Hello everybody.

I need your advice as to where to go hiking with the minimum or no snow on the trail. The reason is we do not any gear for snow yet, but would like to take advantage of this gorgeous autumn weather.

So far I know about those Rattlesnake Legde, Mount Si options. But maybe you know about some nicer hikes?

Thank you very much!

Hi Kuku,

There wasn't much snow up at Mason Lake two weeks ago. I would suggest if you must avoid snow all together to check out Boulder River, Rattlesnake ledge, Tiger mountain or Oyster Dome. Also you can check the elevations of the hikes. Generally, low land hikes won't gain much elevation so sort for hikes that don't gain much elevation.

Hope that helps

John
Edited by John Munyan on Nov 8, 2004 at 08:57 PM

Thanks for your advice, John. We did go to Oyster Dome - what a nice hike (though it was foggy, the views were spectacular, and there were some eagles flying too). At the RattleSnake there is already some snow at the top (at 2 miles viewpoint), believe it or not, you can clearly see the level where icing and snow starts. Will try the other hikes (Boulder River and Tiger).
We found a very nice book by Bob Mooers "Winter Hikes in Puget Sound and the Olympic foothills. Mostly snow-free trails from lowland forests to summit views". It seems quite helpful. We tried a nice hike (more of a walk) to Blue Mountain, about 13 miles off Sultan. Nice mountains view, some snow on the trail, it's still quite walkable. If you know of any other nice walkable trails at this time of the year, please let me know. Thank you.

Glad the site helped you find a nice trail. This time of year is dicey for lowland hikes since it is pretty rainy. If you are up to it you might consider some of the higer hikes. Snow lake is probably still passable without snowshoes, as is Talapus lake, Ollallie Lake. I prefer the snow to the rain.

I am behind on posting my hike reviews, I have 4 - 6 of them, but am waiting on a friend to get his images together and I can do a big upload all at once. Should see them over the next couple weeks.

Oh, and Mt. Pilchuck is also pretty likely doable right now without anything special; other than warm cloths. You might try the 'weather link' on each page since it uses the location of the hike, and the elevation to tell you what the temperature during the day is!

Lastly, don't forget to write a quick review for the hikes you have done. Just click 'write review' on the hikes you have done. Most people seem to like reading the reviews!

John

I tried Boulder River recently. It was muddy, but otherwise a very nice hike. I have a book I look to for snow free trails. Winter Hikes in puget sound & olympic foothills. Book is written by Bob Mooers and features mostly snow free trails. You can buy the book @ www.SasquatchBooks.com

For those of you who have hiked the Oyster Dome, do you know which, if any, parking permit is required? I'm not finding anything to suggest a pass is required, but don't want to be surprised at the last minute. Thanks.

I don't believe any parking pass is required sinc you park on a municipal road.

Regards,

John