Rainy Day Hikes

Lower Wallace Falls, Wallace Falls State Park. Photo by 'ArashA'.

Hiking in the rain. It's probably not most people's first choice for hiking, but it can be a quite satisfying experience. Just ask Pam Roy. She writes about "Gray Getaways" in the November/December 2009 issue of Washington Trails magazine.

Pam likes the solitude and ambiance of hiking in the rain. Her article provides useful suggestions for what to wear (layers of fleece or wool and rain gear) and how to stay comfortable on the trail.

Pam's pearl of wisdom for choosing the right hike for a gray day: "Pick trails suitable for the weather and avoid exposed ridge walks or hikes involving scrambling over slick rocks. Think old growth forests."

Old growth forests it is.

Below you will find links to seven hikes that will keep you intrigued on a rainy, wet November (and December and January and February and...) day.

Before heading out, however, remember to check mountain weather conditions, pack the Ten Essentials and consult Trip Reports. Snow can occur at any elevation this time of year. Contacting the appropriate ranger station can help you determine the most appropriate hike.

Gray Getaways - Hikes for a Rainy Day

Upper Dungeness River

Olympic National Forest - East

Dungeness River is an excellent November hiking option. Photo by Jon Lee.

Distance: 6.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 600 feet

Amazing old growth forest combined with easy hiking and a shelter at Camp Handy make this an ideal hike for wet weather. Read the full Hiking Guide description from Mountaineers Books.

Carter Falls

Mount Rainier National Park - Longmire
Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 900 feet

An easy ramble along the Nisqually and Paradise Rivers - excellent for a day when the high country is socked in with clouds. Read the full description from Mountaineers Books in WTA's Hiking Guide.

A hiker outfitted for wet weather poses next to a giant cedar on the Goat Lake Trail. Photo by Kim Brown.

Goat Lake

North Cascades - Mountain Loop Highway
Distance: 10.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1400 feet

Because of its low elevation and beautiful mountain lake, this is a popular destination for spring hikers. It's also a good hike for early November when you will enjoy the forest walk more and encounter none of the crowds. Note that the trailhead may be inaccessible in winter. Read more.

Thunder Creek

North Cascades National Park
Distance: 10.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2600 feet

Even after snows close the North Cascade Highway, Thunder Creek's trailhead at the Colonial Creek Campground remains open. Hike as far as you like on this flat, quiet trail. Read more.

Wallace Falls

Central Cascades - Stevens Pass West
Distance: 5.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1200 feet

One of WTA's favorite trails! Thousands of hours of volunteer trail maintenance has gone into the trails in this state park. There are nine waterfalls in all. What better way to keep your mind off the rain? Read all about it.

Old Sauk River Trail

North Cascades - Mountain Loop Highway

The Old Sauk River trail boasts many shades of green - from vibrant moss like this on the forest floor to the milky green of the Sauk River as it carries its glacial run-off to the Skagit River. Photo by Kim Brown.

Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 150 feet

This hike is a lovely stroll along one of the Skagit River's surging tributaries. The roar of the river is your constant companion as you weave between forest and stream bank on this level trail. Read more.

Lower Falls Creek

South Cascades - Columbia Gorge
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 800 feet

A good family hike for folks in Southwest Washington or Portland. Thick forest, waterfalls and lots of green to keep everyone interested rain or shine. Read more.