Hiking 101: Winter Hiking
Winter is officially upon us, but that doesn’t mean that the hiking season has come to an end. Whether there be rain or snow, or even a few brief respites of sun, the outdoor adventures can carry on - and in some ways, they can be even more beautiful. When the days get shorter and the sky gets cloudier, you may either find less people out on the trails or join the migration up to snowier spaces. If you’re not interested in snow but unwilling to take a break from the trail, you can always consider finding coastal hikes or staying in the lowlands. But whether you choose to embrace the rain, slush, or snow, it’s important to be prepared for a winter adventure in Washington.
Winter hiking doesn’t have to mean more dangerous; you just need to be prepared for the different conditions that you’ll face. You also may need to be more mindful of the weather and where you’re going. There are several things that you can do to make sure that you are prepared for a wonderful winter hike in Washington.
Check trail conditions and weather.
Obviously you should always check weather when you’re going on a hike no matter what time of year, so that you’re not caught unprepared if the weather turns quickly. But while in summer it might be more about a matter of comfort, in winter it becomes especially important. Whether you’re trekking up into the mountains or staying at lower elevations, winter can have an impact on the safety of your hike. Check to see if your trail has washed out or become flooded (are your boots waterproof? Wet socks are never fun!), or if there’s enough snow on the ground that you’ll want microspikes to help with your stability - they can make a world of difference! If you find yourself heading high up into the mountains, you might be looking at a snowshoe trip instead of a hike, and you will want to be prepared or face a very tedious trek.
Start early.
One downside of winter is that the days are shorter, meaning that an afternoon hike can easily end in darkness. While it’s not impossible to hike downhill in the dark, if you’re not prepared it can make for a treacherous and tiresome end to your day. You don’t want to be caught in a downpour using your phone for light! And if you find yourself running out of daylight but haven’t reached the goal of your hike, never be afraid to turn around. Remember, it’s about the journey and not the destination!
Check road conditions.
In summer and fall often the greatest challenges to your trip to the trailhead are traffic and potholes. But come winter, you also have to deal with floods, fallen trees, and ice and snow. Check the conditions of the road before you head out - do you need chains? Should you have kitty litter in your car to help you if you get stuck? Is the road impassable? Check out the WSDOT mountain passes webpage for real-time data about driving conditions.
Assess your own comfort and driving skills as well. It’s never too late to learn to drive in the snow, but you don’t want to be learning in the middle of a blizzard! Check out these 12 tips to learn how to drive in snow safely.
Dress for success and pack what you need.
Everyone says it, and we’ll say it again: Pack your 10 essentials! But in addition to that, be sure that you are dressing appropriately and bringing the extra winter gear. For example, shovels for snow and avalanche beacons are a good idea if you’re heading up high. If you’re prone to getting cold, you may also want to bring extra clothing items (such as a change of socks) or hand and foot warmers.
We already mentioned having microspikes and/or snowshoes depending on where you’ll be (and in winter, having microspikes or crampons packed just in case is never a bad idea anyway) but you’ll also want to ensure that your boots and clothes are ready for the Great Cold and Wet. Make sure that your boots are insulated and ideally waterproof, to keep your feet warm and dry. Wear layers that you can strip as you hike; you want to avoid wearing wet and sweaty clothing as it can cause you to chill quickly when you’ve stopped moving. Cotton takes forever to dry, so it’s not something that you’ll ever want to wear in winter. Wool, polyester, fleece, and other materials are what you’ll want to stay warm. Additionally, make sure that your outer layer is waterproof - both your jacket and your pants. And finally, don’t ever forget those gloves and a hat to care for your extremities!
Know the snow.
If you do find yourself traveling to high elevations, it’s especially important to be aware of the dangers of snow. While breathtaking and beautiful, snow can have it’s own challenges. You’ll want to check on the weather and avalanche forecast conditions before heading out. The Northwest Avalanche Center also has some great tips and tricks to staying safe in the snowy Cascades. If you want to take things to the next level and be extra prepared, or find yourself spending a lot more time in snowy spaces, consider taking a free Avalanche Awareness course from the NWAC.
You may also want to familiarize yourself with other dangers that you can come across. For instance, tree wells are the space at the base of a tree covered by its branches where the snow is loosely packed, and can be dangerous to fall into. Additionally, snow cornices, which are overhanging ledges of snow, are unsafe to walk on as they can give out under even a little weight. Be aware of your surroundings, whether it be loose snow or thin ice, and always use common sense when you’re on the trail.
Make your ride back warm and comfortable.
This one is less about safety and more about making the most of your post-hike trip. For example, keep a change of clothes handy in case you need to strip out of your wet socks and pants (and a towel to dry off is never a bad idea). A spare pair of shoes for driving will keep your car cleaner and your feet more comfortable. If you have a long drive back in difficult conditions (such as in traffic and snow) make sure that you use the bathroom so you can focus on the road. Finally, consider keeping some tea, coffee, or hot cocoa stored in a thermos in your vehicle, ready and waiting to help you warm up your insides on the trip home.
While Washington has fantastic summers, our winters still have a lot to offer. You don’t have to hold off on your explorations just because the clouds have come out to play. So bundle up, check out WTA for winter hike ideas, and we’ll see you out on the trail!