For 2011 the Northern Rangers have decided to go HD. That's right, all of our adventures will now be in High Definition! So tune back in as we show you everything that we see, only now, it will be crystal clear.
To start off the HD Northern Rangers we decided to show you one of our favorite hikes, Poo Poo Point, and the views from the top. Check it out:
Showing posts with label Northern Rangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northern Rangers. Show all posts
Snow hike
If you're not in the Northwest then you might not know about the arctic freeze that hit our area the last few days.
Well, yesterday while most of the Seattle area was scared stiff cause of the ice and the snow, the Northern Rangers headed up Poo Poo Point for a hike.
And it was very much worth it.
The weather was sunny but in the 20's. However, the view was awesome. Snow all through the valley.

One thing that did surprise us was that when were up there, two paragliders showed up. They were getting set up when we headed down and we saw them land in the snow right as we finished our decent. Check it out:
Well, yesterday while most of the Seattle area was scared stiff cause of the ice and the snow, the Northern Rangers headed up Poo Poo Point for a hike.
And it was very much worth it.
The weather was sunny but in the 20's. However, the view was awesome. Snow all through the valley.
One thing that did surprise us was that when were up there, two paragliders showed up. They were getting set up when we headed down and we saw them land in the snow right as we finished our decent. Check it out:
Rattlesnake Mountain hike
Yesterday the Northern Rangers headed out to enjoy the colors of fall on a hike on Rattlesnake Mountain near Snoqualmie, Washington.
View our previous hike report of Rattlesnake Ledge from earlier this year here.
View our previous hike report of Rattlesnake Ledge from earlier this year here.
People's Coast Classic videos
Here's the week of the People's Coast Classic in videos taken by the Northern Rangers. Thank you again to all who donated to the Arthritis Foundation. As at team we raised more that $7,500! Thank you again! Hope you enjoy.
(BTW Day 5 is probably my favorite)
Day 1: Astoria to Garibaldi
Day 2: Garibaldi to Lincoln City
Day 3: Lincoln City to Yachats
Day 4: Yachats to North Bend
Day 5: North Bend to Port Orford
Day 6: Port Orford to Brookings
(BTW Day 5 is probably my favorite)
Day 1: Astoria to Garibaldi
Day 2: Garibaldi to Lincoln City
Day 3: Lincoln City to Yachats
Day 4: Yachats to North Bend
Day 5: North Bend to Port Orford
Day 6: Port Orford to Brookings
People's Coast Classic: Day 1
Today my dad, Jeff and I started on the People's Coast Classic.
We started in Astoria and boy was it cold. (See Jeff in blanket) He rode with the blanket for a ways, and it turned into a cape. I pretended that I didn't know him.
The ride today was a little over 58 miles. The sun eventually burned off the clouds and we rode the final part in the sunshine. Now it is sunny at our camp in Garibaldi.
Tomorrow is the longest and toughest day of the ride which should be about 70 miles and offers a number of hills. Here's to hoping that Jeff doesn't have to pull me up them.
We shot some Northern Rangers videos along the way and I'll get those up when we get back.
But for now I'm going to go find some dinner and then probably go to sleep.
The People's Coast Classic

I've been off the radar lately (actually I've been Hawaii). So I apologize for the lack of posts as of late.
Tomorrow I take off for the People's Coast Classic. If you've been reading the blog then you know all about how each rider had to raise $2,500 in donations for the Arthritis Foundation. There's still time to donate if you didn't get a chance before!
You can visit my donation page and follow the directions there.
Make sure to check back daily on the blog as I'll be updating along the way. Perhaps even some Northern Ranger videos!
Glacier National Park: Part Two
Here is Part Two of mine and Brandon's trip to Glacier National Park.
This is our hike to Hidden Lake.
Part Two includes: hiking to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park, Logan Pass, Brandon chased by a goat and beautiful views.
Watch Part One here.
This is our hike to Hidden Lake.
Part Two includes: hiking to Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park, Logan Pass, Brandon chased by a goat and beautiful views.
Watch Part One here.
Glacier National Park: Part One
Here is Part One of mine and Brandon's trip to Glacier National Park.
This is our journey there.
Part One includes: our road trip to Glacier National Park, our attempt to find a campsite for the night, and driving up the Going To The Sun Road.
Tune in tomorrow for Part Two: Hike to Hidden Lake.
This is our journey there.
Part One includes: our road trip to Glacier National Park, our attempt to find a campsite for the night, and driving up the Going To The Sun Road.
Tune in tomorrow for Part Two: Hike to Hidden Lake.
Brandon vs. The Goat
The last few days I've spent out in Montana. One day Brandon and I went hiking around Glacier National Park.
And while there Brandon met his arch nemesis.
Peter Griffin of Family Guy has The Chicken. Brandon of Just South of North has The Goat.
I'll get the video from our whole trip to Glacier National Park up soon.
And while there Brandon met his arch nemesis.
Peter Griffin of Family Guy has The Chicken. Brandon of Just South of North has The Goat.
I'll get the video from our whole trip to Glacier National Park up soon.
