Exploring Washington's Wild Areas: A Guide for Hikers, Backpackers, Climbers, X-C Skiers and Paddlers

this book is best all around book for hikkng in washington. It gives you the big picture at the start of each hiking area, and then details of most trails. Cant wait to buy the 2nd edtion.

I have many trail guides on my bookshelf, but none get referenced more than this one. The descriptions are brief, but you will find many more trails in this book than in any other that I know of. Each chapter begins with an overview of the area, covering geology, history, climate, and plants & wildlife. I use it in conjunction with other guides when planning my trips, but this book is the one I always reference. My only complaint is that despite the title, the book does not cover places that are off the beaten trail.