amanda Posted October 28, 2006 Posted October 28, 2006 Hey, I'm relatively new to outdoor awesomeness so I was wondering if anyone could recommend an awesome place to go backpacking in the middle of March in the northwest. i live in Seattle and I want to get out somewhere for the week of "spring" break. Any suggestions? Thanks! Quote
Bug Posted October 28, 2006 Posted October 28, 2006 This is a climber's board so take a rope with you for all suggestions you get here. March is early so be ready for deep snow in the Cascades. That is OK if you are ready for it. Snowshoes or skiis will probably be needed for any week long adventure if you are moving 5 miles a day plus or minus. Don't wear cotton as it sucks the heat out of you. Capaliene or Molino wool or one of the newer synthetics are a must next to the skin as the temps drop in the evening and you are all sweaty. The Enchantments loop might be nice but my Flordian girlfriend wouldn't do Asgard pass by herself in the summer much less in the snow. But you could still go up and down the Snow creek trail safely (Asgard pass is at one end, snow creek is at the other). There is no place else. Just kidding. The Enchantments are my favorites for backpacking (and climbing). Quote
TeleRoss Posted October 28, 2006 Posted October 28, 2006 Hike the olympic coast from South beach to crescent lake and beyond. Quote
curtveld Posted October 28, 2006 Posted October 28, 2006 I hear the Chaelan lakeshore trail can be nice that time of year. Check out the yellow Manning-Spring 100 Hikes book. Quote
iluka Posted October 28, 2006 Posted October 28, 2006 Unless you have good winter camping skills and can travel well on snowshoes or backcountry skies, I'd vote for avoiding the mountain "backpacking" trip that time of year and look elsewhere. There usually still a lot of snow up in the mountains in March which can make travel somewhat difficult if you don't have the skills and equipment. Avalanche awareness skills would be a plus as well. I agree with an earlier post that a trip along the Olympic coastline would be a nice one. The area around and north of the Ozette River is nice. Another particularly pretty area for coastal hiking is the West Rim trail up on Victoria Island in BC but I'm not sure what the conditions are like that time of year. If you're somewhat mobile, March is a great time to visit the desert southwest and explore parts of the canyon country. Quote
G-spotter Posted October 29, 2006 Posted October 29, 2006 West Rim trail up on Victoria Island in BC but I'm not sure what the conditions are like that time of year You will have better luck Googling if you look for the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island Conditions in March are muddy and not crowed. Can be quite cold. Expect cold rain all day every day. Dress warm. Rubber boots would not be out of place. Quote
dbconlin Posted October 31, 2006 Posted October 31, 2006 I hear the Chaelan lakeshore trail can be nice that time of year. Check out the yellow Manning-Spring 100 Hikes book. Excellent suggestion. I did this many years ago, not in March though. It is an excellent trip. Depending on the snow year, I wouldn't be suprised if there is still snow there that time of year, although probably not too deep. It is south facing for the most part. Last year in March in Leavenworth (at comparable elevation and climate) there was still a fair amount of snow. Quote
dbconlin Posted October 31, 2006 Posted October 31, 2006 Hike the olympic coast from South beach to crescent lake and beyond. Probably the best suggestion so far. Expect rain, much wildlife, and beautiful terrain. Quote
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