In between some pretty amazing hikes lately, I have been able to add a few updates to my post Must Hike Must Eat on great places to eat healthy before and after a hike in the PNW by visiting two restaurants I had not actually sat down to eat at yet. I was not disappointed!
This last Friday I did a hike slash snowshoe to Copper Lake on the West Fork Foss River Trail and then again on Saturday because it was so much fun and I wanted to take the bf back up to enjoy it as well. Nothing like a good workout and lakeside solitude. It involved a lot of up, down, around and over of downed trees, starting with a blocking landslide across the road a mile from the trailhead.
Looking back at the cars.
A large downed cedar tree. That is NOT the trail in the middle. It did smell SO good though, I LOVE the scent of cedar.
Sticky branches. The trail is in there somewhere!
Sketchy water crossing and then up on the snow. You can’t see but it drops right off on the left.
Across the water then up on the snow, over the foot bridge and back up on the snow.
The trail was completely covered in snow as you get closer to this alpine lake making for slow going, especially with the warmth of the snow. Lots of sliding back down! It was all totally worth it (both times) to have the lake to myself (ourselves).
Snow bridges and the sound of melting snow.
It’s important to be careful around those tree wells, especially the ones right on the lakeshore. Guess I should have been helping instead of taking pictures and laughing at this moment. No worries, he’s fully qualified SAR; he’s got this.
This is that dark spot (AKA lake) you see just behind and to the left of the tree he’s hanging on.
You can read my trip report here, it’s easy to see why this is one of my favorite trails.
Driving back from the hike, we started discussing our dinner options and whether or not we wanted to cook. It wasn’t hard to convince me to eat out, considering how hard we had worked today (and for me, yesterday, too). The Wallace Falls Cafe in Gold Bar instantly popped into mind. Not only did their spring rolls sound good, I had been meaning to sit down and try some of their other more hearty dishes.
Before this, I had only had their spring rolls as take out (I will drive from my office in Monroe and back to get them!) but I had heard their other Vietnamese selections were good. Boy, are they. I ordered the spring rolls as an appetizer and we both decided on the same dish with different protein add-ons. The bf said for the quality and prices he would drive from home to eat here again! They even boast a secret family recipe pho we will have to try next time.
I do have to admit that one of the other reasons that I love going here is service is excellent and friendly. It is obvious the restaurant is filled with regulars and they keep them happy. When they didn’t have the dessert I wanted to try because it is so popular they sell out quickly (bananas with young coconut), they took my number to call me so I could come back in! Update: unfortunately the Wallace Falls Cafe is closed. You can find my other suggestions here.
In March, I went to the Mirkwood Public House in Arlington, WA with my friend Amy for our monthly book club dinner (proof I do something other than hike and eat). This restaurant is in the town of Arlington, the first town you come to after leaving I-5 heading on SR 530 towards Darrington and all the hiking on the Mountain Loop Highway and HWY 20 (AKA the Cascade Loop). Some folks head up I-5 all the way to Burlington and head over HWY 20 that way but I and most of my friends go this way. It cuts about 10 minutes off the drive and is MUCH prettier.
I listed this place on my previous post because their menu boasts organic and local selections. I think they used to be a vegan centered establishment but have changed to a more encompassing menu over time. I started off with an appetizer of sweet potato fries after confirming they didn’t have the usual coating of flour used to make them crispy. I also had a bottle of organic cider because the cider on tap was out.
Let’s just say they exceeded my expectations with their crispiness and slight hint of rosemary.
I enjoyed the Pear and Walnut Bleu Cheese Salad as my entree (yes, bleu cheese again) and everything was fresh and crisp. I normally skip the bread but when she offered gluten free without my request (because I had asked about the fries) I said yes just for fun.
My friend Amy had the Greek omelet with egg whites only and when she turned down the gluten free bread she was offered apples slices instead (and these were definitely NOT McDonald’s Happy Meal apple slices). All this and NO extra charges on our bills. Now, I must warn you that this restaurant is unique and offers an ambiance you don’t find just anywhere with the tattoo parlor upstairs and the slightly edgy (okay, pretty edgy) music playing (Linkin Park, anyone?). But the space is open and welcoming (kinda a saloon meets mosh pit thing) and families were present. They use cloth napkins, nice serviceware, compostable take out boxes and have karoake on Wednesday nights!
Check out the updates on my original post here. And then go check those eateries out for yourself after your next hike!
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If you need some healthy eating inspiration start here:..
Need some eating out suggestions when friends want to stop after a hike? I have a Pacific Northwest Eating Guide here.
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