Photos: A Week of Winter Hiking in Washington

Think winter is a time to hibernate? Not according to WTA's trip reports. From epic sunsets to icy waterfalls, the photos and links below show a week of December trip reports from hikers having great adventures all over the state. Use them to plan a trip, get inspired to get outside, or just to show off your state to any out-of-towners in for the holidays.

File your own adventure. What makes a great trip report? This time of year, snow conditions are always important information to share with others. Are things icy on trail? What about the state of the road, the trailhead facilities and the trail itself? Last, but not least, include your photos of the trail, the scenery or just your hiking buddies!

Winter safety tips:

• The conditions on any of the trails below can change quickly in winter, so go prepared for all kinds of weather, and don't be afraid to turn back if the trail conditions are trickier than you expected.
• If you plan on heading out there, take a few extra precautions to stay warm and sure-footed.

Sea stacks make a walk on Ruby Beach worth it in winter

• Trip reporter abertino took some out-of-town visitors on a tour of the Olympics and stopped for a short stroll at Ruby Beach.

Elk crossing along the Hoh River

• Trip reporter abertino showed some out-of-town guests the wonders of the Olympic Rainforest along the Hoh River trail. A herd of elk made their solitary hike even more amazing.
  

Big views and bold sunsets at White Bluffs

• Central Washington expert, David Hagen (aka mytho-man) and Cascadian Kim scored some amazing views from the dunes at White Bluffs - North Slope.
• Cascadian Kim's trip report of the same trip is also worth a read.
  
• On a return trip, this time to the South Slope, mytho-man encountered a monster, 7-foot tall, road-blocking tumbleweed that needs to be seen to be believed.
  

Spikes up on Snoqualmie Mountain

• Trip reporter nashearer braved snow and ice to score this prime lunch spot on Snoqualmie Mountain.

An honest day's work under a green winter canopy

• Trip reporter and volunteer Taum Sauk captured a green glow around WTA volunteers working on the final stages on the new segment of the Lost Lake Trail in Larrabee State Park, due to open next year.

Where ice meets water on Twin Falls

• Trip reporter Surviving Urban made a jaunt out to Twin Falls, and captured some cool shots of winter at the popular waterfalls.

Blue skies, creek-hopping and mountaintops on a morning hike

• Trip reporter Chad found that the CCC Road: Upper Trailhead made for an excellent morning excursion in winter. "Weather was cold but the trail was in great condition," he says.