Where We Hiked: Dec. 6 - Dec. 12

That was a lot of rain! Nearly five inches of rain in Darrington, 5.6 in Shelton, 11.5 at Lake Quinault, and 3.3 at Snoqualmie Falls. Twenty Western Washington rivers experienced flooding - four of them major.

With rising temperatures on Sunday, the rain extended from the coast all of the way up into the Cascades. Water-drenched snow is a recipe for avalanches. Before going out, all skiers and snowshoers should check the Northwest Avalanche Center for updates and stay well away from trails that pose avalanche danger.

Needless to say, not that many hikers ventured out this past weekend. But a few intrepid souls did and posted Trip Reports.

Bigfoot braved the rain at Talapus Lake during Sunday's deluge. "We were freezing and soaked when we got back to the truck. My hands were so numb that I could hardly get my equipment off." But despite the weather, Bigfoot was still able to call it "a good time and great experience."

Remy headed to the east side of Stevens Pass and Lanham Lake before the rains hit on Saturday. "The trail looked well-traveled for getting 14" of snow a couple days ago. After almost 1 mile, the trail just ended. I teamed up with another couple and we were able to blaze a trail toward the creek." 

Donald Shank headed out to Mallardy Ridge last week in the soggy weather but before the deluge. "We walked in a steady, 36-degree rain the whole way, not as aesthetically pleasing as snow, but a great test of our cold/wet weather winter gear."

Did any of you hike to one of many raging waterfalls this weekend? Or to the coast to see the storm come in? We'd love to hear your stories and see your photos on WTA's Trip Reports!