Trekking Washington

Rating:
Summary: terrific book!
Review: I have hiked and run the trails all over the Cascades for over 35 years, and have an extensive library of guidebooks (going all the way back to the original Manning's 100 Hikes from 1965). Although there are many excellent guidebooks and a few not so useful, this one is among the very best for the purposes of the fit who want some good long routes that are accurately described and detailed.
Here's why: I have been able to do the majority of the routes Mike describes, or at least portions of them, and I believe that his descriptions are "spot on". True, his recommended daily mileages are excessive for some people (witness a review here by another person), but for almost every trip Mike gives two alternatives to each 20 mile/day itinerary: 10-15 mpd, and 10 mpd. For those for whom 10 miles per day is still too much, relax, because there are plenty of guidebooks to trips for a more relaxed pace. So if this book isn't for the folks who don't want to or can't travel long distances, don't condemn it!
One of the strengths of the book is his attention to detail of water availability and campspots. I do, however, find his list of clothing and equipment to be a bit overkill. To do some of these trips with 35 or 40 or 50 pounds would be too punishing to be really enjoyable. It is possible to pair the weight down considerably, perhaps at the sake of comfort but not safety, but that is a whole 'nother story. Also, for those so inclined, running rather than walking allows one to travel easily 35-45 miles per day. Many of the treks Mike describes make fine multi-day fastpacks and can be done in half the time he recommends, even considering his fastest-paced itinerary. But for the trips of over 100 miles, logistics for food become problematic and make running with a 20+ pound pack lots less fun.
The book has excellent production quality, and the selection of photographs is stunning, a tribute to the author's photographic skill and also to the beauty of the Cascades and Olympics.
Well done, Mike!

Rating:
Summary: terrific book!
Review: I have hiked and run the trails all over the Cascades for over 35 years, and have an extensive library of guidebooks (going all the way back to the original Manning's 100 Hikes from 1965). Although there are many excellent guidebooks and a few not so useful, this one is among the very best for the purposes of the fit who want some good long routes that are accurately described and detailed.
Here's why: I have been able to do the majority of the routes Mike describes, or at least portions of them, and I believe that his descriptions are "spot on". True, his recommended daily mileages are excessive for some people (witness a review here by another person), but for almost every trip Mike gives two alternatives to each 20 mile/day itinerary: 10-15 mpd, and 10 mpd. For those for whom 10 miles per day is still too much, relax, because there are plenty of guidebooks to trips for a more relaxed pace. So if this book isn't for the folks who don't want to or can't travel long distances, don't condemn it!
One of the strengths of the book is his attention to detail of water availability and campspots. I do, however, find his list of clothing and equipment to be a bit overkill. To do some of these trips with 35 or 40 or 50 pounds would be too punishing to be really enjoyable. It is possible to pair the weight down considerably, perhaps at the sake of comfort but not safety, but that is a whole 'nother story. Also, for those so inclined, running rather than walking allows one to travel easily 35-45 miles per day. Many of the treks Mike describes make fine multi-day fastpacks and can be done in half the time he recommends, even considering his fastest-paced itinerary. But for the trips of over 100 miles, logistics for food become problematic and make running with a 20+ pound pack lots less fun.
The book has excellent production quality, and the selection of photographs is stunning, a tribute to the author's photographic skill and also to the beauty of the Cascades and Olympics.
Well done, Mike!

Rating:
Summary: This book is a good read but . . .
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book because I have done most of the trips described and it brought back lots of good memories. However, the times suggested are unreasonable for most backpackers. Most of us just aren't in as good condition as this author. This doesn't mean the trips can't be enjoyed, just pick his slowest itinerary or chose your own time schedule.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Guide with Unreasonable Trekking Schedules
Review: This thorough guide provides excellent descriptions of the most stunning hikes in Washington. I have personally sliced out many of its pages and laminated them for numerous hikes. However, a caveat is in order when using this guide. The suggested trekking times are unreasonable for all but the most fit hikers (20+ miles per day in some cases).

While the author provides alternative trip scenarios which cover the same routes, albeit at a reduced pace, the timetables are still unrealistic. Use this guide as a reference only and plan your trips using a Topo map and string (for calculating distances). It is safer and wiser.