Trip Report Roundup: Greenery, snow melt and early-season blooms
While there's still snow at high elevations and most wildflowers are still a ways off, folks have been getting out on trail and seeing a lot of that soothing, lovely green that our state is known for. Check out some trip reports of the green hikes folks have been going on these last couple of weeks.
At this time of the year, many folks are itching to get outdoors. And while there's still snow at high elevations and most wildflowers are still a ways off, if you get out on trail right now, you might see a lot of the soothing, lovely green that our state is known for.
If you're looking for some inspiration, see what other folks have been up to these last couple of weeks! And if you get out, share your green photos and trip reports with others too.
RIVER MEADOWS PARK
Photo by BrownsBay.
“This was a good choice on a dreary day.”
BrownsBay linked 2 miles worth of trails together at River Meadows Park, first along the river, then through the camping area and back. Along the way, they walked past mossy trees and green grassy fields.
LOWEr DUNGENESS RIVER AND GOLD CREEK TRAILS
Photo by LostLemonhope.
“This is a lovely early season loop. All of the snow has melted already, and the trails are in great shape.”
LostLemonhope hit up the Lower Dungeness River and Gold Creek trails on a 17-mile trail run. They had to make their way around a few blowdowns, but overall, the trails were in good shape, and they enjoyed a nice trail run through the lush forest.
IPSUT AND CHENUIS FALLS
Photo by glucas.
“Had some tea at Ipsut Falls before heading back to the car. A gorgeous day to be in such a fantastic park!”
glucas avoided the snow by heading to Ipsut Falls, with a detour to Chenuis Falls (though they did see some snow right off the trail). The trail was quite wet, so they’ve cautioned that — with more upcoming snowmelt — hikers might want to plan for some wet feet.
HEYBROOK LOOKOUT
Photo by KatyCat.
“It was a little challenging for my kid, but I coaxed him along with popcorn and the promise of gummy snacks at the top. He loved the lookout tower!”
KatyCat took their 6-year-old kid to the Heybrook Lookout tower on a gloomy day (though the clouds were high enough to get good views of the mountains!). They took a break at the tower and took in the moss, birds and snow-capped peaks before heading back down.
ANACORTES COMMUNITY FOREST LANDS
Photo by mdorman.
“It never gets too challenging and the forest is great.”
mdorman took their time exploring the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, spending a few hours wandering through the trees, finding plenty of solitude and no snow. They recommend having some sort of navigation, as the trails can get a little confusing.
MEADOWBROOK FARM
Photo by wafflesnfalafel.
“No elk out today but there were a ton of fresh elk tracks, particularly in the pinch point areas between meadows so they were probably there last night or earlier this morning.”
wafflesnfalafel visited the green fields of historic Meadowbrook Farm. It was a relatively clear day, so they got good views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si, and caught glimpses of and heard the calls of ravens nearby.
FOLSOM FARM, HOG CANYON LAKE, FISHTRAP LAKE
Photo by TrailKat.
“The canyon was lovely and it was great to be in the pine trees and out of the direct sun.”
TrailKat and a friend did a car-to-car hike that took them past Fishtrap Road and Hog Canyon Lake all the way to Folsom Farm. Along the way, they walked through grassy areas, past many lakes and through the green trees in the canyon.
MANASTASH RIDGE
Photo by ejain.
“Trails were mostly covered with a strip of compact snow, some icy sections, so microspikes were useful.”
ejain took a snowy loop hike up to Manastash Ridge, where they got great views from the top of the evergreen forests lower on the mountain and the surrounding area below.
PACKWOOD LAKE
Photo by KateA.
“Beautiful hike to Packwood Lake today! 10 miles (about half in snow; bring poles) but pretty easy overall, and a perfect almost-spring day!”
KateA braved the snow and ice, making it to Packwood Lake on a clear springlike day. The lake was partially frozen over, with a small patch of dark green trees poking out from the center with peaks in the background. They used poles and microspikes to help them on their hike.
COLUMBIA HILLS STATE PARK
Photo by Sunrise Creek.
“We saw blooming grass widows, yellow bells, smooth prairie stars, butterfly-loving desert parsley, Gorman's desert parsley and the first bloom of bare-stem desert parsley.”
Sunrise Creek did a loop around Columbia Hills Historic State Park on a clear day as wildflowers were starting to bloom. They encountered some muddy trails and had to ford Eightmile Creek, but still had a nice hike in good weather with plenty of new green and colorful spring growth.
We want to see all of your green adventures as spring starts to bloom! Post a trip report and share pictures from your hike, so others can see where you've been.
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