Rainy Day Hikes

Where to go hiking in the rain - seven old growth hikes: Upper Dungeness River, Thunder Creek, Goat Lake, Old Sauk River, Wallace Falls, Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, Greenwater Lakes.

: A treat for hikers during the rainy season: a colorful and diverse array of mushrooms. Photo by Bob and Barb.

Hiking in the rain. It's probably not most people's first choice for hiking, but it can be quite enjoyable. Just ask Pam Roy. She wrote 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.

Read Pam Roy's article, "Gray Getaways," from the magazine

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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 forest it is.

Below you will find seven hikes that will keep you intrigued on a rainy, wet November (and December and January and February and...) day. Besides big trees, you will find rivers, waterfalls, lakes and abundant flora along the trail.

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.

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Gray Getaways - Hikes for a Rainy Day

Upper Dungeness River

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

Location: Olympic National Forest - East
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. Be sure to take your guide to Northwest mushrooms-many species can be easily spotted from the trail.

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Thunder Creek

: Thunder Creek shows off its many colors during a winter outing. Photo by bob barb.

Location: 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, which guides you along lakes and creeks while offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains through gaps in the forest's thick canopy.

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: Raincoat, gaiters, gloves and hat - all good choices for rainy season hike. Photo by Kim Brown.

Goat Lake

Location: 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.

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Old Sauk River Trail

: Old Sauk River Trail in Autumn. Photo by bob barb

Location: Mountain Loop Highway
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.

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Wallace Falls

: Lower Wallace Falls can usually be accessed year-round. Photo copyright Wendell Beitzel.

Location: 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?

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Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

: Middle Fork Snoqualmie River with a dusting of snow. Photo by bev.

Location: Near North Bend
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 200 feet

If you can tolerate the pot-holed drive to this lovely hike, you will be well-rewarded. An easy ramble upstream gives hikers plenty to like - a fast-moving river, tall trees, and views of peaks like Granite Mountain and Stegasaurus Butte - all within a short drive from Seattle.

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Greenwater Lakes

: Trails can get slippery during the rainy season. Consider traction devices for your boots. Photo by mbrockus.

Location: Chinook Pass
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 300 feet

For solitude and relaxation, few areas can compete with Greenwater and Echo Lakes. Under the dense forest shelter, the trail passes the turquoise waters of both Greenwater and Echo Lakes. Though long, the miles fly by on the mostly even trail. Be on the lookout for elk, deer, coyotes and other local wildlife that frequent the area.