First flower of 2011

Over the past few months I've been showing you flowers outside my apartment.

Today, March 9th, the first flowers bloomed.

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Today the Northern Rangers headed up Rattlesnake Ledge Trail outside of North Bend, Washington.
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.

Signs of Spring

Since I'm in the Northwest, I've been showing you pictures over the last few weeks of the mild winter we've had up here. And the beautiful spring that followed.

But how about the rest of the country? Now that spring is upon all of the U.S. my Aunt Leona sent out these photos from Dickinson, North Dakota.

Looks like Spring is everywhere.

Ted Evans Photography

Normally we wait till Sunday for an Outdoor Photo of the Week. But over on Just South of North we feature a Northwest Photographer of the Week. This week we featured Ted Evans of Seattle. And frankly I liked his pictures so much I just had to share them with you here on Just Northwest.

We'll still have an Outdoor Photo of the Week on Sunday. But for now, please enjoy these images from Mt. Rainer.

The last one is of Ted Evans himself, obviously, he's got a bit of snow on himself. That happens when you hike up mountains. Here's what he sent us.

My name is Ted Evans and have lived in Seattle for 4 years and cant get enough of what the area has to offer. Adventure is awaiting behind every corner out here and I feel people dont take advantage enough! I have recently been laid off which has allowed to to get out and play and really make a push on photography. I bring my camera everywhere. I put a photo site together with my girlfriend, so please check out our pictures. Most were taken last week up at Rainier.

You can check out his photography site at http://www.birchhillstudio.com/.

And click on the photos to make them larger.

Think you've got a great outdoor photo? Want to see it hosted on Just Northwest? Send your submissions to justsouthofnorth@gmail.com.

Please include your name, a short caption about the photo (date, location, and what makes it special) and your location.

Check back each Sunday for a new Outdoor Photo of the Week.

Epic Photo: Holy Crap! It's a bear!

Not the kind of petting zoo you want to be in...

Daffodil Bicycle Classic

Today was the Daffodil Bicycle Classic in Orting, Washington. The participants had the choice of riding either a 20 mile loop, a 40 mile loop or a 60 mile loop.

Thanks to the great weather over 1,500 riders took part in the event. Here's some of the photos I shot throughout the event and around Orting.