This park is clean and peaceful, I've come here 3x now and loved it. I paddleboard here and it's…read moregreat especially since there are no houses and boats. There's a playground off to the side, bbq grills and several benches.

One of absolute favorite parks to visit. I come here just to get away and relax and get lost in my…read moreown thoughts whenever I need a break. I brought my boyfriend with me the other day and he loved it too. The bathrooms are clean, stocked and overall well maintained which is a huge plus for me because park bathrooms are usually pretty icky The trail is an easy peasy, 99% flat 1.4 miles with a few off trails leading to water access. This place is gorgeous on bright days but also on gloomy, rainy WA days. The girl at the booth who sold me a Discover Pass on July 4, 2016 was very friendly. She's the only park worker I've ever interacted with in the dozens of times I've been here. If you're in the area and looking for an easy and beautiful stroll, definitely stop in here.

Gold Creek Trout Farm in Woodinville, Washington, is a charming, family-owned U-fish trout farm…read morethat delivers an accessible, hands-on fishing experience especially well-suited for beginners, families, and kids. Located at 15844 148th Ave NE (essentially in the front yard of owners Pam and Cecil Thomas), it sits just minutes from Seattle and a short drive from Woodinville's wine country. Because it is private property, no fishing license is required--a major plus that removes a common barrier for casual visitors and families. The setup is straightforward and low-prep. Upon arrival during open hours (primarily weekends, typically 10 a.m.-2 p.m.--always check their calendar page for exact days, special events, or "bring your own gear" dates), the farm supplies simple cane poles, putty-like fish-food bait (not traditional worms or nightcrawlers), buckets, and nets. Staff (including the friendly and knowledgeable owners) offer pointers on baiting the hook and technique, but this is emphatically a do-it-yourself experience: they will not bait hooks for you or remove fish from the hook. You handle those steps yourself (or help your kids do so). This hands-on approach is part of the appeal for many visitors--it teaches basic angling skills in a controlled, success-oriented environment rather than a full guided lesson. There are two main shallow ponds. One is stocked with smaller rainbow trout (roughly 10-16 inches, priced at about $13 and under). The other holds a wider range of fish (10-36 inches), priced according to length with a chart available in the cleaning area. Fish are often cooperative, and many families report catching several in an hour or so, including kids landing their first fish. Larger specimens are visible and catchable with a bit of patience and help from an adult netting the fish properly. Important rule: there is no catch-and-release. What you catch, you keep. Pulling fish out by the line or mishandling them in ways that injure them is discouraged (and can lead to being asked to leave), so using the provided net is essential. The water quality is a standout feature. The ponds are continuously fed by protected spring water (estimated around 5,000 gallons per hour flowing through), so the water never sits stagnant. The farm is a state-certified food-fish supplier, and the trout are safe and tasty to eat--many visitors describe a notably fresh flavor. After fishing, you can have the fish cleaned and bagged for a modest fee (around $0.75 per fish; self-cleaning with your own knife is also an option when available). Bring a cooler with ice to transport your catch home. There is also a feeding area where, for a quarter, you can get fish food and toss it to the trout--a popular activity while waiting for the group or just for fun. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and low-key rather than a high-production commercial attraction. It sits under trees on a quiet hillside, with a covered picnic area available (reservable for parties or groups for a fee, often around $30 for a couple of hours). Picnic tables can be used briefly for snacks. Facilities are basic but functional: a restroom near the entrance gate, accessible parking, and wheelchair accessibility noted by some visitors. Strict rules help keep the place pleasant--no pets, no smoking, pack-it-in/pack-it-out for trash, and respect for the private property. Cash is preferred (cards incur a 3% fee; no Apple Pay or checks). Bags for fish are available for a small charge or bring your own. For families and first-timers, this place shines. Kids as young as toddlers can participate successfully with adult help, and many reviewers highlight the joy of watching children land their first trout and the educational farm-to-table aspect of taking dinner home. Owners Pam and Cecil are frequently praised as kind, helpful with tips, and willing to share a bit of history about the farm if you ask. Birthday parties and school/group bookings are available by appointment (with specific pricing and expectations that groups bring enough helpers for baiting and unhooking). Practical tips from the experience and reviews: Arrive early on open days, as hours are limited. Wear or bring sun protection and water on warmer days. Be prepared to get a little messy (bait and fish handling). Return unused bait and equipment so the farm can reuse it. Check the official calendar before going, as hours and "bring your own gear" days vary seasonally, and some holiday weekends have extended or special rules. If bringing your own gear on permitted days, poles must be checked, hooks must be #6 or smaller (no trebles), and you clean your own fish.

