This book has a great selection of climbs from glaciered peaks like Mt Rainier to remote rock climbs in the North Cascades. The pictures of the routes and the graphics of the rock pitches are excellent. The histories of each climb add to the total enjoyment of doing a route. It is a pleasure to read and a real asset for the climber.

This book includes a great selection of climbs in the Cascade Mountains. From classic routes up Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker to more obscure climbs in North Cascade National Park, it has it all. The descriptions are clear and contain all of the pertinent information to get you to the top! The pictures of the routes and the graphics of the rock pitches are extremely useful. The history behind each climb also adds to the overall enjoyment of the climbing experience. It is a good resource for the beginning climber as well as the advanced. Read it and hit the hills!

This guide thoroughly describes several climbs in the cascades of Washington, ranging from simple walk-ups to technical rock climbs. It gives detailed information on the best climbs. I have used it extensively on numerous climbs and find it informative, current, easy to read, and very helpful. The maps and pictures with routes are especially helpful. Almost every major climb in the North Cascades is covered and the history section preceding the description of each climb is very interesting. This is a great book and a must for any mountaineer in Washington, whether they be a beginner or a seasoned climber.

Most of us who enjoy nature have relied upon "bird books" or other guides to the species at one time or another as we inquire about our surroundings. These dull but thorough reference books often make their topics LESS interesting, quelling the interests that they're supposed to serve. We look up our bird, animal or plant and then move on having learned little more than its Latin name. Ugh.

This book shines like a beacon to future nature writers as it uses every description as the basis for a prosaic mini-essay; rewarding curiosity with enlightenment, fascination and delight. Imagine a reference book so enticing to read that you can't stop reading with just one description. Instead, the object of your curiosity serves as a mere starting point in the book; the first page of what often becomes a genuine sit-down-and-read-it experience.

If every nature writer put this much love into their topics, the trails would be overrun with enthusiastic hikers. Here's hoping that the author visits your neck of the woods soon, and provides you with the same exuberant writing he's given us here in the Pacific Northwest.

Unlike cut and dried Siera Club and Audubon field guides that attempt (unsuccessfully in my opinion) to regiment nature, this book contains information that falls in the category of lore. Not only are the pictures good, but the text sparkles with knowledge of the Northwest's flora and fauna and the author's own good humor. Put this in your backpack next time you head for the Cascades or Olympics and you will not be disapointed.

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!

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.

This book is without a doubt the best non-technical description you will find on the geologic/tectonic evolution of the North Cascades of Washington State, and I am certain it will remain so for several years. The information presented in this book is synthesized from more than a century of field work conducted by numerous investigators, not least of which include the authors. I would recommend purchasing two copies (as I have): one for your library bookshelf and another for the rough-and-tumble environment of a backpack...

This superb book is a guide to the geology and natural history of the North Cascades-a wild, nearly roadless mountain range in northern Washington State. The book is not only an indispensable visitors' guide that describes key viewpoints and outcrop features along roads and trails in the region, but also explains to the novice, how the North Cascades came into being in wonderfully lucid language. It explains the ongoing geologic processes that presently shape this rugged country as well as the long history of tectonic processes that assembled the underpinnings of the range and led to the distribution of the varied rock units exposed on the peaks and gorge walls. The book is exceptionally well illustrated with dozens of exquisite, annotated sketches as well as colored photographs. This is simply the most authoritative and accessible resource available on the geologic story of this unique and beautiful region written by scientists that have spent decades walking and mapping the terrain and puzzling over how it evolved to its present state. It is a peerless quide to the area.

Although the content of this novel is aimed at Washingtonians the masterful writing of Mr. Carkonen can be appreciated everywhere. Mr Carkonen's skillful prose and mastery of the english language leave the reader wanting more. I must agree with the Vashon Island reviewer that most appropriately stated, "Sweet tasty tasty!"

all i can say after reading this book is, "Sweet tasty tasty!!"

This book is a must have for hiking Washingtonians. To start with the way the contents is set up you can quickly locate the area you want to hike. For each hike there is the distance, time, elevation, elevation gain, season when to hike, kind of hike and map number listed on the first page. Plus each hike has a simple map. There are a lot of day hikes, the kind I like to do in here, just a few 8 hour or more. This book along with "Don't Waste Your Time in the North Cascades" are essential for the weekend hiker in Washington.

This is a superb resource for skilled skiers who would like to get further into the backcountry and escape the crowds of intermediate skiers who throng to the easier, more well known spots. The Seattle backcountry ski community considers this book to be the premier guide for the area. Friends have been known to steal their friends' copies. Burgdorfer makes it clear that this book is for those who already know what they are doing. It includes tours that have been removed from newer books and excellent specific information on local snow, avalanche and weather conditions. Learn how to figure out where to ski on Saturday by paying a little attention to the weather during the week. If you are lucky enough to find a copy don't loan it out or you may never get it back!

This book covers a large variety of birds without being too complicated. The pictures are located on the ends of the pages, making it easy to thumb and find the bird you are looking for. The text tells bird features and interesting habits.

James Armentrout's latest novel is a splendid narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. An imaginative work of deceit, betrayal, and full blown action across the cold, merciless surface of the moon. Luna Police officer, Captain Paul Straker, was only doing is job when forces beyond his control changes his life in ways he could have never imagined. Framed for a crime he didn't commit and forced to live as an outlaw, Paul, with the aid of a beautiful investigavitve reporter, fights to clear his name and stop a sinister plot to destroy Earth's satellite network. In the grand tradition of Ben Bova, James Armentrout's Cascade Effect portrays a future where man is still influenced by the darker side of his nature. If you're a fan of the works of Ben Bova, the you'll definitely want to read Cascade Effect.