Backpacking & Camping At Talapus Lake

Talapus Lake located near North Bend, WA, and it's a perfect destination for beginner backpackers !

BUT...

In the summer, this hiking trail is heavily trafficked, and limited number of designated camping spots by the lake, makes this trip hard to plan...

In this post I want to share a few tips that I wish I knew before planning the trip...

Best Tip :

If possible, try to go mid-week... Head out late in the afternoon ( about 3-4 pm )... By that time, most day hikers are gone, and there are more chances to snatch a nice camping spot by the lake ! 

Second Best :

We found designated camping spots only at Talapus Lake, but nothing around Olallie Lake ( which was our second choice )

Driving/directions :

Close to Seattle ( about an hour drive ), and easy to find... Even though the last mile or so is dirt road, it's wide enough, and potholes are drivable even for sedans...

Parking :

Another reason to plan your trip mid-week is it's hard to find parking on a busy summer weekend ( often, you'd have to park half a mile away from the trailhead )

Fees :

You'll need a Discovery Pass AND to pay additional $5 Northwest Forest Pass ( the letter you can just pay cash at the trailhead, or buy beforehand at local REI )

The hike :

The trail is very well maintained, and marked making it impossible to get lost... The trail ascends gently making it perfect for kids, dogs, and first time backpackers... 

It took us about 2 hours to get from the trailhead to the lake ( making one stop at Olallie Lake for a quick picture, and another stop to hydrate ), and less than 2 hours on the way back...

>>>IMPORTANT<<<

Camping at the lake :

Lake camping is on "first come first serve" basis...

We were lucky to snatch a decent spot by the lake... There are only 4-5 designated camping spots around the lake... If you're not that lucky, you'll might have to share a spot with others, or camp someplace else away from the lake... 

Camp fires are not allowed ( but doubt anybody will say anything if you start a small one "to keep bugs away" )...

The lake is pretty small, and acoustics is superb... so try to keep it quiet to respect others around you...

At night, the moon shines super bright, so you might bring your sleeping mask ( and maybe a pair of earplugs to get a good night sleep ).

Gear To Bring :

It's an easy hike/backpacking trip, so you won't need much !

Water is definitely one things you won't have to worry about ( bring a water filter, or a stove to boil water ).

A bug spray is definitely a must ! I'd also recommend to bring a mosquito face net ( worked great for us ! ).

With many trees all around, it would make a great "hammock camping" destination ( if you've never tried before ) !

If you can fit it in your backpack, bring a float/mattress to relax on the lake...

Love fishing ?

Despite of how small Talapus Lake is, it offers great fishing ! The lake has mainly small wild rainbow trout, but it's fun to catch and release !

Wildlife :

Because of its popularity, wildlife is used to people, and feel quite comfortable ( sometimes kinda demanding :)) begging for food... Even though you're not suppose to feed them, we shared a few nuts with a few chipmunks...

DON'T LEAVE FOOD lying around cause those furry thieves will get get into your backpack/tent !

And definitely don't leave food in the open for the night to avoid attracting bigger "visitors"... 

All in all, this is a perfect "introduction to backpacking" trip for people of all ages, and physical abilities !

The Wenatchee River Rafting Tips

The Wenatchee River in Leavenworth, WA is one of the best rivers in the Washington state to go whitewater rafting !

In this blog post I want to share my tips as a former river guide, a customer, and a parent on what make the Wenatchee River the best place to go rafting, what you need to know before going, how to pick the best rafting company, and how much it will cost you.

Is Spring Fling Pass From Summit at Snoqualmie Worth The Money ?

Spring Fling Pass From Summit at Snoqualmie allows skiers, and snowboarders "ski more, spend less" !

From their website :

Skip the ticket window and head straight to the lift. Summit passes are an unbeatable value, providing access all season long and the freedom to hit the slopes whenever you want. We're so close it's easy to get your money's worth!

But is the Spring Pass really worth the money ?

Enchant Christmas at Safeco Field in Seattle

Enchant Christmas at Safeco Field in Seattle is an even for the entire family ! Enjoy Holiday lights, the Christmas market and fun festive activities. The holiday light event, which runs through Dec. 30, covers the entire baseball field with a spectacular light maze and an ice skating rink. As you enter the stadium for Enchant, expect a different kind of cheer than the rowdy crowds and booming loudspeakers of baseball season. Infield, visitors can rent a pair of skates and sail through the illuminated archways and trees on the 350-foot-long ice-skating loop, while listening to local artists like Starlight Choir perform live on the mainstage. (Tickets will be staggered to prevent overcrowding the maze and ice trail). Visitors can also warm their hands with a cup of hot chocolate from the Christmas market, shop for jewelry, homewares and gifts, or head over to Santa’s workshop for pictures and a story.

