Can You Hike In Washington In March?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Without good local knowledge of avalanche conditions and winter outdoor recreation, really great winter hiking clothes, and chains for your vehicle you won’t be able to hike in the mountains.

March is still a very snowy month for us, it’s one of the best ski months around here.

Where can I hike winter in Washington?


Gold Creek Pond trail

is probably the number one winter hike in Washington. The trail is flat, easy, and relatively close to Seattle. Because of that I highly recommend getting there extremely early or you will be met with hoards of people. It features a cute lake and beautiful trees blanketed with snow.

Can you hike in Washington during the winter?

Situated on the coast, Washington has pretty mild winter temperatures which means that

many of your favorite hikes in Washington are still open for the winter

! With a bit of a seasonal twist, these winter hiking trails in Washington will get you outside breathing that fresh mountain air in no time.

Is Trillium Lake Trail open?


Area Status: Open

It is mostly level for the entire length. The Trillium Lake Trail goes around Trillium Lake and through Trillium Lake Campground. There are great views of Mount Hood along this trail.

Is Tom McCall Point trail open?

The Tom McCall Preserve is

open from March 1 to October 31

due to the high risk of erosion and ground disturbance in the wetter months.

Is Franklin Falls hike open?

The trail is

open year-round

and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. During the winter, visitors must park on Denny Creek Road and walk 2 miles to the trailhead.

Is Lake Serene open?

Access area open:

Year-round

. Open to vehicles only during the regulated sport fishing season(s).

Is Coyote Wall Open?


Area Status: Open

From Coyote Wall Trailhead, bikers, hikers, and riders can access a 30+ mile network trails with an open feel and breath-taking views.

Is Franklin Falls frozen?

The Franklin Falls is

partially frozen in Winter

. With recent snow storms in February 2019 in Seattle, Pacific North west, the area near the Water falls is having approx. 10-15 feet of snow level on the river bed making you stand on a snowy platform and the water from the fall falling in to the huge bowl.

Is Staircase Rapids trail open?

This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is

open year-round

and is beautiful to visit anytime. Olympic National Park charges a fee to enter.

Is Snow Lake Trail open?

Area Status:

Open

Snow Lake Trail is the most frequented trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

How much do snowshoes cost?

Snowshoe Price Length(s)
MSR Lightning Ascent


$350

22, 25, 30 in.
MSR Evo Trail $150 22 in. Tubbs Mountaineer $270 25, 30, 36 in. Crescent Moon Eva $145 24 in.

Is Hurricane Ridge open right now?

It is

open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year

.

How long is dog mountain hike?

Get to know this

6.5-mile

loop trail near Carson, Washington. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 10 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Do you need a reservation for Trillium Lake?

Reservations:

Reserve online at Recreation.gov

. Make reservations 2 days in advance, or up to 6 months in advance for standard sites, and 12 months in advance for group sites.

Do you need snowshoes for Trillium Lake?

Around 4.5 miles total from the parking lot and around the lake-took us 1.75 hours. Beautiful day and not too busy.

No need for snowshoes

, it’s all packed down and a little icy.

Can you park overnight at Trillium Lake?


Overnight parking is allowed here as indicated by the signs

, but this location is busy due to the trailhead and the loop trail around Trillium Lake. These Snoparks are operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Is Catherine Creek Open?


Area Status: Open

The accessible, paved, Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail is located in the east end of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Catherine Creek is an area of unique natural beauty and is of great botanical significance and is included in the Washington Audubon’s Great Birdwatching Trail.

Is Rowena Plateau open?

Time and distance: Budget about 15 minutes for a photo stop at the Rowena Crest viewpoint, and about two hours for the McCall Point Hike which is a moderate 4.2 mile trail. When to go: The Rowena Crest viewpoint is

open year round

, and the hiking trails are open from May through October.

What elevation is Rowena Crest?

Highest Point:

1750 ft

.

Is Franklin falls an easy hike?

At just 2 miles roundtrip with 400 feet in elevation gain

it is the perfect destination for any hiker looking for something easy and beautiful

.

How long is Franklin Falls trail?

If you decide to park at Denny Creek and hike to Franklin Falls in winter, you’re looking at an

8 mile

round trip hike with about 500 feet of elevation gain. The area where you can park around the closed road is often icy and snowy.

Where is Franklin Falls located?

Franklin Falls Location

about 18 miles east of North Bend, Washington
Coordinates 47.42497°N 121.43243°WCoordinates:47.42497°N 121.43243°W Type Tiered Total height 135ft

Is Lake Serene a hard hike?

Lake Serene is

a strenuous, 7.2 mile round trip day hike

with 1,920 feet of elevation gain. The trail heads up thickly forested slopes past Bridal Veil Falls to a secluded lake.

What pass do I need for Lake Serene?

A

Northwest Forest Pass

is required. There is a $15 fee for parking if you don’t have a pass. Micro-spikes are recommended in winter.

Can you drink Lake Serene water?

The water was cool and incredibly clear (and even

safe to drink

, although only Charlie imbibed.)

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.