Winter
Seeking Winter Sunshine at Lake Chelan
“300 days of sunshine” is a promise worth traveling for — especially in the winter. So after spending much of the season in hibernation, my partner and I hit the road for a destination just three hours from the Seattle area: Lake Chelan. This massive, glacially-carved lake runs over 50 miles from the Cascade Mountains…
Read MoreSix Easy Grays Harbor Trails To Warm Up Your Winter
The weather outside may be frightful, but outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty in Grays Harbor County that’s delightful. That’s because coast-hugging Grays Harbor escapes the polar bear weather and deep snow common elsewhere in Washington, offering family friendly hiking and outdoor exploring even in the dead of winter. Trails featured below are easy, family friendly,…
Read MoreA Winter Hike to Franklin Falls
Resting between the north and south lanes of I-90 lies an idyllic scene, full of cedar and pine that seem to stretch miles into the sky and views of the mighty Snoqualmie River. On the South Fork of the river, a waterfall known as Franklin Falls flows powerfully into a small pool lined with rocks…
Read MoreSnowshoeing to Artist Point at Mount Baker
Offering unbelievable mountain views from the parking lot, Artist Point is the jumping-off point for many summer hiking and backpacking adventures. Winter is another story. When the road to the top is closed due to snow, Artist Point becomes the destination rather than the launchpad. The only other people you’ll see up there are fellow…
Read MorePlanning a Winter Trip to Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier National Park is considered to be one of the snowiest places on Earth, having averaged more than 640 inches of snow per year between 1920 and 2011. In the winter it truly is a winter wonderland. With the seasonal tourists gone, it’s easy to find isolation in the wintertime. Exploring Rainier in the…
Read MoreThe Magic of Crystal Mountain: Tips From a Snowboard Instructor
I hopped off Chair 6 and started traversing towards Southback. The resort was to my left and all 14,411 feet of Mount Rainier was staring at me on the right. I was starting to feel a little choked up and short of breath. I wasn’t tired or scared. I’ve done this plenty of times. I…
Read MoreA Newbie’s Guide to Snowshoeing in Washington
Have you ever gone snowshoeing during the winter? Washington State is full of seasonal snowshoe trails, from the Cascade Mountains to Central and Eastern Washington. Get started this winter with our beginner’s guide to snowshoeing in Washington. Choose Your Trail Before setting out, pick a light to moderate trail for your earliest snowshoe ventures. Among…
Read MoreSpending a Day in the Snow at Mount Baker
Winter at Mount Baker Located 52 miles east of Bellingham, the Mount Baker Ski Area is a dream destination for snow lovers. A far cry from flashy northwest resort towns like Whistler Blackcomb, this rustic and undeveloped ski area is all about the powder. Case in point: Mount Baker set the world snowfall record during…
Read MoreSpending a Weekend in Packwood
Nestled between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens on the Cowlitz River, the cozy town of Packwood offers the perfect mountain getaway experience. As the winter months descend on the Pacific Northwest, snow-seekers can find good beer, warm fires and freshly powdered mountains in Packwood. Easily accessible in about two and a half hours from…
Read MoreHiking Franklin Falls
Located just a few miles from the summit of Snoqualmie Pass, Franklin Falls draws novice and seasoned hikers alike, during any time of the year. This is the ideal hike for someone looking for a quick beginner hike, or a simple stroll, and it’s easily accessible for hiking enthusiasts on either side of Washington state.…
Read More