Cascadian Snow

Some 2000 feet above sea level in the North Cascades is a reservoir lookout point oft used for engagements, proposals, and elopements. During fairer weather, it’s easy to see why: bright, electric-blue water, emerald islands, and views for days.

One weekend we took our new all-season tires for a day-long spin into the mountains. We arrived at Lake Diablo just as afternoon light began to fade and snow began to fall. Nervous we’d soon be trapped, we budgeted 8 minutes for a quick photo op and immediately descended to the sounds of Taylor Swift’s folklore album.

Discovery Park

At the base of a substantial hill in west central Seattle and right on Puget Sound across from Bainbridge Island is a beach park that feels surprisingly remote for a place just 6 miles from downtown. The other week, we took a masked, distanced park walk with old friends and their beautiful, well-trained border collie.

Keechelus

Out near the snow sport destination Hyak is Keechelus Lake, which boasts a scenic but flat and well-maintained multipurpose trail perfect for timid folks re-learning how to bike, like myself.