Explore Washington's Wilderness: Essential Ebooks for Every Outdoor Enthusiast
Washington State is an outdoor lover's paradise, attracting millions of visitors each year to its stunning landscapes and outdoor attractions.
View of Mt Baker
In 2022 alone, the state saw a 24% increase in visitor spending, reaching $22.1 billion. According to data from State of Washington Tourism, 102.2 million tourists came to explore iconic sites like Mount Rainier, the Space Needle, Snoqualmie Falls, and Ruby Beach. Seattle itself, known as one of the nation’s most outdoor-friendly cities, boasts easy access to a range of recreational activities thanks to its unique setting among forests, water, and mountains.
For anyone looking to experience Washington’s natural wonders, it can be challenging to know where to start. However, there are lots of ebooks out there to help you along the way. The ebooks on Everand offer an accessible, portable guide to navigating the state’s diverse landscapes. On this digital library, you'll find essential titles for adventurers including Hiking Washington's History by Judy Bentley and Rail-Trails: Washington & Oregon by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. These ebooks can be downloaded and read offline, ensuring that you'll always have a handy guide in your pocket. Below, we’ll explore these and other must-have ebooks for anyone ready to immerse themselves in Washington’s wilderness.
Hiking Washington's History by Judy Bentley
Judy Bentley's Hiking Washington's History is more than a trail guide; it’s a journey through the stories and history embedded in Washington’s landscape. The ebook covers 40 historic trails, providing a mix of day hikes and multi-day backpacking guides across the state. Each chapter starts with a regional history overview and then introduces trails with individual maps, route details, and historical highlights. Trails range from Cape Flattery on the northwesternmost tip of the US mainland to the Blue Mountains in southeastern Washington.
This ebook is particularly valuable for those seeking to explore renowned wilderness spots like the Enchantments in the Washington Cascades. The Enchantments, part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, are known for their rugged peaks and pristine alpine lakes. With limited cell service in the area, Hiking Washington's History can be downloaded for offline access prior to your hike. We recommend using it alongside the Outdoors NW navigation app by Northwest Portal, an essential tool for navigating the Enchantment's remote terrain.
Mountain Climbing in Washington State by Donald R. Tjossem
For those interested in mountaineering, Mountain Climbing in Washington State by Donald R. Tjossem gives readers a unique visual exploration of Washington's peaks. The ebook highlights the mountains that have served as training grounds for some of the most famous international climbing expeditions, including those led by the first Americans to summit Mount Everest. Washington’s mountains, particularly Mount Rainier, are renowned not only for their climbing challenges but also for their breathtaking views.
This ebook is a valuable record of Washington’s famous peaks, many of which remain untouched by casual hikers due to their remoteness. Notably, Mount Rainier, one of the state’s most iconic mountains, has experienced dramatic changes due to climate change, with 42% of its glacier ice disappearing since 1896, and at least one glacier vanishing completely. The ebook serves as both a guide for climbers and a reminder of the effects of climate change on these irreplaceable landscapes.
Rail-Trails: Washington & Oregon by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating trail networks from former railroad lines and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle. With over 1 million members, the organization works to connect communities nationwide through accessible trails. Thanks to the group's work, trail use saw a notable 45% increase in 2022 compared to 2019, reflecting a growing interest in outdoor activities.
Rail-Trails: Washington & Oregon provides a comprehensive guide to these rail trails, with detailed descriptions for each trail, including trail length, surface type, and permitted activities. Each trail entry includes a map, start and end points, directions to trailheads, and information about amenities like parking and restroom facilities. This guide is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts interested in exploring scenic, easy-to-access trails suitable for walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Navigating the trails
Once you have picked your next adventure from one of these great e-guide books, you can use the Northwest Portal maps and apps to help navigate and find other nearby opportunities.