I recently took a hike in the rain to Wallace Lake. We may as well have jumped in, we were so wet. Yet, I wouldn’t have traded the trip for a sunny day. We had Wallace Lake to ourselves and only saw a handful of people on the trail. I highly recommend a hike in the rain. Here’s why.
1. Solitude. If you brave the trail on a rainy day, you’re likely to have it mostly to yourself. Popular trails will likely still have some other hardy hikers, but you’re unlikely to find crowds. And the rain and mist will cloak you in a nice, cozy blanket. Even if you do encounter another hiker, you won’t be able to see them for long.
2. Beauty. A rain-soaked forest is a glorious thing. The browns of the soil are richer. The greens of the moss are vibrantly jewel-toned. The wet ferns shine in even the dimmest light. And mist and fog make forest hills even more beautiful.
3. Water. When it’s raining, you’ll find wonderful little waterfalls everywhere. Rivers are more fun in heavy rain. They’re loud and boisterous. Waterfalls that are normally tame become lively.
4. Speed. If you’re heading out for exercise, go on a rainy day. Trust me, you’ll hike faster than normal and take fewer breaks. By the time you finish, you’ll have definitely earned a nice hot cocoa, spiked with an adult beverage — if you like that sort of thing.
5. Bragging rights. You can’t really call yourself and true Northwest hiker until you’ve hiked in a downpour — on purpose.
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