Hiking With Herb

On Nov 11th 2024, three hikers took a stroll on a woodsy road for 3 miles. This was once part of the Old Naches road. It now parallels the main highway across the Naches River. If you choose to go, follow highway 410 above Whistling Jack's, about 3 miles to Halfway Flat campground. Cross the bridge and turn left. Stop there and hike the road. The river is close by and near several camp grounds. Jim Harwood, Syndie Wilson and I had a most pleasant day. We shared the fall colors, a sprinkle of rain and life’s conversations. The sun peaked out now and then too. These moments in life give pause to a busy world. A sense of quietness fills your mind and body. You are welcome to follow our path. Let's meet Nov 18th at the YMCA parking lot at 8 am. See you then! Herb

*If you have questions, please call Herb at: 509-517-8881

Halfway Flat Campground, A Stoll on a Woodsy Road

Hiking With Herb

On the 4th day of November, our team of 7 hikers went back to the Little Rattlesnake Trail. This trail is very distinct for the first 2 miles. There is limited elevation. The basalt columns along the way are very impressive. You can hear the creek near the path. It is almost spiritual in its sound. This fall canyon is dressed with golden leaves, tall ridges , and springs. I could hear the comments of wonder as hiked. As the trail leader, I am glad this experience provided a richness for the day. As we reached the 2 mile mark, the team made a decision to go further. We went up a steep slope and continued on the original road. This road was once connected to the main Canyon road. However, many years ago a storm brought huge amounts of water down the canyon. This washed away much of the road. After a half mile along Cow Puncher Ridge. We turned back to eat lunch. After a sprinkle of rain in the morning, we had sun and blue sky. The elevation for the day was 700 feet, in a hike of 5 miles. It was a wonderful day! Come and join us for some fun.

Herb

Rattlesnake Ridge ~ Cow Puncher Ridge

Hiking With Herb

On Oct 28th, our hiking team went up the Tieton River Trail. We crossed the metal swinging bridge and were on our way. Doyle Hardy, Sandi Vogel, Nick Schultz, Jim Harwood and I , enjoyed a wonderful day of 4+ miles. It was a day of education about a summer forest fire. Much of the forest along the river was heavily damaged. The charred trees stand as black centennials pointing skyward. Promises persist, however, near these trees in the form of green vegetation. Life will return! It is obvious that this forest will take many years to return. There was one miracle, however. The big oat in the meadow was untouched. It most likely has been standing as a monument for over 200 years. This oak has provided shade, and given protection from rain and snow, as well as a place to eat our lunch. It has been a real gift of nature.

Herb

Tieton River Trail ~ The Promise

Hiking With Herb

On Oct. 21st, our hiking team decided to explore the south ridge of the Rattlesnake Creek Canyon. The day was crisp, with blue skies and a light breeze. The hike was short, but very pleasant. These five hikers are very compatible and share many hiking experiences. This ridge gives a great view of the Naches River Valley on highway 410. We went 1,000 vertical feet above the valley. We could see forever! As the day progressed, a weather front came in from the North, but it never caught up to us. I really appreciate these Fall days of color. It is my favorite time of year. It is also most enjoyable to hike with ALL members of the hiking team.

Herb

Rattle Snake Creek Canyon

Hiking With Herb

Oct 18th, 2024, was the day of choice for a hike to the Twin Sisters Lakes. Sandi, Syndie, Jean, John, Jim, Don & I went three miles on a lovely trail in the Douglas Forest. We stopped at a peninsula at the second lake. The sun was warm, the lake reflected the surrounding mountains, and a cool breeze carried a hint of Fall. The season of hiking is almost over, but we can look forward to one of snowshoeing soon. Can you picture in your mind the adventures in all the seasons that we have? I can. It keeps me alive!! Herb

*In addition, a word of caution. Mushrooms are prevalent in in the area right now. Be careful what you collect!

Twin Sisters Lake

Hiking With Herb

On Sept 23rd -Sept 25th, Jerry Kobes, Nick Schultz & I went to Lake Ozette, in the Pacific rainforest, for a beach hike. We stopped at the Ozette ranger station and Hiked to Cape Alava on the board walk for 3 miles. The campsite on the beach was one of perfection. Several deer kept us company near by. We heard many seals barking, but the lull of the ocean waves put us to sleep.

