-Erin Russell, Chinook Book Sales Coordinator
The fall leaves in the Cascades are one of my favorite things about this time of year. I made a point to plan a fall hike just to take in the reds, oranges and yellows that splatter the green mountains before falling for the winter. But, you are probably asking yourself, what do donuts have to do with this? Well what else are you going to fuel yourself with before a hike?!
Forrest, my partner in crime, and I made our way to Mighty-O Donuts in the lovingly-named neighborhood of Tangletown in Seattle. This was the first time either of us had been to the cafe, having only enjoyed their goods from the PCC pastry case. The variety was mesmerizing and I tried not to drool on the glass case. I chose the Don King, a chocolate donut with vanilla icing and coconut and let my gluttony show by also indulging in the seasonal Pumpkin Spice. Forrest went with the French Toast and the Cinnamon & Sugar. Coffee from Mighty-O was also a necessity and it was great to know that it was Fair Trade and organic.
Back in the car we enjoyed our breakfast on the drive up to the Northern Cascades to a trail called Iron Goat Loop. I picked this hike for three reasons: one, it was a good distance/elevation gain for a leisurely Sunday hike; two, the Washington Trail Association listed it as showcasing fall color; and three, it also had spooky, dilapidated train tunnels. All perfect reasons for a post-Halloween, fall outing.
The hike was a great loop with the lower path being fairly wide and accessible, and the upper path leading you over, around and sometimes through train tunnels and snowsheds dating from the late 1800's to the 1920's. The Iron Goat did not disappoint, with the fall color as well as views of Stevens Pass. The mountains were breathtaking, spotted with fall color and we could already see some snow forming on the peaks.
Our leisurely hike brought out my appetite that the nuts and apples that I had packed for snacks just couldn't satisfy. Thankfully, when we returned to the car, the Don King donut was waiting to be immediately devoured!