5 comments about Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula: The Best Trails You Can Hike in a Day (Day Hike!).

1. I consider myself a moderate hiker and had no trouble traversing the trails described in this book in the time frame stipulated. When I'm hiking I'm not studying flowers or sitting still looking for birds. I usually trot along at the average pace that rangers have told me most hikers do, two miles an hour. That includes stopping to take photos, appreciate views and grazing in the occasional blueberry patch. Mostly, however, I'm there to hike.
   
   Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula is a good, concise, easy-to-use guide that provides perfectly useable directions to trailheads. A pet peeve of mine is wasting valuable outdoors time trying to navigate my way in a car to a trailhead. I never had that problem with this book. In fact, I appreciated the tip provided for the trailhead at the end of the 8-mile gravel road accessed near the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center. I never would have known this narrow road leads to a trail.
   
   The walks listed are a good assortment for average day hikers. I only tried a few of them (Hoh River Trail being my favorite - not least of which is because there's basically no elevation gain and I saw 25 - 30 Roosevelt elk there!) so I can't vouch for the complaints of other reviewers. However, I've kept the book for future reference, meaning I'd definitely use it again. I can't wait to get back to the Pacific Northwest to explore more of the wonderful wilderness and hiking is the best way to do it.
   
   All in all I'd recommend this book. It's not perfect but for casual day hikers it can be mighty handy.



2. Just returned from the Olympic Peninsula and found this guidebook to be less helpful than expected. Perhaps things have changed their since the 2002 publication so double check info on hikes before heading out. Had trouble finding trailheads for #61, specific distances would have been helpful in the "Getting There" section, wasted 1 hr and lots of gas trying to find #59 Big Flat,never found it. A confusing time trying to locate #35 Mount Angeles Saddle, trailhead signage doesn't include this name, located it nearly a mile in. Recommend a more current publication.



3. I had high hopes for this book but, suffice to say, it's no longer in my collection. I have no question but that the author knows his topic. However, like a previous reader, I found myself confused and even lost (at $3.00+ a gallon) trying to follow directions that are too vague and in one case really led me astray.
   
   If you want someone's opinion (and don't we all have one), this book is okay. But do yourself a favor and cross reference suggestions and particularly directions. Or, better yet, just find a better resource. Sure wish I had.



4. I bought this book and "Best Easy Day Hikes Olympics" in 5/2007. I found this book, "Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula ...", to be much more substantial.



5. This is a very thorough hiking guide, no doubt about it. My only comment besides that is, the author is a VERY experienced hiker; so when he describes a hike as "easy", it might no really be the case! I am young and healthy, but the difficulty level seemed definitely more strenuous than described.
   On the other hand, if you are super fit, go for it, the book is good.

1 comments about Canoe and Kayak Routes of Northwest Oregon: Including Southwest Washington.

1. I live near the Columbia River, and when I bought my new Equinox Kayak (from Eddyline) I went looking for a really good book that would describe trips in Oregon that I might enjoy. Philip's book was just the ticket. It describes dozens and dozens of waterways that can be used for something as short as a day trip to something as long as a week or more. He describes trips on lakes, rivers and bays, with most trips being most appropriate for a sea kayak, though there are plenty of descriptions of trips appropriate for canoes and shorter river kayaks, too.
   
   Jones describes the salient issues associated with each trip, such as where to put in, take out, and hazards/points of interest along the way. He has lots of maps, though not particularly detailed (he has information about where to get detailed maps).
   
   Generally speaking I've found the rout descriptions accurate and detailed enough to make it work. If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing in northwest Oregon, this book really belongs on your bookshelf.

No comments about Moon Washington Camping: The Complete Guide to Tent and RV Camping (Moon Outdoors).

1 comments about Zagat 2008 Seattle Restaurants.

1. I have used Zagat guides for years. I am in Sales and entertain clients often so this is an indespensible tool for me and keeps me "in the know" on the hot spots in town. I keep one in my car and one in my office. Although I primarily use it for business, my husband and I refer to it often when heading out for dinner, too.

5 comments about Beyond Mount Si: The Best Hikes Within 85 Miles of Seattle.

1. This is one of 3 local hiking guides I have of the area and this is definitely the most user-friendly one. The driving directions were clear and the description of the hikes was acurate and very helpful.
   
