Don J. Scarmuzzi

Day Hikes in Washington State covers the authors 90 favorite trails, loop and summit scrambles. The hikes are divided by region. Each trail description states the elevation, vertical gain, distance, duration and difficulty. There is a trip report. A description of how to get to the trailhead is included along with a route description. A map with contour lines is shown for each hike. The map has a scale and marks the viewpoints. A picture along the trail is included for each trail.

I am looking forward to using this guide. I only wish there was a chart with a breakdown of the trails by difficulty. Depending on the day and time I have, I may be looking for different level trails. I am glad to see the contour lines on the maps. I think the descriptions and information is invaluable.… (mere)

Scarmuzzi offers detailed information and directions for 90 different trails in western Washington, complete with maps and beautiful photographs. With the title of Washington State, and as a life-long Washingtonian, I was expecting a better representation of hikes throughout the state; instead, a vast majority are based in only three regions, those being Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and the central Snoqualmie National Forest areas. Another important thing to note: these hikes are not meant for the casual day tripper. Out of 90 hikes, only around 10 are listed as easy to moderate, while the rest are in the strenuous/very challenging/expert range.

Recommended for those looking for more challenge in their hiking experiences.… (mere)

Day Hikes in Washington State is a follow up to Day Hikes in the Pacific Northwest. Having not read the Pacific Northwest guide I had no idea what to expect from the Washington State guide. Even more so, since I am on the East Coast and have never been to Washington State, this seems like an odd book to request as an Early Review. I am an avid hiker and wanted to review a book based solely on its information. I feel I would review a guide differently if I was intimately familiar with the area.
In truth, I can only find one thing to criticize. Scarmuzzi is uber current by talking about social distancing. Hopefully we won't always be in this Covid predicament and that information will become obsolete. The good news is I can imagine this book dog-eared, sun-faded, and well-read in the back of some car's back window. There is a good deal of valuable information and all of it is incredibly organized. The photography is gorgeous. The maps are clear. What is unique about Scarmuzzi's book is each trail is intimately detailed all along the route. He includes more turn by turn descriptions than your standard guide book, going beyond just stating level of difficulty and elevation.
I enjoyed this guide so much I may have to make a trip to Washington just to hike the trails, loops and summit scrambles Scarmuzzi recommends. In the meantime, I urge him to visit Monhegan Island and write a book about their coastal trails. It would be fantastic!… (mere)