Top PNW Winter Adventures for a Guy from Florida
My first real winter with snow. These were my top moments this winter playing in the fluffy stuff.
Living in Florida my whole life I have never experienced a “White Christmas”; that is until this year. I moved to the Pacific Northwest right before winter this year and apparently my timing couldn’t have been any better. Some people have been claiming it to be one of the best winters in a while. Not having much experience with this fluffy frozen stuff (Snow, I believe they call it), I’ll take their word for it.
Here are some of my top adventures this year… playing in the snow!
Snowshoe to Panorama Point
My first time snowshoeing we did it big. A nice 7000' peak to start off this winter. This trek was awesome and right after we got about 8' of snow in Washington. A few photos to hopefully get the adventure juices going.
Snowshoe to Sun Top Peak
If you want a good easy trail but with the difficulty of longer hike than this is the one you want to go try out. The gate closes at the parking lot during winter because of the snow (shocker, right?). So a nice easy hike in the summer turns into a 12 mile round trip trek. But you get some of the most rewarding views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range. Super great feeling of accomplishing a long day of hiking as well. Elevation gain is very minimal because the trail is a service road.
Lastly...
If you are into any type of outdoor snowsport than make sure you take advantage of the snow! I picked up snowboarding this year and it has been incredible to experience.
And you still have time to enjoy these things. So get out there and try something new this weekend. There are always 100 excuses to not go freeze your toes and fingers off. Soon the snow will be gone and you'll have to wait until next winter to make up excuses again.
P.S.
If the snow isn't quite your thing or you are looking for an alternative to the frozen wet stuff for a weekend then hit the coast! We traveled to Cannon Beach in Oregon for Christmas and it was nothing short of amazing. The sunset was just so beautiful and the colors pop off of the water. Little side note though; don't go without food. Everything is closed there for Christmas day.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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