Where can I hike during winter?

Submitted by oeren2 t3_xzb7b9 in Washington

Hi all. Recently moved to WA and have been enjoying the trails around here. But I know winter is just around the corner and I’m trying to figure out which challenging trails I can actually hike during that season. My main hiking season when I lived in New England was winter, so I have the gear and feel comfortable on snow and ice. I just don’t know what ends up being accessible. I’d like to stay in shape but don’t want to just lug up Si and Mailbox week in and week out, I’d like to explore a bit too. Google searches just give me a lift of easy routes.

Note: I plan on taking an avalanche education course in Janury.

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Keikyk t1_irlktxh wrote

WTA.org is your friend

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irish1185 t1_irnd3b4 wrote

I feel like this is a good time for a reminder before we go into the Winter hiking season. Make sure you bring gear for changing weather conditions, dress in layers. Check the Northwest Avalanche Center https://nwac.us/ before you go out for updated conditions. And please let someone know where you are going and you are going to return (additionally a photo of what your gear looks like for the day, jacket, pack, etc.)

Now that being said, where in WA are you located, that helps with recommendations. There are a number or hikes labeled snowshoe on WTA.org and those would be good to look into for early winter before they get too deep (unless you want to snow shoe). I like some of the falls hikes when they ice over (Bridal veil and Mashel falls are cool looking). There are also hikes like Iron Horse and Iron goat that are covered in parts to survive avalanches when they were rail lines.

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PurpleDiCaprio t1_irlyo5m wrote

I use WTA. It will have a trail listing delegarte for snow and not snow.

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CaspinLange t1_irlsfi1 wrote

AllTrails is great for discovering trails

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Tha_new_girl t1_irmtn7f wrote

My rainier. The paradise visitor center has lots of maps to grab of trails and great snowshoe trails nearby. It’s absolutely breathtaking there.

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Lupine-lover t1_irnsgy2 wrote

Snowshoeing! Cross country skiing. Look at the Wonderland trail at Paradise. There are some other trails up there for both. Husk and Cabin Creek, up at the Pass. Lots of back country nordic. Leavenworth, Chelan and Winthrop, the queen of groomed trails for Nordic. 100 miles of groomed trails. There is snowshoeing on the Winthrop town trail and in the Big Valley. There is fat tire bike riding. If you aren’t a Nordic skiier yet, visit on Winthrop, BackYard ski day for free ski rentals, treats at the Hockey Rink and a free ski lesson. January 27, 2023

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