Aug 8-9th
Running from wildfires and sparkling water!
Sparkling waters and beautiful weather awaits!
Summahhhhh ☀️
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The Top Hits
Nathan's plan
I just backpacked Sahale Arm for the first time last week so I am a little tired. The marmot you saw in the thumbnail is actually a resident on the Sahale Arm! I'll likely be heading to try my hand at bioluminescence to have a more relaxed weekend and enjoy some time on the water during the day as well. If I wasn't so tired I'd probably head out for a wonderful backpacking trip filled with alpine lakes and beautiful wildflower to enjoy the warm weather, clear skies, and starry nights.
Hiking
Hard to go wrong this weekend! I think the only thing to keep an eye on is the AQI due to wildfires. Once you start to reach the Eastern most parts of the Cascade crest air quality begins to degrade. Check it the day before you go incase it's worth pivoting to somewhere more breathable.
It'll undoubtedly be a busy weekend at many national parks. If you are trying to beat crowds I often recommend looking at wilderness areas if you've made many rounds at the parks. These areas are equally as stunning and have so much to offer.
If I was going to go anywhere, I have spent a lot of time at the Olympics and personally really enjoyed the North Cascades last weekend so I might head there, albeit it was busy even on a Friday due to the nice weather. Adjacent to the North Cascades are the Stephen Mathers Wilderness Area, take a look there!
Some ideas! These recommendations span the North Cascades region not the National Park.
Take a look at what you might see and what's flourishing right now.
Bioluminescence & Stargazing
Moon Illuminance:
- Saturday: 26%, rises at 12:36 am
- Sunday: 16%, rises at 1:39 am
The moon is hitting snooze on the alarm clock! This is perfect, we don't have to stay up as late for dark skies because the moon just like the sun begins to rise at a certain time. Want to go see some bioluminescence or stargaze, wait two hours after sunset and off you go. Just note the times I have listed for when the moon will come up, you'll want to go before then. For both bioluminescent plankton and stargazing, get as far away as you can from light pollution. If you can't get to the far reaches of the state, that's completely okay. I've seen bioluminescence at Golden Gardens in Seattle and it was absolutely breathtaking. I'll be heading there again this Friday to try my hand. You work with what you got!
In other news. The new moon is fast approaching next week on August 12th and it happens to be bringing a friend, the annual famous Perseid Meteor Shower. Get ahead of that now and start looking at taking a late night drive or hike to an open area and calling in sick the 13th hahaha. I've never seen star trails as thick and long as the Perseids and it can truly be a breathtaking experience.
More Recommendations
Lowkey
With summer weather truly in tow, I think we all feel the pressure to sometimes take advantage of the weather and do something grand. Alternatively, I think there are some great ways to soak up the sun without burning yourself out. A walk on ferry ride and browsing some of the nearby islands on foot is a great way to spend the day. I always enjoy a relaxed paddle boarding sesh with some friends or going kayaking near Anacortes. Bowman bay is a great place to rent! Point is, it's good to take it chill from time to time if you're feeling overloaded and maybe the AQI is outside your comfort zone.
Foraging
Lots of fishing is open currently! You can take a look below at what marine area is nearest to you and possession limits. Take a look below as the regulations especially for Salmon change more than others. Crabbing is open in many areas as well but will be closing down September 7th for Marine Area 10 - Seattle/Bremerton. Get on it before it is too late! Both salmon and Dungeness crab are highly sought after in the state. Take a look at the links below to get started! I've been looking to see if I can list some local rental services but at the moment don't see anything sadly.
Map of the different marine areas.
Fish Possession Limits
Crabbing GuideM
Crab Guidelines
Diving
Visibility has been reported among the 15-20ft, hopefully that improves. With the warm weather who doesn't want to take a cold dip.