   The thing I appreciate most with this guide provides was that whether or not there is a fee (parking and/or permit) involved at each hike. By listing who manages each trail, I could avoid arriving at a hike just to find out that I did not have cash to pay for parking or that I should have stop by a local vendor to get a pass/permit.
   
   Also, I always take my dog on hikes, so it is good to know the pet regulation at each trail.
   
   This is defnitely a must for everyone who lives in the Seattle area and wants to explore the local trails.



2. This is a great book for natives of the region who are into intense, strenuous hikes. I however, am more of a novice hiker and found only a few hikes in here that were of my skill level. There aren't too many hikes to pick from if all you want is an afternoon hike along the water or an easy day trip with the kids.



3. I just started hiking this year and so i wanted a guide that would help me.
   This is the one i chose. It gave me exact directions, difficulty level, hike conditions, best season to go , whether fees are applied, whether kids or dogs can be taken, what to see, what all to take along, time for a round trip, how many miles to walk etc.
   
   I think that was the sufficient information for us. We have taken many of them and had a wonderful time in seattle.
   
   Give it a try, its a good reference book.



4. This book does a great job of describing so many of the wonderful hikes the greater Seattle area has to offer, rating them for difficulty and scenery and giving useful hints and directions.
   
   We took our nine year old on several of the hikes and it was nice to know which ones would be most difficult and to tell him what to expect on the hike.



5. This book is by far the best of the bunch. It offers a concise overview, turn by turn directions and the best maps.
   
   One of the issues with other books is the maps look more like a bad b&w copy of a USGS topo map. Not this book!
   
   The maps in this book show the general area and most other trails in the area. Plus it highlights the exact route mentioned in the book. While this may seem basic, some other local books simply show the trails or have a topo like map without the trails highlighted.
   
   Its critical to have good maps as many local trail systems have confusing interconnecting routes.
   
   The other major bonus of this book is that it is really up-to-date and keeps to routes most folks can enjoy. Plus it gives honest comments about crowding and parking.
   
   I have taken seven hikes in this book this year and have enjoy each of them.
   
   This book is MUCH better than the Day Hike! series.

4 comments about Biking Puget Sound: 50 Rides from Olympia to the San Juans.

1. The book covers city rides, the suburbs and country rides. My favorite part was the San Juan Islands, a great place to get away for the weekend. the maps are clear, the book is easy to read and the route guides are simple. You won't get lost. I'm just getting back into bicycling again and this book has inspired me. It's a good book from new bicyclist to experienced riders.



2. This book is all someone would need in order to select an enjoyable bike route anywhere between Thurston County and the San Juans. Thorness has chosen 50 different tours, providing for each a clear map, elevation profiles illustrating terrain, and an interesting narrative describing the route and distinctive sights along the way. Each ride is ranked by difficulty; mileage and approximate riding time are also listed. Ranging from easy to difficult and from 10 miles to 50, there seems to be something here for any rider. A special benefit of the book is thorough description of many routes in heavily populated King County but those for other locations are equally helpful. Bill has ridden every one, most more than once I'd guess. In his introduction he says, "We are fortunate to live in a cycling wonderland, with the beauty of nature found everywhere, from diverse city parks to agricultural valleys, from waterfront lanes to island coastlines to mountainous back roads." These settings are accessible to bicycle riders and Biking Puget Sound contains all the details.



3. If you are weary of cycling the same old routes and are looking for something different... check this book out. Biking Puget Sound is a cool collection of 50 rides.
   
   Whenever I try to invent a new ride on my own...the results have often been frustrating. Other guides seem lackluster compared to this one. Biking Puget Sound is thorough, easy to use, and best of all.... fun!



4. Great book. Definitely got me inspired. Highly recommended.

3 comments about Day Hike! North Cascades: The Best Trails You Can Hike in a Day (Day Hike!).

1. I got this book because I read Mike McQuaide's "Trail Running Guide to Western Washington" and thought that anyone who could run more than 50 trails around here had to slow down eventually to write a hiking book.
   This one is a really good hiking book, too, with quick reference information on each trail at the top of the page. You can get everything you need to know about the hike without reading the whole description. Of course, if you do that, you'll miss some fine writing.
   This is another one of those new trail guides that provides the kind of information your feet will appreciate most, and there's none of the preaching and reminiscing you find in a lot of those older guides.
   If you're looking for the best guidebook to the trails of the North Cascades, you don't need to look any more.



