Staff recommends: Winter recreation on trails, slopes preserved
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We spend a lot of time at our desks working to protect the places Washingtonians love, so we take every opportunity we can to get outside. Here are Coalition staff picks for winter recreation areas funded by the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Joanna, Executive Director – The Methow Valley is a great place for a family vacation. It really is a winter wonderland out there. The Methow’s extensive trail system offers plentiful opportunities for skiing and you can even rent fat tire bikes in the Valley for a snowy bike ride.
Gwendolyn, Finance and Operations Director – My husband and I love to drive to Olympic National Park and watch storms roll in on Kalalach. It’s a great way to see the power of nature and enjoy this popular park during the off season.
Sarah, Development Director – In Western Washington, winter means rain and for me, that means kayaking season. The Green River Gorge reminds me of a magical elf land covered with ferns and moss. I like to have a thermos of hot cocoa waiting for me when we take-out at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park.
Tom, Outreach Director – I’ll be heading back to my home town of Wenatchee for some snowshoeing. The Wenatchee Foothills and Stemilt Basin have a wide variety of routes that are suitable for everyone from beginning snowshoers to experts.
Hannah, LWCF Campaign Director – Cross-country skiing is my cold-weather activity of choice too. Mount Rainier is majestic year round, but nothing compares to its glistening glory in the winter. For skiiers interested in a trek with an incredible reward, you can start at the Carbon River entrance and head 5.5 miles up the road to Mowich Lake before coasting back down the hill.
Naomi, Membership Associate – I have been snowboarding at Steven’s Pass since 1999. In addition to snowboarding, I like to go on winter walks. My mom loves Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale and almost every year we walk it on her birthday. It’s always a bit chilly but it’s amazing how “far away” from the town you can get in just a few minutes’ walk.
Frances, Marketing & Communications Associate – Despite being from Eastern Washington, I’m not a huge fan of snow. While I won’t be heading to the mountains, I will go to Skagit Valley to visit the farms along the Pacific Flyway to watch visiting snow geese and get some fresh cider.
Do you have a recommendation for winter recreation in Washington? Send us your story and a picture to frances@wildliferecreation.org and we’ll feature it on Facebook and on the blog.
Photos from top to bottom: Sarah Stewart at Green River Gorge, Hannah Clark in the Snoqualmie National Forest, Frances Dinger in Eastern Washington snow.