We live in a charmed land, a land of unparalleled, splendor, beauty and grace. From velvety green rain forests to rugged alpine ridges, western Washington offers a plethora of breathtaking images in diverse settings.

There are literally thousands of challenging hikes around the state. To determine which hikes are the best, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News conducted an informal survey with various hiking clubs and backpacking aficionados. Here, then, are arguably 10 of the best hikes on, "The Great Trails of Washington."

Before you begin your exploration, there are a few precautions you should take. Western Washington's weather is fickle at best and conditions change rapidly. So it is advisable to get the latest weather reports on the area you'll be visiting.

Always be sure to have plenty of water and/or a water filtering system. Whether you're doing a day hike or planning an overnight backpacking trek, it's good to have a good topographic map, a compass, pocket knives, waterproof matches, sunglasses, sunscreen, first aid, extra clothing, hats, toilet paper, flashlights with new batteries, ponchos for rain protection, and plenty of food. It's also important to have a whistle or mirror for signaling purposes. And pick up a detailed book or guide on hiking in the Northwest. It doesn't hurt to know where you are going and what elevation gains you can expect. Follow these simple suggestions and enjoy the magic of Washington's wilderness for years to come.

The trail to Cape Alava, on western Washington's extreme northwest coast, is an amazing journey from rain forest to sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean. From Port Angeles, take US 101 west to Highway 112. Follow Highway 112 for 32 miles to Lake Ozette Road and turn left. Drive for another 20 miles and you'll find the trailhead next to the Ozette Ranger station.

Cascade Pass probably has more annoying switchbacks than any hike you'll find in the Great Pacific Northwest. It's a little more than 7 miles roundtrip, but the views from the pass are incredible. To get there, take Highway 20 east from Mount Vernon for 46 miles to Marblemount. Turn east on Cascade River Road and follow it a bumpy 22 miles to the Cascade Pass trailhead.

Cutthroat Pass is an arduous 11-mile jaunt, but the scenery from Rainy Pass to the Cutthroat Campground is the best there is in the North Cascades. If you can, take 2 vehicles on this adventure. From Mount Vernon, drive east on Highway 20 beyond the Rainy and Washington passes to Cutthroat Creek Road. Leave 1 vehicle at Cutthroat Campground, then go back (west) on Highway 20 to the Rainy Pass (north) parking lot and begin your climb towards Cutthroat Pass. You'll wind up at Cutthroat Lake and the vehicle you left at the campground.

The Hoh River Trail is an unforgettable trip through lush rain forests and sub-alpine old growth stands. You can make this an easy day hike, or go the full 17 miles to Glacier Meadows. At that pinnacle, you're so close to Mount Olympus, you can almost reach out and touch it. From Forks, follow Highway 101 south for 14 miles south; then go east on the Hoh River Road. This will take you to the trailhead at the ranger station.

Ingalls Lake, south of Mount Stuart in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, is a pleasant 6-mile roundtrip hike through the Esmerelda Basin to Ingalls Pass. From Highway 970 east of Cle Elum, take the Teanaway River Road north. It eventually becomes Forest Service Road 9737 at 29 Pines Campground. Continue on the road until it ends and you'll find the trailhead.

Klahhane Ridge has two rewards: the immediate, expansive views of the Olympic Mountains at the trailhead and, after you hike a mere 3.5 miles, the added bonus... a view of the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Check out the brilliant wildflowers blanketing the meadows in late July. From Port Angeles, follow the signs to the Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Proceed to the Hurricane Ridge parking lot.

Mazama Ridge is a great, 5-mile loop in Mount Rainier National Park. It offers wonderful views of the Cascade and Reflection Lake. From Tacoma, drive 40 miles south on Highway 7 to Highway 706, which will take you to the Mount Rainier Park entrance. Continue 20 miles to the upper parking lot of Paradise Ranger station and you'll find the trailhead near the bathrooms.

The Plains of Abraham provides a stark contrast to the lush, dense forests of the Cascades. Resting in the shadows of Mount St. Helens, this 9-mile pilgrimage is a great way to experience the devastation wrought by the powerful volcanic eruption in 1980. From Randle, drive south for 8 miles on Forest Service Road 25. Turn west onto Forest Road 26. Continue 15 miles to Forest Service Road 99 and turn west. This will lead you to the trailhead at Windy Ridge.

Rainy Pass Nature Trail, a nice and easy 2-mile walk the entire family can enjoy. It's wheelchair accessible and offers satisfying views of Rainy Lake and the Cascades. Take Highway 20 east from Mount Vernon to Marblemount and continue for another 50 miles to the Rainy Pass (South) parking lot.

The Summerland Trail, in the upper White River drainage of Mount Rainier National Park, is considered by many to be one of the best day hikes in the Cascades. Your 9-mile excursion will take you through tranquil meadows and world-class vistas where the view of the Cascades is awe-inspiring. From Enumclaw, drive east on Highway 410 to the White River entrance of the park. Continue on for another 3 miles to the Fryingpan Creek Bridge and you'll find the trailhead on the other side of the road.