Want to avoid the snow? Hit the beach this winter.

This article is supported by your Western Washington Honda Dealers

What’s a hiker to do when some of their favorite Washington trails are blanketed in snow? Why, hit the beach, of course! Coastal trails provide a great alternative when hikes in the mountains are inaccessible. If you want big views during this time of the year, beach and coastal trails can’t be beat.

Go for a winter getaway …

Since coastal weather is unlikely to be as cold as inland or higher-elevation locations, you can plan camping and backpacking trips on the coast during the winter months. Campgrounds that are normally busy, like Moran State Park on Orcas Island or Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island, among others, are quieter in winter months, making a spur-of-the-moment trip more attainable.

Destinations on the Wilderness Coast on the Olympic Peninsula offer early-season backpacking options. Some great options include Shi Shi Beach, Second Beach and the — long, but worth it — North Coast Route. Be prepared for rain, though, and carry a tide chart to avoid getting stuck due to high tides. Ranger stations can advise on the safest routes for your coastal adventure. And although snow is unlikely on these routes, winter storms can be dangerous and push tides much higher than normal. Make sure you check the weather forecast carefully before you go. 

Beat the snow with a visit to the coast this winter. Photo courtesy of Western Washington Honda Dealers

… Or find a day hike with coastal views

If you’re located in Western Washington, chances are you’re pretty close to a beach, like staff favorites Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island, Carkeek Park in Seattle, South Bay Trail in Bellingham or the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail in Long Beach. To find a great day hike, visit wta.org/hikes. From there, go to the “trail features and ratings” section and select the “coast” option to see a list of 200+ trail options.

Gear up to go out

While you might not need snow tires or chains to get to these trails, there’s some gear, like a tide chart, that will make your beach hike, camp or backpack safer and more enjoyable. Winter on the coast is a great time to camp in the car — it’ll help you stay warmer and be protected from the whipping wind that’s so common on the Washington coast during this season. Our friends at Western Washington Honda Dealers suggest you prep your car with a nice sleeping area, starting with sleeping pads, which will help reflect your body heat back to you. After that, layer sleeping bags and blankets on top, and place towels over your windows and then roll the windows up for more privacy and insulation while you snooze. 

Trip reports are valuable all year long, but especially in the winter and shoulder seasons, when trail conditions can change from day to day. Be sure to check trip reports before you head out, and when you're back, take a few minutes to share one of your own at wta.org/tripreports.