16 ideas for trails that you can hike right now

If you’re a skier or snowboarder, the snow situation this year is pretty dire. If you’re a hiker, however, there’s a silver lining. Many trails that would normally be snow-covered right now are open. Here are trails that are hikeable right now, including some that would usually be covered by snow in February.

Suiattle River Trail

The Suiattle River Road just opened a few months ago, after being closed for more than a decade. Drive all the way to the end of the road and hike as long as you like. Then, when you turn around, make plans to come back in the summer.

Distance: Up to 14 miles, 900 feet of gain.

To get there: From Darrington, head north on Highway 530. Turn right on the Suiattle River Road. Drive to the end of the road.

Bear Lake, Pinnacle Lake

You have two options here. Take a short, easy hike to Bear Lake or continue on for a rougher hike to Pinnacle Lake. Just before Pinnacle Lake is a small tarn, nearly as pretty as the lake itself. It’s unusual for this hike to be open at this time of year, but it would certainly make an excellent early season workout. You’ll get lots of balance practice on the rooty, rocky trail.

Distance: 1 mile round trip for Bear Lake; 3.8 miles round trip, 1,200 feet of gain for Pinnacle Lake.

To get there: Head east on the Mountain Loop Highway from Granite Falls. Pass the Verlot Ranger Station and, after 4.5 miles, turn right on Forest Road 4020. At a junction, keep right on Forest Road 4021. At another junction keep right and proceed to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass.

Lake Twenty Two

In the summer, this trail can be like a highway. In winter, well, it’s still popular but it won’t be as crowded. It’s popular for a reason. It’s a relatively short drive, it’s a quick hike and the lake is gorgeous. On a clear day, you can see Mount Pilchuck looming high above. But even on a rainy day, it’s a lovely spot.

Distance: 5.4 miles, 1,350 feet of gain

To get there: Take Mountain Loop Highway for two miles past Verlot. The parking lot is clearly signed on the right. Northwest Forest Pass.

Heather Lake

Heather Lake is a small, pretty lake in a cirque below Mount Pilchuck. It’s a moderately steep hike, but short. As you climb, watch for the stumps of gigantic old trees. And, once you get up higher, some of the giants are still there. The trail will be wet, especially near the end. Several nice lunch spots are near the lake.

Distance: 4 miles, 1,000 feet of gain.

To get there: Follow the Mountain Loop Highway 1 mile past Verlot Public Service Center. Turn right on Pilchuck Access road. The trailhead is 1.3 miles ahead. Northwest Forest Pass.

Goat Lake

This trail is long, 10.4 miles, but feels much shorter. It’s a lovely hike to a pretty lake and, according to a recent trip report on the Washington Trails Association’s site, it’s totally snow free. The trail splits a short way in, before rejoining before the final climb to the lake. I like to head to the left (upper) trail on the way up and then return by the lower trail. The upper trail follows an old road bed for most of its distance.

Distance: 10.4 miles, 1,400 feet of gain

To get there: From Granite Falls, follow the Mountain Loop Highway to Barlow Pass, where the pavement ends. Go 3.5 miles farther, then turn right at the signed junction. The trailhead is less than a mile ahead, at the end of the road. Northwest Forest Pass.

Lake Serene

At this time of year, the Lake Serene Trail often resembles an endless skating rink. This year, however, it’s more easily passable. There are some patches of snow, but the trail is definitely hikeable. The trail has waterfalls, views of nearby peaks and beautiful mossy forests.

Distance: 8.2 miles, 2,000 feet of gain.

To get there: Drive east on U.S. 2 past Gold Bar. Turn right on Mount Index Road, near milepost 35. NW Forest Pass.

Barclay Lake

Barclay Lake is an excellent hike for families. The trail rolls just enough to be interesting, and there are some fun trees for kids to hide in. There are a few good picnic spots at the end. It’s such a quick trail, you’ll have lots of time for a leisurely lunch.

Distance: 4 miles, 500 feet of gain.

To get there: Drive east on U.S. 2 past Baring. Near milepost 41, head left on 635th Place NE. Keep left on Forest Road 6034. The trailhead is at the road’s end 4 miles ahead. NW Forest Pass.

Deception Creek

The trail and trailhead are currently snow-free and accessible. This hike offers more of a workout than most along a creek. It rolls up and down quite a bit. Trail is very wet in some spots. Bring good boots.

