winter outdoor activities (Seattle, Starbuck: rent, costs, moving)

[sdbio]

Hi,

I was wondering if the hiking trails outside of Seattle get too muddy to use during the winter?

Thanks!

[allforcats]

Inside Seattle or outside of Seattle, they get muddy only when there's lots of rain, which is usually mid- and late November, and much of December. The rest of the time they're usually usable -- with appropriate shoes -- because the precipitation is usually drizzle, not rain.

Are you planning to visit here?

[Ira500]

I hike 12 months a year on the hiking trails outside of Seattle and enjoy it. Some of the hiking trails do get extremely muddy, but there are still plenty of trails that are passable. It's really a special pleasure to hike in the mist and drizzle , but you just don't want to wear sandals while doing it.

[sdbio]

Yes I am planning on visiting early next year and possibly moving there next summer.

[nwbackpacker]

A lot of trails don't get covered in mud because there is a lot of tree cover, but there will be inevitable muddy spots, and you'll need to be able to walk through them.

So, just get yourself a pair of Goretex hiking boots (not shoes - you'll need the ankle support and the extra height for mud protection) and don't worry about it. It's only mud and your feet won't get wet. When you get home, clean the boots off.

Hiking in the northwest in winter is great, even when it's raining. Get yourself a raincoat with a good hood and enjoy the amazing smell of the forest, the sound of the rivers, and the lush green surroundings.

Alternatively, head up to the mountain passes (about an hour east of Seattle) and go snowshoeing. You can rent snowshoes from REI for about $15. Gold Creek sno-park is a good intro. Obviously you'll need warmer clothes, but it rarely gets too cold - it's not Everest or anything like that!

Dealing with Seattle's winter is all about still being able to enjoy your surroundings and adapt to what's available. Snowshoeing in a light snow shower in the forest with the sound of crunching snow beneath your feet is pretty magical. When you get back to the office on Monday morning and everyone complains about the rain, you can think back to the little walk you took in the snow on the weekend. Really, most people are missing out on what's available here in the winter. They tend to stay indoors and go to Starbucks too much...

[mayfair]

Originally Posted by nwbackpacker

So, just get yourself a pair of Goretex hiking boots (not shoes - you'll need the ankle support and the extra height for mud protection) and don't worry about it. It's only mud and your feet won't get wet. When you get home, clean the boots off.

Great advice. I have a pair of Gor-Tex hiking boots and you can hike even on waterlogged trails and through puddles in winter.

[toughguy]

Forget hiking, snowboarding/skiing is where it's at in the winter. The only downside (even more so right now) is the cost. Whereas hiking costs virtually nothing, snow sports can be very expensive.

[sdbio]

how is the snowboarding there?

[toughguy]

Much better than anything you will find in the east, but probably average compared to other resorts in the west. I'd say probably just a step below Colorado and Utah.

[Bud Dickman]

What are the best hiking trails inside the city of Seattle?