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

The Amtrak to Leavenworth is a good call. Odds are at least one of the passes will be clear, but you never know. Cool thing about taking the train is that you will travel through the longest human transport tunnel in the USA, the Cascade Tunnel beneath Stevens Pass. If you are a very good hiker, and snow hasn’t hit the higher elevations near Leavenworth, research “the Enchantments.” Dress appropriately, don’t over do it if the opportunity presents itself.

quote:

---

What's up

---

Just living the dream

How you doing?

quote:

---

For hiking, Oyster Dome will likely be snow free

---

This may be the winner for me.
Thinking of driving North to Oyster Dome, and then catching Deception Pass on the drive back to Seattle.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Also, if anyone has a recommendation on where to get sea urchin/uni, I'd give you just about everything in my wallet.
(Preferably a Japanese restaurant, but I'll take whatever I can get.)

These folks have great uni frequently and are about 10 mins from SeaTac airport. When they have quail eggs, they will put them on the uni if asked.

Miyabi

This is a Belltown institution that has the best sushi downtown IMHO.

Shiro's

Not that anyone cares, but here's how the itinerary is looking. Feel free to critique.

Arrival Day:
-Land at Sea-Tac late afternoon.
-Have the Omakase dinner at Sushi Kashiba.

Day 1:
-Be a stereotypical Seattle tourist. Pike Place, Space Needle, Chihuly Garden, Underground Tour, etc.
-Ramen cooking class to finish off the night.

Day 2:
-Drive out to and hike Oyster Dome via Chuckanut Drive.
-Bar hop in Ballard neighborhood.

Day 3:
-Lazy morning, maybe walk around Pike Place one last time before driving to Leavenworth.
-Stop in Plain to ride snowmobiles around Lake Wenatchee.
-Walk around Leavenworth and hit as many wine tasting places as possible.

Day 4:
-Horse Sleigh Ride
-Nordic Skiing

Leaving Day:
-Leave Leavenworth and drive to Sea-Tac for 12:30pm flight home.


Thanks again to everyone who helped out with this

Staying in Leavenworth til Leaving Day. Edited for clarity.

Day 1 is the Saturday before Christmas.

I hear that the CHAZ is beautiful this time of year. Don’t forget your passport though.