Outstanding experience and so convenient. Kids loved it and the owners were so kind & helpful with…read moretips, and giving my daughter extra support given how well her brother was doing. =) Very reasonable prices too.

The review is for the Blanca Lake trail in the Amazingly Beautiful Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National…read moreForest, which has many beautiful trails to explore, which I'm just getting started on. Lol This one is an adventure in itself just getting to, literally of the beaten path, even with its popularity. You will be in the heart of the Cascades after the drive and hike. The last six miles of road is gravel, so it's a slow but scenic drive, after sone of the breathtaking views of the mountains driving up highway 2, which leads over Stevens Pass, almost there, but not quite. Just like the drive, the trail is a rock and root trail, so with both, don't hurry, enjoy the moments, stop and take in the views, forest, nature, and quietness. This is a highly moderate to hard hike, come prepared... plenty of water ( not a single plastic bottle) lots of water, snacks or lunch to enjoy along the trail, while enjoying the beautiful lake views, and to stayed fueled on the way back. Like many of summer hikes I've experienced, watching people not prepared, exhausted and dehydrated, sad days!! A little prep makes for a enjoyable memorable day, not life threatening... seriously! The first four miles are a fairly long cross cross ascent, once you get to the ridge, more amazing views can be seen, till then, you get peek a boo views of the mountains. Once you get to Virgin Lake, you'll start the descent to Blanca Lake, you can hear the waterfalls from the lake, pretty much down to it. Around the lake there was still good size areas of snow melting in the shaded areas. Great views of Columbia peak and glacier (which feeds into the lake) along with many more amazing peaks to views in this glacier valley. The water color is so beautiful!! Getting its color from the glacier water source. I was grateful for the reviews from fellow yelpers and AllTrails, for the recommendations of taking sandals and clothes to swim in, I wore very light hiking clothes which dry fast, and the shoes are helpful for sharp rocks and slippery logs. Yes, even more grateful after watching many falling over the very slippery logs, painful to watch. The waters was amazing! Not as cold as you would expect coming off the glacier, but it was refreshing after a long hike on a very warm day. So worth bringing extra gear. After enjoying a quick lunch with all the amazing views, it was time for the hike back up, and yes, it's a hike up, remember that when you're going DOWN to the lake, it's going to be uphill all the way past Virgin Lake to the ridge. I recommend hiking poles, even if you don't feel they're necessary for the hike up, they definitely make the descent over rocks and roots easier to negotiate. Definitely a hike not to rush, stop and breathe, enjoy the views. This time up I had a fun encounter with the pair of squirrels, letting myself and a few other hikers that stopped to enjoy the spectacle of the squirrels (as. I had to explain) letting us know to stay away from their tree, with squeaks and hand tapping, pretty sure they had young ones up further in the tree. Just another fun part of the adventure in nature. I definitely recommend starting early as this will be a all day adventure, due to the travel and hiking time. Also note, due to a major washout, you will be parking on the side of the road as the washout adds another mile to the trail, the real parking lot is on the other side of the boulder and rock field. It's also a popular hike, so more than likely, especially on the weekends, there will be more people. After the hike, it's a good things Monroe is not far away for some good food and brews( Which it has many options of) I definitely recommend this one, well worth the hard hike, for the amazing lake and views of so many peaks. Not to mention getting to witness a glacier. Come prepared, please! Happy Hiking! God bless and multiple Cheers!

This national forest is a treasure and it's really beautiful…read more Whether you want to go for the day, spend the night, rent a campsite or go hiking/fishing/exploring for several weeks, this forest is perfect. With the Greenwater River, fishing is plenty and you can't beat the scenery. The salmon run goes through here, and it's fun to watch. There are also lakes and gorgeous meadows, along with glacier capped mountains. There are multiple campsites to rent. In the warmer months, I've seen them full to capacity and in the spring/fall, I've seen a lot of space so check them out. Since it's a national forest, you're allowed to camp wherever you want to. There are countless places that are excellent spots to camp near the river or deep in the woods. Even in the summer when there have been tons of people at the campsites, driving just 2 minutes down the road made me feel like I was the only person in the world. It is so peaceful there. If you take the entrance going through Marysville then Granite Falls to the Mountain Loop Highway, you'll come across various B&B's on the way and fruit stands. You'll also see at the entrance a great log memorial to the wood there (see photo). I've seen owls, foxes, eagles, deer, and countless kinds of fish. A forest ranger stopped to check on me once when I was having a campfire with friends. He wanted to make sure we were OK and that our campfire was under control. He was kind and really cared about the woods and us. Go visit this natural beauty. It's incredible.

