Winter Fun on the Mountain Loop
If you’ve never heard of the Mountain Loop, that’s okay. Even locals may not be hip to this remote-yet-accessible place for all things outdoor recreation. This 55-mile route takes motorists, hikers, skiers, and bicyclists into the heart of the Cascades.
Note that the entire ‘Loop is not available during the winter months. The Forest Service closes the gate at Deer Creek after the first snow (you can check for gate closures here). However, this is a good thing for folks who want to venture onto the Mountain Loop on cross country skis, snowshoeing, or by foot.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country or “Nordic” skiing is one of the most underrated winter sports. There’s no shooshing down hills, but rather you travel... well, across the country. As such you can take in the snowy peaks of the Mountain Loop: Mount Dickerman, Big Four, Mount Pilchuck, Three Fingers, and more. What a remarkable experience to navigate in a winter wonderland.
Snowshoeing
While there are no snowshoe rental facilities in the area, snowshoes are lightweight, affordable and offer unparalleled access to snowy exploration. Zip along on the powdery surface as you trek into the forest with a backpack full of thermos-hot cocoa in search of respite and solitude.
Winter hiking
To say it upfront: beware of avalanches and ice bridges. For experienced hikers, Lake 22, Robe Canyon, and Heather Lake are safe routes that will take you to frozen lakes or the ice-cold Stillaguamish River. Don’t forget your camera: these photo ops are solid gold.
Stillaguamish & Sauk River Valleys
Rooted in folkways - where older traditions meet modern iterations of Pacific Northwest culture - the small working towns of this valley still resonate with stories of indgenous peoples, lumberjack and mining…
Top 5 Winter Cabin Experiences in the Northwest
The crackling bonfire, the Pendleton blanket, the fuzzy socks and the hot cocoa steaming in tin mugs. This is the…
The Woods are Good for You
You know the sensation. You step into the shady woods, or dip your toes into a cool stream and suddenly…
