The new year has started, and it’s cold and rainy. Think there’s nothing to do but huddle inside with a good book? Think again!
One thing I’ve learned since moving to the Great Northwest from North Carolina — when it’s raining in Seattle, it’s probably snowing in the passes. That means there are plenty of snow activities very close by.
I was amazed to go snowshoeing for the very first time last winter. We drove up I-90 about 45 minutes and took the exit at Hyak. Just pull off on the side of the road and you can follow the trails snowshoeing to your heart’s delight. There’s a beautiful lake you can hike to, and when it’s a clear day, the mountain range is beautiful. When you hike in, it’s fun to see the trees, heavy in snow, and the trail sign, almost buried. Before you head out, don’t forget to get a Sno-Park permit – a day pass is $8 and a seasonal pass is $20. Visit www.parks.wa.gov/winter for more information.
There are also skiing and snowboarding, and while some call the snow in the area “Cascade Concrete,” snow sports are still great ways to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Some ski areas even have weekend shuttle buses from Seattle. If you drive, call for road conditions before hand (425-368-4499) to see if you’ll need tire chains. Also, if you are going out into the backcountry to cross country ski, check out conditions before setting out by calling the Northwest Avalanche Information Hotline (206-526-6677). For downhill skiing conditions, call the Cascade Ski Report (206-634-0200).
The Summit at Snoqualmie (206-232-8182) has four ski areas off of I-90: Alpental, Summit Central, Summit West and Summit East, all linked by a free shuttle bus and ski trails and honor the same lift ticket.
Stevens Pass (360-973-2441) is also a great place to ski and snowboard. Snowboarders are welcome on all runs, but there is also a nearby halfpipe. Nordic skiers can go to Stevens Pass Nordic Center, which offers groomed trails, rentals, instructions, food and drinks.
If you’d rather watch snow sports than participate, check out the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team at Key Arena. Their next home game is Tuesday, Jan. 21 against Prince George, and their next weekend games are on Friday, Jan. 24 against Vancouver and Saturday the 25th against Portland. Prices range from $8-$18. The best seats are in the lower bowl for $18, or lower level for $16. Head upstairs for $14, $12, and $8 seats. The $8 seats have to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance, though.
Or if cuddling up on the couch to read a good book is really your thing after all, think of starting a book club. Pick a day and time, like the first Sunday of the month at 4:30 p.m. and invite a friend to a coffee or tea shop. Tell that friend they must invite one friend, and that friend must do so as well, and at your first meeting, bring several titles of books you’d like to read. Now you’ve got a book club.
Pamela Brice is the editor of the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Enterprise.
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