORCAS ISLAND-MT. CONSTITUTION
ORCAS ISLAND-MT. CONSTITUTION
Anacortes on Fidalgo Island is a quaint town in the southern part of the San Juan Islands. Coach's brother Jack and wife Beth settled here after retiring as it is one of the best places to sail.
Those that traveled with Coach here in 2010 will be eager to return! It was a perfect home base for getting to other adventures such as on the ferry to Orcas Island or to whale watch. There are great hikes on the island as well as many restaurants to enjoy.
ORCAS ISLAND-MT. CONSTITUTION
ORCAS ISLAND-MT. CONSTITUTION
ORCAS ISLAND-MT. CONSTITUTION
IT'S AN EXPERIENCE!
The ferry to Orcas Island takes our bus along for our transportation on the island. This is part of the largest ferry system in the USA. We will depart early morning and have breakfast on the ferry.
The bus will take us to the trailhead for a super hike.
HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON
ORCAS ISLAND-MT. CONSTITUTION
HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON
IT'S AN EXPERIENCE!
A favorite lunch stop for Coach Gunn. Located in the countryside on the bay where the oysters are farmed it is a uniquely Washington State experience. Your view at lunch includes mountains of oyster shells and the bay where they grow. It's a very cool and fun stop on the way back from a great hike.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
HAMA HAMA OYSTER SALOON
Washington State has 550 miles of the 2,650 miles of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). Coach Gunn is looking for the best portion of this trail for your hike. Stay tuned!
SEATTLE
SEATTLE
[Shown above: Jake, Kellee & Adie Gunn]
Our flights will be in and out of Seattle, Washington. Coach plans to give us time to explore Seattle. He has an urban hike mapped out that includes many must see features and takes you to one of the largest REI stores. You'll want to visit the iconic Pikes Place Market and perhaps visit the original Starbucks store just down the block.