More Seattle Holiday videos to watch : Christmas times in Seattle Center, and downtown - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAk3HdBlxOI

Visiting Seattle, and looking for amazing adventures, outdoor activities, and things to do ? Find more Washington Adventures here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BN0aJuLAlA&list=PL78koNgcc9OkR4uBM3pozDN-gOywTvtuv

Hiking Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point

Located within less than 45 min away from Seattle, Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point hike is a "must" for any outdoor adventurer visiting Seattle !

Even if you're short on time, this hike ( time to the trailhead from Seattle plus the hike itself ) will take you only half of the day !

The trail is snow free, and accessible year round, but is best enjoyed on a nice sunny day ! But even on an average Seattle rainy day, the tree coverage will provide protection from wind and rain.

A Walk Through Downtown Leavenworth, WA In The Summer

Visiting Leavenworth, WA in summer is a must do adventure to add to your Bucket List ! Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. It's only ~ 2.5 hour driving distance from Seattle. It has so much to offer !

Slidewaters Waterpark & Water Slides in Sunny Lake Chelan, WA

Lake Chelan Waterpark and Water Slides is a small, but full of fun waterpark for all ages located just 5 minutes away from Lake Chelan downtown.

Located on the banks above beautiful Lake Chelan, the park is an amazing place to have family fun while enjoying the breathtaking views of the majestic Lake Chelan in the background !

TIP: The place itself is not that big... so try to get there early in the morning to beat the heat, and the crowds. Parking can also become an issue on during crowded weekends, and holidays.

Land Paddling On A Snow Day In Seattle

Land paddling in Seattle is not really a year round activity. 

It rains a lot most of the year, and in fall/winter, when the temperatures drop, only the most dedicated spend time land paddling, and having fun.  

And we at "Seattle Kite, Surf, Paddle" are among those crazy ones who enjoy land paddling in any weather !

There is something special about land paddling in the snow ! It's like combining longboarding, snowboarding, and paddleboarding in one. 

And the surroundings are breathtaking ! Because there is nothing quite as serene as seeing your beloved city in a fresh sheet of snow. It's truly magical making your first tracks in the snow.

Read more here >>>

Paddleboarding To The Bottom Of Snoqualmie Falls

Looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventures while visiting Seattle ?

Seattle offers amazing outdoor opportunities for adventure seekers, and outdoor lovers year round ! But fall through spring, they're limited to mostly snow related activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Yet, even most Seattleites don't know that there are outdoor activities, that are normally considered to be "summer watersports", could be done year round.

When it comes to watersports, one can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding,  kiteboarding, surfing, scuba diving, and sailing 365 days a year.

Indoor Skydiving At iFly In Tukwila, WA

Being ExtraHyperActive, we're always on a lookout for new adventures and experiences ! And in Washington state, there is never shortage of awesome and exciting things to do ! All year round ! Indoors and outdoors !

And recently, we added another epic adventure to our Bucket List - indoor skydiving !

After doing my first tandem skydiving jump, and trying out tandem BASE jumping, I didn't think that indoor skydiving would be that exciting for me. But I thought, for my 9 year old, it would be a great memorable experience !

Colonnade Mountain Bike Park In Seattle

We've been hearing and reading about Seattle's Colonnade Bike Park for a while now, but haven't had a chance to take my bike to the park. One of the main reasons it took me so long to visit the park was the park's reputation of being not "beginners friendly".

Tips On Visiting Wild Waves Theme Park In Washington State

Seattleites love to believe that "it rains less in Seattle than on the East Coast or some other places". But the truth is - it rains a lot in Seattle ! No surprise that "the official summer" in Seattle starts... around mid-July. But once it starts, Washington state is a great place for outdoor fun !

And there is no better place to have some amazing family time than in Washington’s only water and amusement park - Wild Waves & Enchanted Village !

Granted, comparing to some California's or Florida's theme parks, Wild Waves & Enchanted Village is not that grand. On the plus side, it's not as expensive.

Here is a short guide for out-of-state visitors and first timers to get some first hand info :

Visit Experience Music Project (EMP) In Seattle For Free Every First Thursday Of The Month

Every first Thursday of the month Experience Music Project (EMP) is  free from 5-8pm.

EMP is the brainchild of Paul Allen, Microsoft-cofounder and well-known figure in the Pacific Northwest. Allen's passion for all things Jimi Hendrix led to an extensive collection of Hendrix memorabilia. His initial desire to share this collection with the public grew in scope to become the Experience Music Project.

The museum takes you through music history by immersing you in nearly 80,000 artifacts including photos, sound archives, costumes and musical instruments from notable artists.  Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, this shrine to rock music and sci-fi is covered by 21,000 aluminum shingles, each painted to emulate the finish of an electric guitar.