What a great park! Excellent river side hang out and spot to go swimming. Today was no exception…read more Slightly more crowded on this visit than a year ago. But still a very enjoyable experience. No walk today just hanging out water side with my bestie. A short walk down to the all rock beach. Be sure to bring a thick towel, a chair, or a pillow. There is small rapids here that is fun to float down. Water shoes highly recommended! And please pack out your trash. There is a bathroom next to the parking lot along with plenty of picnic benches of waterside isn't your style. The beach area has shaded areas which are perfect to avoid the sunshine. The water is very cold as well. Be careful and mentally prepared for it! Discovery Pass needed. Enjoy your life! SYOY!

There will never be a place I love more than this place. On the planet. But I come from the angle…read moreof having grown up here. My grandmother still lives within walking distance so when I say my childhood is in this water, it's no joke. I can still walk up the rock in the middle of my favorite swimming hole (at 43) like an easy set of steps and cannonball people with great enthusiasm. This park is a standalone experience. The Green River is ideal for fishing, kayaking, floating, swimming, and generally anything you'd like to do with a river except drinking. Don't do that, they pull a lot of bodies out of every year. I'd hazard a guess nearly all of those bodies made bad life choices with no respect for moving water. There is an excess of swimming holes along the stretch of river the park encompasses. This might lead you to think the fishing is also great. It is, but if it's swimming season, stick to early and late fishing because people will not respect your ill-timed line in the middle of the day. (This feud is as old as time). The camping in the park is limited although the implementation of yurts is adorable and fun, and they do accommodate RVs and tents as well. It's a great place to have an event, the availability of bathrooms and faucets has always been the standard I judge other parks by. Parking is limited, get there early or access it by taking the Long Walk. The rangers these days are young and friendly, and they deserve respect for the idiots they often have to put up with. I suggest getting the year pass for entry, you'll want to return. The park is exceptionally clean and well maintained, it hasn't changed much in the 40+ years I've known it because it's a solid setup. This is a beloved area. If you want to get drunk and stupid go upstream to the bridge or up the headworks road or downstream to Flaming Geyser area or Auburn. It's not a rowdy place, it's families doing family things. Whatever your swimming skill, there are beautiful places to put your body in the water either carefully and gently, with momentum aboard flotation apparatus, or from tall places. Respect the class IV rapids, they're easy to avoid. You can chase the sun around to all the different spots if you're apt to sunbathe, or avoid it entirely. The simple trail from one end to the other is a faerieland walk under beautiful canopy all year round. The water is pristine, the critters are adorable, and it attracts a nice style of people from many different places. Please respect it and enjoy, we're proud of this little jewel.

Great morning with Cameron! All 3 of us caught coho salmon and had a wonderful time!…read more Awesome guide and highly recommend Puget Sound Sports Fishing!

We had such a great experience! We caught over 20 fish throughout the trip and were able to keep 5…read moreto take home with us. Mantas was an amazing captain!! knowledgeable, personable, and kept us laughing the entire time while also teaching us so much along the way. He made the whole experience fun for everyone, and we couldn't have asked for a better day on the water. We would absolutely recommend this charter, especially for families. Such a fun and memorable experience!

Super cute park. Great walking paths through this converted golf course…read more Watch out for the gopher holes, I rolled my ankle in a couple. The paths are wonderful, grass covered and wide. They wind around the backside of the park, intermittently bending to kiss the lake before moving on. Mornings are lovely here. It's so peaceful to listen to the wind rustling the cottonwoods and the birds singing. The people you pass are always quick with a smile and a wave. There's good community feel. I really enjoy it here.

This is a great spot to unload the kayak or what ever your water floating device is. It's a popular…read morespot so it can get a little crowed on the boat launch on a sunny day, but most people move along rather quickly. It's an easy drop into the water and you're off to explore the cute lake. The lake has a little island in the center and lots of things on the side to look at, so this makes a great spot for paddling around. There were a lot of people fishing so it must be a good fishing spot too.