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• Hike of the Week for Aug. 21: Scott Paul Loop Trail

  Hike of the Week for Aug. 21: Scott Paul Loop Trail

  The 6-mile Scott Paul Trail (No. 603.1) joins the Park Butte Trail (No. 603) to make a nice loop journey with the high point in the middle of the trip. Heading clockwise, hike two miles on the Park Butte Trail, turning right at the junction and onto the Scott Paul Trail, named in memory of the U.S. Forest Service employee who is credited with the concept and execution of the plans for this trail.

• Hike of the week for Sept. 11: Gobblers Knob

  Hike of the week for Sept. 11: Gobblers Knob

  This hike in Mount Rainier National Park is a 13-mile trek if you start within the park. But there is a backdoor route, starting in the Glacier View Wilderness just west of the park that takes you by Goat Lake and cuts almost 6 miles off the trip.

• 5 autumn hikes in Whatcom County to color your life

  5 autumn hikes in Whatcom County to color your life

  Get out for fall colors this year, Pacific Northwest style. Look for charming reds, oranges and golds by way of vine maples, blueberry shrubs and larches. Other seasonal splendors come courtesy of mountain ash, sedge and false hellebore.

  You can head into the Cascade Mountains for autumn hues, or enjoy an amble close to town. The colors come in waves in the Cascades, so call ahead for the best time to go.

  Here are five hikes or outings to enjoy this fall, along with the other visual rewards they offer:

• Hike of the week for Sept. 18: Kelly Butte Trail

  Hike of the week for Sept. 18: Kelly Butte Trail

  This short hike offers an opportunity for slow progress up the trail to enjoy the scenery and a day in the wilderness. Taken at a faster pace, it is a good conditioner hike for more energetic folks. Whatever your hiking style, you will want to check out this trail.

• Majestic Mount Baker looms large in Whatcom County lore and life

  Majestic Mount Baker looms large in Whatcom County lore and life

  Mount Baker towers nearly 10,800 feet in the sky, so massive that on clear days it can be seen as far away as Seattle. Whether because of its historic snowfall, its world-class skiing and snowboarding or its striking views, it's hard to think of Whatcom County and not think of Mount Baker.

  But there's much more to the mountain than simply snow and skis. It has been the site of major motion pictures, thrilling athletic events, important mining camps and some of the most bizarre events in the county's history.

  Want to dazzle your friends with your knowledge of Mount Baker? Read on.