Aaron Lichtner

I like to make stuff

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Hiking

A log of hikes around Washington state.

Summary

Date Hike Region Miles Gain (ft) Drive (hr)
2026-06-29 Sultan River Canyon Trail Hwy 2 / Central Cascades 4.0 900 1.5
2023-09-30 Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer Hwy 2 / Central Cascades 6.5 1,200 2.0

Sultan River Canyon Trail

Jun 29, 2026

Distance: 4.0 mi · Elevation gain: 900 ft · Drive: ~1.5 hr
Near: Sultan, WA
WTA

This is a small hike near Sultan, WA. The area is controlled by the Snohomish County Public Utility District and is the water supply for Everett. It was a wet cool day in June when we did this hike. It starts off going up a very well-tended forest road and then crests and starts going down after about 0.5 miles. There were small waterfalls and wildflowers on the way. At a mile there is a juncture with a sign and a trashcan. You can continue on the forest road but the Sultan River Trail actually goes off to the right down a ridge towards the river. After this point you’re on a hiking path winding down through beautiful forest. Lots of waterfalls and ripe huckleberries and salmonberries as you go down. There were an incredible amount and variety of slugs on the way too. A mile along this path you hit the river where there are some nice views and areas to eat lunch. That’s it, short and sweet.

Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer

Sep 30, 2023

Distance: ~6.5 mi · Elevation gain: 1,200 ft · Drive: ~2 hr
Near: Index, WA · Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
WTA

We picked this one for the fall colors and weren’t disappointed. The trail climbs through dense forest before opening onto a long ridgeline with sweeping views of the Cascades in every direction. The huckleberry bushes had all turned deep red and the whole ridge was on fire with color.

The forest on the way up was full of mushrooms — an embarrassment of fungi at every step.

Orange mushrooms on the forest floor

Cauliflower mushroom

Once we broke out of the trees the views opened up fast. On a clear September day you could see all the way to the Cascades spine — snowcapped peaks above a sea of red and gold.

Jamel on the ridge

Cascade views from the ridge

And then at the top, I proposed. Jamel said yes.

We got engaged

Aaron on the rocky summit with fall foliage

Dog with mountain views and red huckleberry

WTA lists this as 8 miles but it’s noticeably shorter — closer to 6.5. The trailhead is easy to find off US-2 past Skykomish. Northwest Forest Pass required. Go in late September when the huckleberries turn.

Back at the trailhead