The next day, the beach hike was arduous, but picturesque. Many sea stacks along the way looked eerie in the slight fog. We also hiked thru a lot of kelp that had washed up on the beach by a sea storm. The beauty of nature is astounding! Just absorb where you are, hear the sounds & feel of the day...just watch out you don't step in the bear poop!!

We also visited the Makah Indian museum on the Makah reservation. It is a beautiful building with many, many interesting artifacts. Well worth the visit for anyone who wants to know more about this Pacific Coast tribe.

Lake Ozette

Hiking With Herb

The September day we chose was a #10. We started this day with a hint of coolness, but with lots of blue sky and sun. We went to the White River Trail, up the Basin Valley. It is wide and smooth with glorious views of Mt. Rainier & the Emmons Glacier. After hiking over a mile and a half, we climbed the Emmons Moraine and saw a beautiful azure lake. Sandi, Nick, Jim and I went 700 vertical feet and just over three miles. Nature has its constant pleasures, and provides an unsurmountable gift.

Come join us... There are many places that still need to be explored.

*We will meet again Mon. At 8am in the parking lot of the YMCA on 40th Ave. ~ Herb

Mt. Rainier and the Emmons Glacier

Hiking With Herb

Snow Lake is on the side of a glacial ridge. Many thousands of years ago, a glacier dug a deep depression, which later became a lake. It is a place of natural beauty, approximately 1.5 miles from Stevens Canyon Road. The trail has many cross steps & is well used. Jim Harwood, Sandi Vogel, and I enjoyed a wonderful day of hiking with the view of Mt. Rainier.

Another lake, called Bench Lake, has the distinction of capturing the reflection of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. It is located just off the main trail. We found the effort was well worth all the rewards! The scent of fir, a taste of mountain blueberries, and the stillness of this environment filled our souls.
Happy hiking,
Herb

Snow Lake

Hiking With Herb

Every Monday, Herb Schmidt takes the lead in guiding a group on invigorating hikes through diverse terrains. These outings may involve traversing hilly landscapes or exploring a multitude of different trails, providing an exciting change of scenery each week.

When winter arrives, the group doesn't retreat indoors. Instead, they swap their hiking boots for snowshoes and transform the frosty landscape into their playground, adding a delightful twist to their regular outdoor activities.

The snowshoeing adventures during the winter months offer an exciting way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature, even in the chilliest weather.

Little Bald Mountain

Hiking With Herb

Six of the hiking team went to the Water Works Canyon trail on May 6th. The trail is located about 3 miles beyond the city of Naches on HWY 410. It was a real joy to hike together with friends. Along the way, there were big horned sheep on the ridge. Flowers were in various stages of bloom during the month of May.

The freshness of the day, broken clouds, and light wind gave us joy to be alive. Hiking is a gift that helps you appreciate our natural environment. We hiked 4.5 miles and reached about 1000 vertical feet.

Seize and find joy in every day!
Herb

Water Works Canyon Trail.
"Joy"

Hiking With Herb

In life, we have many choices, some with exuberance, others not so much. On April 28th, my wife & I drove to Hood River, OR and met with our friends, Syndie & Chuck. We proceeded then to go for gourmet pizza at Solstice pizza place, the best pizza place EVER! I can still smell and taste it! The evening was filled with friendship & trail stories.
Early on Monday morning, I met with seven members of the hiking team at the Catherine Creek trail head. This is one of the many trails in the Columbia Gorge. We hiked 4.5 miles, in a few sprinkles of rain and sun. The agenda for the day was rainbows, flowers, and soft breezes. We had taken an opportunity & succeeded!
Much of life is one of choice and opportunities. Enjoy the present but have a vision for what could come next. Join us! ~ Herb

Katherine Creek

Hiking With Herb

A Wish

Things don't always turn out the way you wish. However what more could you wish for when you have good friends, a sunny day, and cool breezes for a hike.
Monday, April 22nd was a fabulous day. The "Hanford Reach" is a place of several choices. We chose to hike near the Columbia River over several hilltops and back up the road for a total of 5 miles. The five of us could not wish for a better adventure! What is your wish? ~ Herb