I-90 area offers excellent hiking options in winter

“It’s dark. I’m kinda embarrassed to admit I didn’t realize it would still be dark.”

I was standing at the trailhead in the dark. I was meeting a friend for an early morning hike, the only thing we had time for in the rush of the holidays.

It was just before the solstice and, it turns out, still really dark at 7 a.m.

No matter, though, that’s what headlamps are for.

We’d picked Margaret’s Way to try for the first time. It’s a new trail that opened early this summer. Anna Roth, the hiking content coordinator for Washington Trails Association, suggested it to me when I asked for some good winter hikes around I-90.

Last winter, you could pick nearly any trail to hike. This year, things are different. We actually have snow. That’s excellent news for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers. For hikers, it means it’s a good time to explore some low elevation hikes.

Margaret’s Way is one of those hikes. Its high point is 1,730 feet, meaning it will stay snow free most of the year. The access is also entirely on paved roads, but the trail manages to feel more remote than it is.

The route starts in a large parking lot and heads up an old road at the base of Squak Mountain. Trails wind all over this area, but Margaret’s Way is beautifully signed. Even in the dark we were able to easily find our turns.

WTA created the trail with help from volunteers and other groups. At one point, the area was set to become a housing development. Issaquah Alp Trails Club, however, got people excited about protecting the area. In 2014, it was purchased by King County help from the Trust for Public Lands. Roth said that the trail is part of an effort to create a corridor between Squak and Cougar mountains, both of which have networks of trails.

The trail climbs decently, offering a good workout, but it’s never too steep. Some areas are muddy, of course, but I was fine in my trail-running shoes. The day we were out, we saw a couple dozen trail runners and a few other hikers. Mostly, though, we were alone in the trees, which are a mix of deciduous transitioning to more evergreens higher up. We had brunch at Debbie’s View. Our view was the inside of a cloud, but no matter. We enjoyed the nice bench, with several stumps to rest our feet on, and ate our bagels and cream cheese. We even sipped a little pre-holiday cherry brandy.

The trip back was quick and easy. Once again, the signs made it simple to follow the trail. You could also turn this trip into a loop easily. There are many trails around this area. You’ll need a map. Really, you should always have a map, but this trail is so new, it won’t show yet on some maps. Still, combined with the King County map (http://1.usa.gov/1J5hEMt) you can check out your loop options. Roth likes the Green Trails map to the area, Cougar Mountain 203S, which is handy because it shows mileages on trail sections.

The hike is off of exit 15 on I-90. For directions and more details on the hike, check out WTA’s write up at http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/margarets-way.

More hikes

Here are more suggestions from Roth for winter hiking in the I-90 area. I tend to think of I-90 as being a long drive from home, but I was at Margaret’s Way in about 50 minutes from my house in Everett. Just go on a weekend, or before or after rush hour on a weekday.

John Wayne Trail: This trail is in Iron Horse State Park (a long, thin park that follows a former railroad route). The route described on the WTA site is 11 miles, but you can easily make your trip shorter or longer. Gain is about 300 feet. You’re likely to see railroad artifacts along the way. Please leave these for others to enjoy. Roth enjoys this hike because it feels farther away from the freeway than it is. It’s a great hike for beginners, also. Off of I-90 exit 32.

Details: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/iron-horse

South Tiger Mountain Loop: This trail is typically not snowy, although Roth warns that ice is possible in very cold weather. While the route can be confusing because of all the trails in the area, WTA’s trip description is detailed. Bring a map, too, and you’ll be able to navigate this route without trouble. Roth says this area is great because you can easily go for a quick hike or spend an entire day exploring. This route is 8.6 miles and 1550 feet of gain. Off of I-90 exit 17.

Details: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/south-tiger-mountain-loop

Snoqualmie Valley Trail: This trail goes for more than 31 miles, from Duvall all the way south to North Bend and beyond, ending at Rattlesnake Lake. It wanders past working farms and open spaces. The surface is crushed rock and bikes and strollers can also use this trail. It also makes an excellent running route.

Details: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snoqualmie-valley-trail; http://1.usa.gov/1YC6u3q. For an overview map of the trail, go to www.snovalley.org, scroll down and click on Snoqualmie Valley Trail Map to see a PDF.

Moncton’s Ghost Town: This ramble is near the extremely popular Rattlesnake Ledge, but Roth says it’s likely to be quieter now than in the summer and there’s plenty of parking. You can wander along the edge of Rattlesnake Ledge and look for the remains of Moncton. Moncton, which used to be a railroad stop, was submerged by a dam in 1915. When waters are low, the bits of the old town are revealed. If you do find artifacts, please don’t disturb them. About 2.5 miles roundtrip, negligible gain. Off of I-90 exit 32.

Details: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/moncton-ghost-town.

Snoqualmie Falls: Roth says this trip is a touristy, bucket-list location but for good reason. It does feature a really spectacular waterfall — so spectacular it was featured in “Twin Peaks.” The route down to the base of the falls is paved, but it’s surprisingly steep. You’ll get a good workout on the way back up. And you’ll get a different view of the falls. 1.4 miles and 250 feet of gain. South of Carnation.

Details: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snoqualmie-falls.

North Creek Boardwalk: This trail isn’t on the I-90 corridor, but is convenient for folks from south and central Snohomish County. Roth suggests tacking it on at the end or beginning of another hike, especially the shorter trips like Moncton and Snoqualmie Falls. Or, if you’re short on time, do it by itself. It features some nice wildlife and kids love the boardwalk, Roth said. Access is from 183rd Street in Mill Creek.

Details: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/north-creek-park-boardwalk.

Jessi Loerch: jloerch@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3046; www.heraldnet.com/explorenw.