80 Degrees? Time for a Hike!

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So by now you've probably heard the rumor: temperatures in Western Washington are supposed to climb into the 80s from Thursday through Saturday. That means it's time to find a hike!

Trouble is, we had a heavy snowfall this past winter (and spring!). At Paradise, Mount Rainier, they still have 200 inches (that's over 16 feet) of snow! As a result, many early season hikes, such as Barclay Lake off Highway 2, are still inaccessible due to deep snow on roads. Check our trip reports and call or visit ranger stations before you head out. And don't forget to buy your forest pass if it has expired.

One point that needs to be emphasized with all that snow and temperatures climbing: streams and rivers will be running high. Crossings should be taken with extreme care. Remember that it was in conditions such as this that two hikers died last year at Mount Rainier National Park. If you have any concern about a stream crossing, turn around. And remember that streams can run higher even over the course of a few hours, so plan accordingly. Talk to rangers about conditions and heed their recommendations.

Also note that warm temps and deep snows will significantly increase avalanche potential. So before you start thinking you'll snowshoe or hike on snow, consult ranger stations and the Northwest Avalanche center. Officials at WSDOT were on alert to potential avalanches on the North Cascades Highway. Check here for current conditions. [UPDATE 5/16/2008: The North Cascades Highway is CLOSED due to extreme avalanche hazard.]

So, where can you hike? Browse our our online Hike of the Week section for a selection of hikes that are open now. Also, browse our Freshest Trip Reports.
And if you do go out for a hike this weekend, please file a trip report. This is the time of year when hikers really need to know conditions: is there snow on trail? Are there many blowdowns? Let us know.

Okay, here are a few suggestions. You won't find solitude here, but you will be out in wild country during balmy weather. Have fun and be safe!
Lena Lake, eastern Olympics. Dependable early season hike. Very popular.
Umtanum Ridge, eastern Washington. Wildflowers should be in bloom. Might be hot, take plenty of water.
Greg Ball Trail, off Highway 2. Some snow, but hikeable to Wallace Lake. Great hike for kids.
Old Sauk, Mountain Loop Highway. A lovely, meandering walk along the Sauk River.
Lime Kiln, near Granite Falls. Historic remnants of mining railroad and pleasant forest walk.
Dog Mountain, Columbia River Gorge. Very popular, but wildflowers and views are spectacular.
Hanford Reach, White Bluffs, eastern Washington. A spare and beautiful landscape along a wild stretch of the Columbia River.
Oyster Dome, Chuckanut Drive south of Bellingham. Great views of Puget Sound, a bit of a workout and no snow!
Trail of the Shadows, Longmire area of Mount Rainier National Park. Even though there's still snow on the ground, hikers have been hiking the first mile or so of this trail. Take care at stream crossings and check in at the Longmire Ranger station.

Photo: Taking in the view from Oyster Dome. Photo by "Opus."