Distance: Up to 11 miles. Many good turn-around spots along the way.

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. In another quarter mile, turn right on Forest Road 6088. NW Forest Pass.

East Fork Foss

Check out this trail for a river and forest hike. The first 5 miles of the trail are clear, according to the Skykomish Ranger District. This part of the trail only gains about 600 feet, so it’s an easy trip.

Distance: 10 miles, 600 feet of gain

To get there: Head east on U.S. 2. Half a mile past the Skykomish Ranger District, turn south onto Foss River Road. Trailhead is 4 miles ahead. NW Forest Pass.

Iron Goat Trail

This trail follows the Pacific Northern Railroad grade, and as such is a nice, gentle walk. It’s great for all ages. There are waterfalls to enjoy and there are some pretty bridges to enjoy. Signs along the way tell you about the area’s history.

Distance: 6 miles.

To get there: Take U.S. 2 east and turn left on Old Cascade Highway near milepost 55. Turn left on Forest Road 6710. Trailhead is 1.5 miles ahead. NW Forest Pass.

Wallace Falls or Wallace Lake

This is a classic Snohomish County hike. It features tons of pretty river views and three big waterfalls. If you’re looking for something shorter, turn around at any of the falls. The hardest section of the trail is between the second and third falls. A longer option is a hike to Wallace Lake. It offers spectacular forest hiking alongside a pretty creek. Check out the handy map at the trailhead to help you navigate your options.

Distance: 5.6 miles and 1,300 feet of gain for Wallace Falls; 8.2 miles and 1,500 feet of gain for Wallace Lake.

To get there: Follow U.S. 2 east to Gold Bar. Watch for the sign for Wallace Falls State Park, just before milepost 28. Follow the signs to the trailhead. Discover Pass required. You can purchase one at the trailhead.

Heybrook Lookout

This short, somewhat steep hike offers a big payoff for not much work. Climb up quickly to an old lookout, and then get even higher by climbing the lookout stairs. You’ll get great views of Mount Persis and Mount Baring.

Distance: 2.6 miles, 850 feet of gain.

To get there: Head east on U.S. 2. The trailhead is on the north side of the Highway, between milepost 37 and 38.

Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake is a flat, easy hike. It’s on an old railroad grade and travels along the pretty Sauk River. It ends near a wetland, where you may get to see some wildlife. A section of trail was partially washed out by the river, so tread carefully and keep your kids close.

Distance: 4 miles, 100 feet of gain.

To get there: From Darrington, head south on the Mountain Loop Highway for about 10 miles. Cross the Sauk River and turn right for the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass.

Old Sauk River Trail

This is another classic winter hike. It’s nearly perfectly flat. It follows along the Sauk River, coming in and out of site of it as you walk. Great hike for young kids.

Distance: 6 miles, 150 feet of gain.

To get there: From Darrington, head south on Mountain Loop Highway. Trailhead will be on the left in about five miles. Northwest Forest Pass.

Lime Kiln Trail

Take a walk through history on this trail. A railroad once ran through here and there was a mining operation. A lime kiln still stands, as well as a few other artifacts you can spot along the trail. A new bridge went in on the trail last year over a washout.

Distance: 7.0 miles, 625 feet of gain.

To get there: From State Route 92 in Granite Falls, turns south on Granite Avenue. Turn left on Pioneer Street. Turn left onto Waite Mill Road. Head left at the sign for Lime Kiln Trail. Turn left into the parking area.

Boulder River

Boulder River is a great, easy hike for the whole family. You’ll reach the first waterfall at about a mile. Another is about half a mile farther on. Both of these make nice turn-around spots for families.

Distance: Up to 8 miles, 700 feet of gain.

To get there: Follow Highway 530 east from Arlington. Turn right on French Creek Road/Forest Road 2010, just after milepost 41. Trailhead is about 4 miles up road. Northwest Forest Pass.

Before you go

• Check the weather, tell someone where you’re going and bring your 10 essentials. Call the ranger station in the area you’re hiking if you’d like more information about conditions.
• Trails are rarely maintained in winter, so be aware there may be trees across the trail or other hazards. Trails are also likely to be wet and muddy.
• Right now, the entire Mountain Loop Highway is open and snow-free. Some areas are a bit soft, though, especially at the sides of the road.
• Bathroom facilities may be locked at many trailheads.