Outcider: Paddling Lake Cushman with Herb

Located on the southwest border of Washington’s Olympic National Park, Lake Cushman formed in a deep glacial claw-mark carved out along the Skokomish River. The 4,000-acre lake is a particularly picturesque place to kayak. The stunning view from the top of Mount Ellinor turns on itself trading the sweeping panorama for the intimacy of the Skokomish River valley and steep slopes.

Peaks & Pints bartenders Erin Miller and Michelle Cove paddled Cushman Tuesday, Aug. 18 with Herb. The Peaks duo raised their Herb’s Cider Triplet cans toward Ellinor as they glided under partly cloudy skies. The crisp and dry cider is made from organic apples co-fermented with lemons and limes. It offers notes of fresh melon, green apple, and white wine with a tart citrus finish. It’s available in the Peaks & Pints cooler with many other canned cider options.

Pro tip: For those who don’t have their own equipment, Lake Cushman Resort offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Directions: Lake Cushman is an hour and 45-minute drive from Tacoma. From I-5 south, follow US Highway 101 north for 35 miles to Hoodsport. Take WA 119 north for 12.5 miles until you reach the lake.

Other canned cider options in the Peaks & Pints cooler

2 Towns Cosmic Crisp

Ace Guava

Avid Dragonfruit

Avid Pineapple Mango

Channel Marker Sunset Surf Session

Ciders of Spain Chai and Dry

Elemental Blood Orange

Elemental Pineapple

Elemental Lemoncello

Incline Prickly Pear

Incline Marionberry

Independent Lavender Perry

Longdrop Vanilla Honey

Portland Tangerine Dreamsicle

Republic of Cider Hibiscus Rose Julep

Reverend Nat’s Revival

Reverend Nat’s Viva La Pineapple

Reverend Nat’s Summer Punch

Schilling Grapefruit & Chill

Schilling Big Zesty Guava Lemonade

Seattle Cider Semi Sweet

Seattle Cider Dry

Superstition Super Station

Swift Tropic Haze

Swift Pomegranate

Tieton Bourbon Barrel Peach

Tieton Hazy Strawberry

Tumalo Huckleberry lemon

Union Hill DJ Dry

Yonder Palisades

LINK: Peaks & Pints cooler inventory