November is an awkward time for outdoor fun. The rain is falling in earnest. Snow is starting to fall up high, yet there’s not enough to ski yet.
So, what’s one to do for a fix of outdoors time?
Well, go hiking, of course. Hiking at this time of year is truly enjoyable, it just takes a bit of careful planning. If you make the effort to be well-prepared, you’ll be glad you took the time to get outside and explore.
I’ve taken a few hikes recently and I’ve been reminded what makes this time of hiking so special. It’s all about the details. When the rain is falling or clouds are rolling through, you can’t admire wide vistas and breathtaking views.
Instead, this is a good time of year to try out trails that offer different attractions.
Check out some of our many river or lake hikes. Take your time. Go slow. Marvel in the endless textures and richness of a Northwest forest.
Here are three suggestions for hikes you can do right now, all off of U.S. 2.
Deception Creek
The Deception Creek Trail rolls up and down through a lush forest in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. It follows the extremely pretty creek for awhile before diving deeper into the forest. At this time of year, many small streams are crossing the trail. They provide a nice sound track to your trip. They also mean the trail is wet in a few places. Bring good boots. You can follow this trail about 5.5 miles before it ends at Fisher Creek, which is not currently safe to cross.*
To get there: Follow U.S. 2 east, 8 miles past Skykomish. Watch for the parking area for the Deception Falls parking lot, on the left side of the road. Continue on U.S. for another quarter of a mile. Turn right on Forest Road 6088. The trailhead is at the end of the road, about a quarter mile up. NW Forest Pass required.
Pacific Crest Trail
If you’d like to enjoy a stroll along the PCT, do it now before it’s covered in snow for the rest of the season. Right now, you can still reach it and it’s fun with the light snow on the surrounding peaks and trees. You can hike this trail all the way to Canada, but if you’re feeling less ambitious, simply wander until you’ve had enough or the snow turns you around. If the weather allows, you can make it to Lake Valhalla, a pretty little lake. That’s a 10-mile round trip.
To get there: Drive to Stevens Pass. Just past the ski area parking lots, park in the lot on the north side of the road. The PCT starts just beyond the maintenance building.
Wallace Lake
Wallace Falls is a popular trail for good reason. It’s a short drive and it’s open pretty much year round. If you want to try something a little different with the same benefits, try Wallace Lake. The trail is less crowded and extremely pretty in the rain. Check out the map at the parking lot to help you orient yourself.
To get there: Drive to Gold Bar. Turn north of First Street and follow signs to Wallace Falls. Discover Pass required. Day passes can be purchased at the parking lot.
Stay safe
Winter hiking requires special precautions. Winter weather can change very quickly. Heavy snowfall can cover your tracks and hide the trail. Fog can completely disorient you. Days are short and if you get lost, you’ll be in the dark before you know it.
If you’re going hiking in winter, you absolutely must have the 10 essentials and know how to use them. (OK, you should have them any time of year, but winter just has less room for error.)
If you’re serious about exploring in winter, consider an emergency locator beacon. They could save your life if you’re lost or injured: www.heraldnet.com/emergencybeacons.
Ten essentials
- Navigation (map, compass, GPS if you’d like)
- Insulation (warm clothing, waterproof layers)
- Illumination (head lamp or flashlight, extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (matches, fire starter, lighter or similar)
- Repair kit (basic tools, knife, duct tape, etc.)
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water or way to treat water)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Emergency shelter (bivy sack, tarp, or similar)
Update: This article originally mentioned a short walk at Deception Falls. But the gate to the parking lot there was recently locked for the season. Deception Creek access is still open.
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