Maybe another year
Sad news today from the Just Northwest offices. Do to some very unfortunate circumstances we won't be able to do the Wonderland Trail this year.
I am very very upset about this. I thought about doing it by myself, but decided that a 10 day solo backpack trip wasn't really the adventure I had in mind.
I wanted to share this trip with someone not just do it by myself. So I guess Jeff and I will have to try it another year.
Sad day.
I am very very upset about this. I thought about doing it by myself, but decided that a 10 day solo backpack trip wasn't really the adventure I had in mind.
I wanted to share this trip with someone not just do it by myself. So I guess Jeff and I will have to try it another year.
Sad day.
Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail Preview 3
It's time for preview number three of the Wonderland Trail.
The Northern Rangers take off on our great Wonderland Trail adventure tomorrow.
The last two days I've previewed the history and facts about the Wonderland Trail and about wilderness permits and campgrounds on the trail.
Today I'll cover the gear that we'll be packing on the trip.
Gear for the trip
Like any mountain, the weather on Mount Rainier can change very quickly. And storms are a normal occurrence. Because of this, we have to plan ahead and use the Boy Scout motto. Be Prepared.
Here's what we will be bringing on the trip:
BACKPACK
- 1 backpack
- 1 backpack rain cover
- 2 long sleeved shirts (synthetic, polyester material)
- 1 pair of hiking pants (Bear Grylls style)
- 1 pair of hiking shorts
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 4 pairs of smart wool socks
- 3 pairs of liner socks
- 1 pair of hiking boots (pre-broken in)
- 1 pair of sandals (or camp shoes)
- 1 brimmed hat
- 1 fleece
- 1 raincoat
- 1 stocking hat
- fleece gloves
- 1 pocket knife
- 1 first aid kit
- 1 stainless steel water bottle
- 1 headlamp (spare battery)
- 1 compass
- emergency blanket
- 1 canister bear spray
- trekking polls
- map
- small journal and pencil
- wallet-sized waterproof container (put in cash, credit card and photo ID)
- 1 roll duct tape
- 1 camp stove
- gas for stove
- waterproof matches
- food (enough for trip, plus two emergency meals)
- water filter
- 1 heavy duty plastic spork
- snacks
- Gatorade powder
- 1 cooking pot
- 1 tent (mine is REI quarter-dome three backpacking tent)
- 1 sleeping bag (temperature according to area)
- 1 sleeping pad (foam inside for insulation)
- 1 travel pillow
- 1 tube toothpaste
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 roll toilet paper
- 1 stick deodorant
- 1 container dental floss
- 1 bottle fashwash
- hand sanitizer
- quick-dry towel
- 1 bottle sunscreen
- 1 bug spray
Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail Preview 2
Welcome to the second preview of the Wonderland Trail.
The Northern Rangers set off on our adventure later this week.
Until then, here's today's preview about how to obtain permits for the hike, as well as the campgrounds on the trail.
Wilderness Permits and Campgrounds
Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping year-round. These permits help to disperse traffic and keep track of users of the trail.
To obtain your permit, you must submit your application early. The first day the park starts accepting them is March 15 each year. However, the rangers don't begin processing permits until April 1. The way it works is all of the permits received between March 15 and April 1 are processed first, then the permits are gone through by date received after April 1.
For more information on how to apply for a permit visit the Mount Rainier National Park Wonderland Trail permit web site.
The Wonderland Trail has eighteen wilderness camps and three non-wilderness camps. Each campsite has designated tent sites, a vault toilet and water nearby (aka creek, river, stream).
The Mount Rainier National Park site lists each of the campsites and their elevation.
Hiking from Longmire in a clockwise direction, they are:
- Pyramid Creek- (no group site) 3,765 feet
- Devil's Dream- 5,060 feet
- South Puyallup River- 4,000 feet
- Klapatche Park- (no group site) 5,515 feet
- North Puyallup River- 3,750 feet
- Golden Lakes- 5,130 feet
- South Mowich River- 2,605 feet
- *Mowich Lake Campground- 4,929 feet
- Ipsut Creek Campground- 2,330 feet
- Carbon River- 3,195 feet
- Dick Creek- (no group site) 4,185 feet
- Mystic Camp- 5,570 feet
- Granite Creek- 5,765
- Sunrise Camp- 6,245
- *White River Campground- 4,280 feet
- Summerland- 5,940 feet
- Indian Bar- 5,120 feet
- Nickel Creek- 3,385 feet
- Maple Creek- 2,815 feet
- Paradise River- 3,805 feet
- *Cougar Rock Campground- 3,180 feet
* denotes non-wilderness campground
For the hike, we planned our route based on distance, as well as our own personal abilities in hiking. Since we are in hiking shape, this is how our trip itinerary turned out for campgrounds:Day 1 - We'll leave the Mowich Lake Trailhead and set up camp at Carbon River Camp. Distance- 9 miles.
Day 2- Carbon River Camp to Granite Creek Camp. Distance- 9 miles.
Day 3- Granite Creek Camp to White River Camp. Distance- 9 miles.
