The best medicine - Fresh Air: Great outdoor hikes within 2.5 hours of Seattle
Drizzly hike in the North Cascades
As per my previous blog, it gets a bit drizzly in Seattle in the winter time, however, don’t let it stop you from getting outdoors! A great way to beat SAD and/or depression is to get out in nature and breathe in some fresh air, rain or shine! I know daylight is shorter, so it may be harder to get out and about, but plan on at least one outdoor adventure on your day(s) off.
I was lucky to have the opportunity to work as a naturalist guide for my first summer in Seattle. It was a lot of driving, but I also had the chance to immerse myself in nature and learn about the history of the area, geologically and culturally. Therefore, I decided to share my tips to get outside and what my favorite places are!
Just a word of warning, summer and winter hiking is very different. It’s really important to bring first aid kits, extra layers, extra food and water in all seasons, but winter driving may be a bit tough if you go to Mount Rainier or up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, so it’s best to carry some extra supplies in your car. Snow chains are a must in both areas from November to April (it’s a park requirement) and having an extra blanket in case Mother Nature gets spicy is recommended. Also, to protect the delicate flowers that the bears, marmots and other little creatures will eat in the spring, stay on the snow at all times. I know the grass looks dead, but trampling all over it will prevent the flowers from growing and the animals will have less to eat. Plus one of the best attractions in July and August are the wildflowers, so let’s keep them alive!
View from Paradise, Mount Rainier
With the cautions out of the way…my ultimate favorite is Mount Rainier. The Sunrise side is closed during winter (in fact it closes early to mid October), so Paradise is your best option. Grab some snow shoes, check the weather conditions on the National Park Website and drive on up to Paradise! From the visitor center parking lot at the highest point you can drive to, have the visitor center to your left and go up what is stairs in the summer - it will be clearly marked with stakes and ropes. Then go right until you come to a bridge that may be buried under snow (the stream that runs under it will probably still be flowing), but to the right of the bridge is Myrtle Falls. A beautiful little fall with a picturesque view. Turn around and admire the Tatoosh Valley. Don’t forget to stop at Narada Falls to see the rainbow (snowshoes also a good idea) on the way up.
Just another work day at Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park
Next, I would say Olympic National Park is my second fav.
If weather permits, head on up to Hurricane Ridge. Again, snowshoes are recommended, but you can admire views with minimal walking. Stay on the snow! At the parking lot, you can look over the edge for beautiful views of the Olympic Range or turn around and head up the hill, where on a clear day, you’ll see views of Canada and the Strait of Juan De Fuca.
The snow prevented you from driving up 4500 feet? Don’t worry, there is plenty to do at sea level. Whilst not the National park, check out some marina life at Tongue Point/Salt Creek Campground (Discover pass required or park at the beach past the campground and walk down). Check out the tide times to make sure you're visit coincides with low tide. You’ll see loads of mussels, tiny crabs, chiton, anemones, urchins and sea stars.
Another great place to check out is Lake Crescent. There is a beautiful historic lodge, still in use (closed Jan to Apr) with a bar and beautiful fireplace. Have a hot chocolate, wine or whiskey as you admire the lake. Or if you want to be more active, follow the path to Merymere Falls. It is about 1.5 hour walk, be mindful of roots poking out. It’s relatively flat and even until you get to the bottom of the falls, where you walk 200 feet up - gradual, but a challenge for some fitness levels!
Sol Duc Falls are beautiful especially in the rain - just make sure you wear good waterproof boots as it can be soggy even without rain.
Both of those areas are about 2.5 hours from Seattle. Olympic National Park is 2.5 hours after a ferry ride from central Seattle, unless you want to add 1.5-2 hours and drive around. Are you looking for something closer?
Snoqualmie Falls
Within an hour drive, you have these options:
Snoqualmie Falls - not so much a hike as an experience. Check out the falls from the top, walk 20 minutes down to check out the lower falls and then hike back up the steep trail to get to your car.
Rattlesnake Ledge - a moderate 2 mile hike with 1150 feet elevation - a challenge for some!
Squak Mountain State Park (Discover pass required) which has a variety of trails at different levels. If you had your wheaties, go all the way up to Debbie’s view 1500 feet up. It takes me about 2.5 hours to do it round trip and is considered a moderate hike
Twin Falls, 2.4 miles with 500 feet elevation, easy - to moderate trail depending on ability. There are two different viewpoints for the falls, so when you see one, keep going!
Heather Lake
A little further afield with a 1.5 hour to 2 hour drive from Seattle are many different lakes around Highway Route 2 my favorites are:
Lake 22 - a challenging climb over some loose rocks (not great for bad ankles!), 5.4 miles round trip with 1350 feet elevation - a steady steepness to take your breath! It is totally worth the views. Add an extra nearly a mile and take the path around the whole lake for extra views.
Heather Lake - another beautiful lake just 6 minutes from Lake 22. It is slightly shorter at 4.2 miles round trip and 1000 feet elevation. This lake is also stunning and peaceful. I couldn’t decide which I liked more, but this trail is the least challenging of the two if you only have time for one!
Pack a sandwich, a thermos with hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate and breathe in some fresh air in beautiful surroundings. I mean, you won’t feel worse! Grab your rain jacket and enjoy the great outdoors!
If you would like to know more information or speak about how yoga or homeopathy can help you or someone you love, please book a free 20 minute initial chat with me.