FEBRUARY HIKING SUGGESTIONS IN WA & OR

[VTHIKER79]

Hello Hiking enthusiasts! I am planning a trip from February 15-23rd and will be in the Portland and Seattle area during that time. I am an active Winter hiker residing in VT. I have a couple of CO 14ers under my belt. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions of mountains I could day hike during that time that aren't overly technical. (can be done with spikes or snowshoes). I don't want to have to get crampons or an ax to do these hikes. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Edited January 27, 2014 by VTHIKER79

[Water]

consider posting this on portlandhikers.org and nwhikers.net as well, both places should yield helpful reports.

 

as you may have gathered there is a dearth of snow here (especially in Oregon more than WA..). There are a handful of hikes in the Columbia River Gorge that could be a ton of fun for you (table mountain, mount defiance, hamilton mountain, munra point)

 

Beyond that you could go pretty high up on the south side of Mt. hood wearing microspikes/snowshoes--at least to 8,500ft the top of the ski area could go a bit higher but if its icy then probably best to call that your top-out.

 

Good luck, have fun.

 

 

 

[curtveld]

Even with the low snow, the major mountains here are serious mountaineering affairs in the winter. In addition to the Gorge options above, maybe consider low elevation options around Seattle. The beaches and rainforests (Olympics) might be quite different from your home region and more enjoyable than fighting the snow.

 

And as always, the weather should be a major consideration and isn't very predictable until 4-5 days from your outing.

[ivan]

tilly jane trail on mt hood would be mind-blowing for you i bet, much better than hanging out w/ the hordes on the s side - once above treeline, go where the spirit moves you (as high as you feel comfortable on the cooper spur would be the best bet)