re: Seattle in December

quote:

---

LSUintheNW

---

What's up

quote:

---

Rent snowshoes.

Eta....it's only closed if a gate stops you. Otherwise everything is open, just be prepared. Snow doesn't stop you. It just slows you down.

---

True, but I'd be very hesitant recommending someone that is not very experienced to go snowshoeing up in the mountains in the winter. There's a few trails that are popular that I would feel comfortable recommending, but I would be hesitant to say everything is open when taking into account avalanche danger. I read about quite a few deaths last winter from people on very popular summer trails, but they were trying to do them in the winter.

For snowshoeing, I would check out either Artist Point at Mt Baker or the Skyline Loop at Rainier.

For sledding, definitely Picture Lake at Mt Baker.

For hiking, Rattlesnake Ledge, Wallace Falls, and Oyster Dome will likely be snow free, but could get slick or icy depending on the weather. Another option would be the Ape Caves. It's a 2.5 mile long lava tube that's 42 degrees year round in there. Really cool underground hike, but be prepared to get wet and have backup lights.

Colchuck is definitely a no go. That will be completely covered. The lower elevation hikes on Mtn Loop Hwy like Heather Lake Lake 22 will likely be partially covered by snow. Same with most near North Bend. Some of those are doable, but be prepared with either microspikes or poles and read the trip reports to know what to expect.

If you head up into the mountains or over a pass, you'll have to carry chains. That includes Stevens Pass (Leavenworth), Baker, Rainier, and Snoqualmie