It’s winter. And there’s a reason bears say the heck with it and crawl deep in their dens and don’t come out until spring.
But if you are an outdoor lover, it seems a shame to pass up a day on the trail just because the temperatures have dropped and there is a chance of rain or snow. So here’s our tips for surviving winter hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
1) Get a raincoat. A good one. Get rain pants.
2) Get good hiking boots. Waterproof.
3) Get gaiters.
4) Get micro spikes
5) Get hiking.
The benefits of the winter trails far outweigh a little rain. The trails are less crowded and there are plenty of options at varying elevation levels if you want to avoid snow.
Have a favorite trail? Give it a hike in the winter. You’ll already know where you are going and it’s a completely different world with no leaves on the trees. You might be surprised at the views you come across and the mini waterfalls that appear. And if it’s cold? It turns into a sparkling winter wonderland with ice crystals and icicles.
Are you a committed mountain goat and prefer going up? Try hiking along a river and meandering along it’s edge. You may be able to go much further when you aren’t putting out so much effort to go up!
Of course, it should go without saying that you must be aware of your surroundings and inherent risks in venturing out under less than ideal conditions.
Avoid windy days. If the ground is saturated with recent rains, trees may fall easier. Check snow levels and be prepared for a sudden drop in temperatures. Hand warmers are great to toss in your bag or activate first thing when you hit the trail. Don’t assume that the conditions in the city match what’s happening in the mountains. It could be sunny in town and stormy in the mountains or vice versa.
Winter hiking takes just a tiny bit more gear to stay comfortable and an adventuring spirit. But that’s what we are all about! Adventure awaits!
