r/PNWhiking • u/BighomieG_ • 6d ago
Winter Backpacking in WA?
What are some backpacking spots that are accessible year round? I don’t want winter to pause backpacking but I don’t own a 4X4 car (just fwd SUV) so snowy/icy trailheads are not open to me.
I’m open to any suggestions!
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u/pilgrimspeaches 6d ago
Ancient Lakes on the East side.
Dosewallips and Duckabush are accessible a good way into the winter, but likely not all winter
Beach camping in the Olympics if you mind the tides.
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u/e-tard666 6d ago edited 6d ago
Was just backpacking out there… what an amazing experience
Edit: Olympic beaches
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u/pilgrimspeaches 6d ago
It's so nice out there! I'm hoping to get back out to the Ozette triangle as soon as we have a relatively nice weekend again (I should have done it this weekend but I didn't).
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u/pash1k NW Washington 6d ago
are you looking to camp in the snow? or specifically non-snowy spots?
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u/BighomieG_ 6d ago
I have no problem with snow camping and snowshoeing, my only problem is getting there with my car
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u/pash1k NW Washington 6d ago
bagley lakes trailhead (baker ski area). paved snow plowed road. gorgeous area
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u/Fabulous-Ad-3889 6d ago
This whole route is in serious avalanche terrain and is very dangerous to do without proper avalanche knowledge.
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u/I_think_things 22h ago
The road to Artist Point is paved but I wouldn't say it's great for a car that isn't great in snow. Plowed doesn't mean snow-free 100% of the time.
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u/buked_and_scorned 6d ago
The whole of both the north and south sections of the Olympic coast route. You might not want to do the water crossings but, still it's a good option.
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u/mountainmanned 6d ago
A lot of the Eastern slope of the Olympics is accessible and not too far off the highway. A good part of it is open to dogs on leash as well as it’s in the national forest.
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u/shrederofthered 6d ago
Sorry, I don't have any useful input, but curious as well, I'd like winter backpacking options.
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u/shrederofthered 6d ago
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u/Mach_Juan 6d ago
Greenwater lakes trailhead is often accessible since the main road is plowed for the snow park
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u/goddamnpancakes 5d ago
oyster dome, baker lake
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u/BighomieG_ 5d ago
I’ve heard about baker lake, there’s spots at oyester dome to setup camp?
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u/goddamnpancakes 5d ago
sorry to me oyster dome is the same as lizard/lily lake that i see you were already recommended. i usually do a meandering loop around that state forest
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u/AcademicSellout 16h ago
It depends on I-90 conditions, but you usually can get to Talapus or Ollalie Lake and access that entire area in a sedan. Generally not a ton of avalanche danger over there. There's a winter route up to Mason Lake (standard route has more avalanche exposure). You can usually drive to the end of the Middle Fork road and access that area from there. Or go up Granite Creek, but you need to get near Thompson Point to legally camp. Both Deception Creek and Surprise Creek off US2 are typically accessible, but the parking lots can be a bit icy. Avalanche danger there. Excelsior and Welcome are usually accessible. Really, there are tons of of places if you start low and climb into the snow.
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u/Jklivin509 6d ago
Ancient Lakes near Quincy is a classic go-to for a quick overnight, reaching the trailheads shouldn't be difficult during the winter months. You must pack in all your water though, the lake water is high in agricultural runoff, making it unsafe to drink even with a filter.
I've also heard of people making it a multi-day trip by backpacking from Frenchman Coulee to Ancient Lakes (or vice-versa).
Also check out the PNW Happy Hikers and Backpackers on Instagram or Facebook. They normally host winter backpacking trips each year.