One of the benefits of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is that hiking any time of year is a way to escape into the lush green forests. However, in winter months, it’s important to take extra precautions so that snow, ice, and cold temperatures don’t leave you stranded. Here are some tips to get started in preparing yourself for winter hikes.
The Seattle Mountain Rescue, a nonprofit that provides search and rescue and safety education, recommends that hikers pack the 10 essentials for hikes. These are: a waterproof map, a magnetic compass, sun protection like sunglasses or sunscreen, extra clothing that is not made out of cotton, a headlamp, first aid kit, firestarter, knife, extra food and water, and waterproof shelter.
Additionally, make sure your supplies match the elements expected on the trail, whether that’s snowshoes, spike grips for boots, hiking poles, or waterproof hiking shoes.
There are several resources that can help you understand what weather you might face getting to the trailhead and on the trail. The National Weather and Climate Center can provide information about snow depth and precipitation at certain peaks or geographic regions in Washington state. Use the Washington State Department of Transportation’s site for real-time weather data on the roads. Always make sure your vehicle is prepared in case chains are required for mountain passes or roads. You can also read recent trip reports created by members of the Washington Trails Association, where members often describe how conditions are getting to the trailhead as well as their experiences on the hike. The Northwest Avalanche Center can also provide avalanche forecasts by region, on a danger scale from low to extreme.
Always let someone know where you’re going. Whether you text or write out an itinerary and leave it easily accessible for loved ones or in your vehicle, it’s important to have documentation that others can refer to if they can’t reach you.
Many trails won’t have cell phone reception. Even if you’re without service and you run into trouble, stay where you are and call 911 — calls my still be able to get through. You can also buy a personal locator device which can connect to satellites to send a distress notice.
While some hikes in the snow can be breathtaking, it’s also ok if you want to avoid the snow and ice altogether. There are plenty of lowland hikes across the Pacific Northwest that will still provide beautiful views and greenery, even in January and February. To choose the right hike for you and your group’s needs, visit the Washington Trails Association, which allows you to search for hikes by geography and recommends hikes by season.
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