Day 4- White River Camp to Indian Bar Camp. Distance- 9 miles.
Day 5- Indian Bar Camp to Maple Creek Camp. Distance- 13 miles.
Day 6- Maple Creek Camp to Pyramid Creek Camp. Distance- 14 miles.
Day 7- Pyramid Creek Camp to South Puyallup River Camp. Distance- 8 miles.
Day 8- South Puyallup River Camp to Golden Lakes Camp. Distance- 12 miles.
Day 9- Golden Lakes Camp to South Mowich River Camp. Distance- 7 miles
Day 10- South Mowich River Camp to Mowich Lake Trailheads. Distance- 3 miles
Total is 93 miles. Man am I excited.
Check back in tomorrow for another preview of the Wonderland Trail, with the gear to pack on the trip.
Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail Preview 1

Thursday the Northern Rangers will set off on our great adventure of 2010, the Wonderland Trail.
Our trip will last from July 22 - August 1. Each day this week, I'll be previewing the Wonderland Trail in preparing the readers for our trip.
On Thursday we'll head up to Mowich Lake and camp. Getting up early on Friday we'll hit the trail.
(And you can bet that there will be some great Northern Rangers videos when we get back)
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
The hike starts at Rattlesnake Lake and has an elevation gain of 1,175 feet over two miles. So it's fairly steep but by no means difficult to the average active person.
Following the trail you'll find a number of switchbacks and a fairly constant uphill grade.
However, you'll also find a large number of people on the trail because of how close the trailhead is to Seattle and I-90.
The picture to the left shows Rattlesnake Ledge overflowing with people.
However, the trail doesn't end at Rattlesnake Ledge and as of 2007, now goes all the way to the old Snoqualmie Brewery at Exit 27 off I-90. So for a bit more peaceful turnaround point hikers can follow the trail up a little higher and still enjoy the great views but without the circus shown in the other picture. (see below photo)
Hiking Time to Rattlesnake Ledge: 45 mins to 1 hour
Miles: 4 Round trip
Elevation gain: 1,175 feet
How to get there
On I-90 east take Exit 32 (436th Avenue SE) just past the exits to North Bend. Turn right off the exit, heading south on 436th Ave SE which turns into Cedar Falls Road. In about three miles you'll see the parking lots. Follow the signs posted for Rattlesnake Lake.
Backpacking Middle Fork of Snoqualmie
The Northern Rangers headed out to the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River last weekend for a backpack trip. We camped, did some day hikes and took video of the trail/area.
Hope you enjoy the newest video!
Hope you enjoy the newest video!
Hiking Cougar Mountain
The weather right now might be like a monsoon outside, but last week we had some beautiful sun.
The Northern Rangers headed for a hike last Wednesday for a hike along some of the trails of Cougar Mountain. We didn't shoot a video, but did snap this photo by Doughty Falls. Yes, it's really just a big rock with water running over the moss.
Don't worry, we'll be getting some videos going again here soon.
The Northern Rangers headed for a hike last Wednesday for a hike along some of the trails of Cougar Mountain. We didn't shoot a video, but did snap this photo by Doughty Falls. Yes, it's really just a big rock with water running over the moss.
Don't worry, we'll be getting some videos going again here soon.
Duthie Hill mountain bike park
In case you missed it, yesterday the Seattle Times had a great article about a new mountain bike park that is going in near Issaquah, WA.
You can read the full article here.
Since I'm currently located in the Issaquah area, I was stoked to read this article. The place sounds awesome.
It features the world's longest log ride, a boardwalk, huge drops, wooden structures and varying levels of difficulty throughout. That means both the expert and the beginner can have fun at the park.
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance worked to get the park built in cooperation with King County Parks. Currently EMBA members have volunteered over 6,000 hours of work on the park. I also found out the schedule and we're planning on heading out there to help.
The grand opening of the park is on May 22. But that will just complete Phase One of the park. Phase Two is expected to be completed in April 2011.
And you can bet that in the near future the Northern Rangers will be out there for a ride and video.
You can read the full article here.
Since I'm currently located in the Issaquah area, I was stoked to read this article. The place sounds awesome.
It features the world's longest log ride, a boardwalk, huge drops, wooden structures and varying levels of difficulty throughout. That means both the expert and the beginner can have fun at the park.
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance worked to get the park built in cooperation with King County Parks. Currently EMBA members have volunteered over 6,000 hours of work on the park. I also found out the schedule and we're planning on heading out there to help.
The grand opening of the park is on May 22. But that will just complete Phase One of the park. Phase Two is expected to be completed in April 2011.
And you can bet that in the near future the Northern Rangers will be out there for a ride and video.
I-5 Colonnade Mountain Bike Park
After much anticipation, I got the video up. This weekend the Northern Rangers headed out to the I-5 Colonnade Mountain Bike Park in Seattle, Washington. Here's a short preview of the area:
New Northern Rangers video tomorrow
Poo Poo Point: South view
Today the Northern Rangers headed out for a hike on Poo Poo Point again. We showed you the views from the North, now here's what the views from the South are:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)