Day Hiking Snoqualmie Region: Cascade Foothills * I90 Corridor * Alpine Lakes, 2nd Edition

As a hiking enthusiast living in Bellevue (a few miles east of Seattle), I find this nifty little guidebook indispensible for planning my weekend adventures. It is small enough to fit comfortably in my backpack, but is chock-full with day hike suggestions, 125 total. I really like that it covers a wide area, from my immediate backyard, far east to the Teanaway region, and all the way south to Chinook Pass near Mt Rainier. I've had this book for well over a year now, and even though I go hiking at least once a week and use it regularly, I can still draw inspiration from this book as I pick new areas to sample. I prefer guidebooks that are engaging, yet not overly verbose, and this one fits the bill. Unlike the previous "100 Hikes" series, this one is generally free of annoying political rants, and is an enjoyable read. However, you should *definitely* double-check the information in the book before actually going on a hike. Some of the maps/descriptions are inaccurate (outdated perhaps?). For example, the track they give for Squaw Lake (Hike 85) and Eldorado Pass (Hike 91) are incorrect -- the present trail is actually easier but somewhat longer -- and I had quite some trouble finding the Anti-Aircraft loop (Hike 2). I's a good idea to get a topo map with trails, and if you have a GPS unit, consider downloading a free track from [...] That said, the specified destination has always been there :) and the general "feel" of the hike is spot on. In the end, this book has served me very well. It is definitely worth its modest cost. If you're interested in hiking in the greater Snoqualmie region and want a good introduction to its many gems, check this out!

I really enjoy this trail guide. It's very small, without being annoying, so it doesn't take up much space (or weight) in a pack. The variety of hikes is nice, and it's a good way to find new hikes in this region of the state. I own all the 'Day Hiking' books published thus far, and I really enjoy the consistent quality. There are just enough pictures included to wet your appetite for good weather and days off, without turning the book into fluff. I can't compare this book to any of the competing series, but it carries well the torch passed to it by Ira Spring and Harvey Manning, although I do miss their complaints about the fate of public lands.