It's not just a museum, here you have a chance to try your hand at making music in EMP's Sound Lab, where individual stations quickly teach you to play guitar, drums, or keyboard. Other offerings include the special exhibitions, the Digital Lab, and ( the only feature that got me interested) a performance stage , where you can get on "real " stage and have you 15 minutes of fame (with pictures/DVD to remember).

The Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame is co-located with Experience Music Project.

Sci-Fi fan ?

Than you'll love it here ! It's a mini version of California's Universal Studio with a number of costumed characters and memorabilia from your favorite movies: Terminator, Planet of the Apes, Matrix, and of course Star Track.

Another cool thing I personally liked - Sky Church, a dramatic hall where a "video frieze" spans on a large wall and you can listen to live music, dance and have fun !

The Puyallup Fair : Zorbing, Zip Lining, Target Shooting And More Fun

I've been going to the Puyallup Fair since 1999, when I was invited as part of my friend's family. Since then, the Puyallup Fair has become our own family tradition.

Last year we had a lot of fun watching MBS Mountainboard Big Air Show, trying out hydro-zorbing for the first time, and even competing in the famous Mutton Bustin' contest !

This year, besides the poular "must do" rides like Farris Wheel, Sky Ride, Extreme Scream, we tried something new...

 Ziplining ( zip lining/ziptrekking ) was probably the lamest "outdoor activity" I ever got to try.
But I thought my son would have fun... The line was short, but exciting ( according to him ). The trip to the top of the tower looked a bit intimidating, but amazingly, this kid just doesn't know any fear !

 

I'm not a big gun nut, but just like any guy I like to shoot. So does my kid. Anything : NERF guns, slingshots, bows, airsoft, paintballs...

Personally, I think nothing can be compared to sledding down a snowy hill in winter. That's why till recently we avoided the popular Giant Slide, but this time, the line was short, and after spotting the giant bright yellow slide from the Ferris Wheel, my son really wanted to give it a try... I think the walk to the top took him longer than the slide :) 

 
This year, instead of riding a "raged mutton", we opted for a pretty mellow camel ride...  At least we saved a couple thousand dollars on an African safari :) 

It's an interesting thing about traditions; some go away, some stay, some new ones created... 

What's your favorite thing about the Puyallup Fair ( or any other state fair ) ?

Free outdoor climbing wall at UW

The University of Washington has an amazing Intramural Activities (IMA) building located north of Husky Stadium. In additional to magnificent views of Lake Washington and the mountains, the IMA offers current UW students and faculty/staff IMA members the opportunity for year round climbing at their climbing facility with 5,800 sq ft. of climbing surfaces.

But you don't have to be a student to take advantage of their free climbing wall located at the southern edge of the parking lot between Husky Stadium and the Montlake Cut, on the University of Washington campus. Made of concrete with light loose gravel. Rumored to be one of the oldest outdoor walls in WA.

According to Climbingwashington.com :

The UW rock is a concrete-and-stone affair built in 1975, and is one of the best artificial bouldering facilities anywhere...It has some of the hardest boulder problems in Washington, although they are mostly contrived...

I haven't had a chance to climb there ( yet ), and I am not sure whether it's mostly bouldering or top rope wall ( sorry my arrogance). But you know me, I will find out !

What I absolutely love about UW is that it's a great multi sport area : the Burke Gilman trail is just across the road, and the Waterfront Activities Center is basically a few feet away from the above mentioned climbing wall.




What do you think about this " action packed " Sat/Sun : bike along the Burke Gilman trail from Gasworks Park to UW, climb on the wall, then rent a canoe/rowboat ( or sailboat ) for a nice paddle around Union Bay ?

Free Climbing Walls

The Mountaineers' headquarters in the Magnusson Park
The Outside Climbing Wall
Sailing in the Magnusson Park
The Boulder in the North Sea Tac Park



The summer is just around the corner and more climbers flock outside to play on Washington's crags where they can be obedient from gyms' rules and fees.

There is a new addition to my collection of the free climbing walls. In my previous posts I wrote about the Marymoor Park in Redmond and Arbor Heights 360 in Auburn.

Recently biking along the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle, I swung by the Magnusson Park to check out the Mountaineers' new headquarters in old Navy building, where the organization moved into last November. A rock-climbing wall made of steel and fiberglass, painted and molded to resemble a mountainside in the Cascades, rises along the southern face of the building, visible from Sand Point Way Northeast.The courtyard features an artificial boulder. The wall is open to the public. It’s free to use, but occasionally is reserved for training courses run by the Mountaineers. The mountaineers built it and donated it to the City of Seattle!

The Magnusson Park offers a wide variety of water sports activities : kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding.

In my post about the North Sea Tac Park, I didn't write about a boulder I found ( to my surprise) in front of the Community Center. Its not much , but it sure beats sweating in a gym on a nice summer day. Besides, did I mention it was free ?

Another reason ( besides being free ) I loved those parks , you can really multi task there : trail running, biking, climbing- whatever the order you want to do it.