2. I own the authors trail running book and liked it so I bought his new book as soon as it came out. It really fills the void in North Cascade guide books-it covers the Mt. Baker side very nicely, where other books ignore it. A definte must if you hike up here! I've carried it in my pack since I bought it. I like the rating system, the kid guide, the directions, and the topos - I also like that it isn't bulky or heavy. I met Mike Mcquaide at a book signing recentley - he really loves the trail!



3. I only got to spend a few days in North Cascades Nat'l Park so I had to find a guide that gave me the most bang for my buck. This is the book...
   
   One of the most frustrating things when trying to use a hiking guide is finding the trailhead to depart from. Not so with this book. It has good directions to the trails and nice, concise descriptions of the paths you'll be traversing. Two of the author's most recommended hikes (Maple Pass Loop & Cascade Pass) were also recommended by the ranger at the Newhalem Visitors Center. We took their advice and weren't disappointed, fantastic 6.5 to 7.5 mile trails, cool mountain temps and slopes covered with wild blueberries. We tried another trail near Mt. Baker but were turned back after thirty minutes thanks to a washed-out bridge over a raging torrent. That was OK, we used it as an excuse to spend the rainy afternoon enjoying our cozy cabin and its fire.
   
   There are some black & white photos in the book that don't do the vistas justice but that's OK. The idea is to get out there and experience the mountains for yourself. Day Hike! North Cascades is a handy and helpful guide for those of us who don't have time to really get into the back country for overnight camping.

1 comments about The San Juan Islands (Afoot & Afloat).

1. "The San Juan Islands (Afoot and Afloat)" is indespensable to a first-time visitor to the area. From a sailing point of view, it offered much information not to be found without experience, and experiences were found, thanks to the information contained therein. It is an excellent introduction to the islands, and a fine re-orientation after a season or so away. Highly recommended!

5 comments about Moon Handbooks Washington (Moon Handbooks).

1. You'll find no fancy illustrations in this book - simply good information.
   
   
   
   The author makes some snarky comments toward a local Christian ministry - which seems pointless - and includes a great deal of information specifically geared toward homosexual travelers. I didn't realize that was a niche market, but evidently it is.
   
   
   
   Regardless, the book is quite thorough, if opinionated. I prefer the "Hidden Washington" books for pointers on places off the tourist track.
   
   
   
   Recommended.



2. Even though published in 2003, this is by far the best advailable WA guide book. I would not think of visiting a state without the appropriate Moon supplemented by the WPA guidebook for that state[published in the thirties]



3. The first Moon book that I purchased several years ago was the book on Oregon. We made significant travel arrangements based on the information in that book and we were never disappointed.
   
   An upcoming trip to Seattle/San Juans is based on the information in the Washington book. The real beauty is that the book leads you to the most likely area to visit, gives references to hotels, etc., then you can complete your research by reviewing up-to-date information about that spot/hotel online. We chose Orcas island for 2 days before heading to Seattle and I do not expect to be disappointed.
   
   The authors are even-handed and complete --- they are not elitists, reviewing only the high-end accomodations. They have a good sample of a broad range of places. They point out lesser known restaurants and scenic spots as well.
   
   I have found their advice in the Oregon, Washington, Coastal California and New England books to be quite excellent.
   
   I have purchased quite a few different travel books in the past, but Moon Handbooks are my travel book of choice.



4. I turn to Moon Handbooks first for nearly every trip, and I haven't been disappointed yet. This is the first time I've bought a Moon Handbook that covers an entire state; the coverage is less in-depth for specific sites of interest like Olympic National Park, yet there is plenty of information for the many places a visitor to Washington State might want to see. Reading this book made me look forward to my trip even more.



5. My son recently moved to Washington State and I wanted a book that would help him get acquainted with his new home state. I enjoyed reading it, and he has found it to be an excellent resource.

1 comments about Out and About with Kids: Seattle: The Ultimate Family Guide for Fun and Learning.

1. We are headed to Seattle to "scope it out" for a possible relocation and I just received this book. It is simply laid out and obviously written by a parent who knows what kids enjoy. It focuses on non-"commercial", quality family time which I love!