The warm weather has finally arrived and we can’t help but stare out the windows and daydream about our next adventure in that glorious PNW sunshine. From the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades, across the lush rainforests and sandy beaches of the Olympic Peninsula, to fields of wildflowers near Mt. Rainier, exploring Washington’s diverse landscapes is just as beautiful as it is refreshing. It’s time to get out of the office and take a hike! The below day hikes are perfect for enjoying throughout summer 2017.

  1. Rattlesnake Ledge. Take it easy with this popular, gently-sloping trail through gorgeous foliage and a rewarding end view of Snoqualmie Pass, the Southern Cascades and Rattlesnake Lake. With a trailhead only 40 minutes east of Seattle, this hike draws crowds on weekends and sunny summer days and is a great place to watch the sunset after work. Take a moment to relax, walk, swim or fish near Rattlesnake Lake before or after your hike for the ultimate fun-in-the-sun experience.
  2. Little Si. You’ll love this moderate five-mile roundtrip excursion with about 1,200 feet in elevation gain and an excellent forested path with gorgeous rock formations (perfect for climbing, too!) along the way. The top has great views of North Bend, Upper Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si. With Little Si’s trailhead being just a short jaunt from Seattle, you can conquer this hike and make it back in time for a Mariner’s game to cap off a perfect Northwest day.
  3. Pilchuck. For a moderate one-day summit from Seattle, it’s tough to find a better hike than the one up Mt. Pilchuck. Located on the Mountain Loop Highway, just over an hour north of Seattle, this trail offers incredible scenery quickly and will not disappoint if you’re trying to impress out of town guests! Climb with views of the North Cascades and classic alpine terrain, then wind around the summit for sprawling vistas including of some of Washington’s most recognizable landmarks like the Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands and Mt. Rainier.

At Juniper Capital, we believe that getting outside and taking the time to be with loved ones is always a good thing and helps to create balance in our lives. As top private money lenders, we’re here to assist you with any questions about hard money loans and private commercial real estate loans you might have and more. Happy hiking!