Photos by Steve Bloom/The Olympian
Lonnie Somer, who walks the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge trails at least once a week, enjoys a rare sunny winter's day on Monday. The sanctuary's easy walking trails and location near I-5 make it a popular winter hiking spot.

Hikers at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge take advantage of the break in winter weather on Monday morning.

Keep on hiking

Winter is no time to stay indoors

N.S. NOKKENTVED, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published December 18, 2001

OLYMPIA -- Mists hang in the trees, like ragged bits of cloud, and rain drips steadily from sodden winter skies -- a typical dreary Northwest winter day.

So what? That's no reason not to enjoy the great outdoors.

"I don't see any reason to put away the boots just because it's winter," said Dan Nelson of Puyallup, an active winter hiker and backpacker.

The trick is finding a snow-free trail, he said. But that's not too hard at lower elevations in Western Washington.

Trails are open in most of the river valleys on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula and along wilderness beaches. And don't overlook the desert country of Eastern Washington, said Nelson, director of communications for the Washington Trails Association.

Hiking and backpacking may not be the first things that come to mind at this time of year -- for even the hardiest Pacific Northwestern outdoor enthusiast. For those who don't want to play in the snow for myriad reasons -- too cold, too strenuous, don't like driving in snow, the list goes on -- there's no excuse to sit at home and think about warmer and drier weather.

There are lots of places around South Sound to get out for day hikes in the winter.

"We're doing it," said Doris Lodwig, who recently led a hike to the Mima Mounds and McLane in the Capitol Forest, with the Olympia Mountaineers.

Be prepared

You just have to dress for the weather -- maybe an extra layer, good waterproof hiking boots and bring rain gear.

"Even on a sunny day, my rain gear will still be in my pack," said Barbara Agee of Elma. And extra socks -- wet feet can make you miserable, and they're more susceptible to blisters. With a change of socks you can finish a hike with warm, happy feet, she said.

In addition to getting out for fresh air and exercise, Agee finds beauty in the stark winter landscape -- the outline of bare trees against the sky, the power in gathering storm clouds. And there's a quiet that you don't find in the summer, she said.

In winter, hikers are more likely to see wildlife, and no bugs, Nelson said. Hikers, especially on overnight hikes, meet few others on the trails -- with some notable exceptions, such as the Cape Alava-Sand Point loop trail, which gets use year-round.

Staying dry, always a concern in Western Washington, is especially important in colder winter weather. But it's also important not to dress too warmly. Getting wet -- either from rain or sweat -- increases the risk of hypothermia, a potentially fatal lowering of body temperature.

Shorter hikes

Nelson reminds hikers that winter days are shorter and that means fewer miles, and sudden storms are more likely in winter.

When he plans a winter backpacking trip, he often thinks about the Juniper Dunes northeast of the Tri-Cities or the Umtanum canyon north of Yakima. This high desert may get a trace of snow, but he also is likely to see bighorn sheep and mule deer.

On the wet side of the Cascades, a variety of hikes is within easy reach -- from short day hikes to longer all-day treks. The Upper Big Creek loop in the Olympic National Forest north of Lake Cushman State Park is a wonderful family hike, Lodwig said.

The Olympic Peninsula beaches offer hikes of varying length -- you have to pay attention to the tides, but can take two cars and do a shuttle so you don't have to cover the same ground twice. Some other low-elevation hikes include trails at Lake Crescent at the north end of the Olympic Peninsula, the Dungeness Spit and trails near the Lake Quinault Resort.

Local options

Olympia Mountaineers are planning a day hike to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Christmas Day.

"It's still a way to get out," Lodwig said.

The group also is planning hikes in January and February, including a hike on the Rock Candy Mountain trail in the north end of the Capitol Forest.

City parks in the Olympia area offer easy walks with little elevation gain. And the Theler Wetlands near Belfair -- where a freshwater creek meets Hood Canal -- is a great birding area with trails for walking.

Agee recommends the Chehalis Western Trail and other former railroads. The old railroad beds stay in good condition even in winter, while some other popular trails can get muddy, she said.

Whatever the outing, Lodwig stresses being prepared for wind, damp and cold and suggests wearing a warm hat, gloves and carrying extra clothes.

"Mostly you have to plan for rain," she said.

N.S. Nokkentved covers the outdoors for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5445.

Three winter hikes

- Cape Alava: 9.3 miles, all seasons, little elevation gain. From Ozette Lake Ranger Station, a 3-mile boardwalk leads to beach at Cape Alava, the westernmost point of continental United States. Hike along the beach -- best at low tide -- to Sand Point. Trail leads back to Ozette Lake.

- Dungeness Spit: 10 miles, all seasons, no elevation gain. From Highway 101, west of Sequim, turn north on Kitchen-Dick Road to the Dungeness Recreation Area and to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge parking lot. An easy three-eighths-mile trail goes to an overlook on the bluff above Dungeness Spit. The trail continues down a steep hill to the spit and a 4 1/2 mile beach walk to the Dungeness Lighthouse.

- Upper Big Creek loop: 4.3 miles, all seasons, 890 feet elevation gain. From Highway 101 turn onto state Route 119 at Hoodsport. After 9 miles, turn left on Forest Road 24, and in 100 yards turn into Big Creek Campground. The trailhead is next to the picnic shelter.

Help for hikers

For hiking enthusiasts, Puget Sound can be frustrating in winter when favorite trails get socked in with snow. "Winter Hikes in Puget Sound & the Olympic Foothills" (15.95, Sasquatch Books) by Bob Mooers may help.

Even when the Cascades are blanketed in white, many accessible trails climb to 2,000 or 3,000 feet for great views. And dozens of forested trails offer hikers a special, mist-filled experience in winter. Mooers describes 60 trails and includes USGS topographical maps, several hikes not previously published, and sections on safety in winter conditions, position finding and land manager resources.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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