This Week on the Trails: Washington's Winter Water World
If you ventured out onto Washington's trails this past week (December 08 - December 14, 2025), you likely spent more time navigating puddles and streams than crunchy frost. An atmospheric river, true to its name, drenched much of the state, turning many popular paths into impromptu waterways and reminding us that winter hiking in the Pacific Northwest often means embracing the wet.
This deluge brought a mix of consequences across the state. While it felt definitively like winter with the sheer volume of precipitation, unusually warm temperatures meant much of that fell as rain, not snow. This translated to roaring waterfalls, swollen creeks, widespread mud, and plenty of standing water on trails. You'd be forgiven for thinking your hiking boots were actually designed for wading. The good news is, for those seeking lower-elevation routes, the lack of widespread snow made some trails more accessible than expected for mid-December. The bad news? High water levels and saturated ground often created their own set of obstacles, including erosion and blowdowns. If you found drier ground, you were in the minority this week.
Where to Go
Here are a few spots that offered decent conditions, despite the deluge:
- Green River Natural Area (Seattle-Tacoma Area): A solid choice for a low-elevation loop. Trails generally held up well, with a "beautiful little meadow area" noted by one hiker. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a relatively flat, close-to-town escape from the city.
- McCormick Forest Park (Kitsap Peninsula): This urban gem offered "clear and well-maintained" trails for the most part. Do be aware of one fallen tree and a section of eroded, slanted trail along a ravine between markers U and I. Still, a good bet for a quick, green fix.
- Mount Ellinor (Hood Canal): Surprisingly, the upper trailhead was completely snow-free, with full sun on December 13. While it was cold at the top, this report highlighted an unexpected window for a clear summit if you hit the weather right this past week. Don't forget layers, even if you ditch the microspikes.
- Squak Mountain (Issaquah Alps): When other I-90 corridor trails were flooding, Squak proved a reliable alternative. Reports noted decent drainage and only minor rivulets across the trails, making it a good choice for avoiding the worst of the high water.
Where to Avoid / Heads Up
- Snoqualmie Falls Lower Viewpoint: Due to the extreme precipitation, the lower viewpoint was closed this week after reaching "major flood stage." The upper viewpoint was open but be prepared for heavy mist.
- General Flood-Related Issues: Be cautious of closed roads and other travel safety issues throughout the region. Many waterfall trails saw exceptionally high flows, which can make for spectacular views but also hazardous conditions.
- Mud and Erosion: Assume most low-to-mid elevation trails will be muddy, possibly very muddy. Watch for eroded sections, especially on trails near streams or ravines.
From the Trail
"I didn’t know what to expect, so I was over prepared with layers of clothing, gaiters, microspikes… but there was literally no snow, and full sun! I couldn’t believe how incredible the weather was. It did not feel like mid December." — View report on WTA
"Squak is always a great alternative when other trails along the I-90/Middle Fork corridors are flooding. The trails we hiked all had decent drainage and only a few places where we had to step over rivulets." — View report on WTA
Looking Ahead
For the most accurate mountain weather, check these sources before heading out:
- NWAC Mountain Weather Forecast - Best for Cascades snow and avalanche conditions
- NWS Seattle - General Seattle/Puget Sound area
- Mountain Forecast - Peak-specific forecasts
Conditions change rapidly in the mountains - always verify current conditions before your trip.
This report is compiled from 99 trip reports submitted to the Washington Trails Association for December 08 - December 14, 2025. For real-time conditions on specific trails, check the latest reports on WTA.org.