"The hike to this 7766-foot summit, a prominent peak within the rain shadow of Mount Rainier, is challenging—and, oh, so rewarding. Climb relentless switchbacks to a formidable ridge of rock and alpine tundra. Then scramble to the airy old lookout site while watching for mountain goats and beholding sweeping views from the glaciers of Rainier to the sagebrush steppe of the Columbia Plateau." Read more

"Perhaps it’s called Mount Aix (pronounced “aches”) because of how your body feels after huffing it up here. Crossing the talus fields near the top requires strong, steady legs and might be considered a bit dangerous due to the exposure. Getting to the actual summit of Mount Aix is precarious and might make you woozy if you’re not familiar with alpine scrambles. But oh the views! The good news is, if you aren’t feeling up for the summit, you don’t have to go to the very top to enjoy this hike. Sure, this is the toughest trip in this book, but the scenery from even Nelson Ridge will make you misty and will blow your mind." Read more