5 Best Washington Hikes with Dogs in January

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With the new year comes the opportunity to feel the burn (literally) of accomplishment, bask in the tranquility of nature, and spend more time doing the things that bring value and happiness to your life. I know it’s still raining. I know it’s cold. I know you’ve lost all motivation as winter sets in. But the best cure for this funk is to get outside and go for a hike with your best dog friend. Set an optimistic and empowering tone for the year by taking one of of these, mostly low-key, hikes to reset the mind and reinvigorate the soul.

  1. Franklin Falls: 3 miles round-trip, 400 feet elevation gain, Central Cascades and Snoqualmie region, no parking pass. A short, easy hike with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end (in the winter you may find it spectacularly frozen). This is a very popular and easily accessible hike so try to go on a weekday to avoid the crowds and instagram “models” if you want a more tranquil experience. The best light is in the early afternoon. The happy hour (salmon sliders and BBQ pork sliders) and lunch or dinner options (jambalaya, crab fettuccine) at Infusion Bar and Grill in Snoqualmie are a welcome treat after a hike in the snow.
  2. Four Cedars Trail – Tolmie State Park: 2.0 miles round-trip, 200 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound region, Discover pass. A nice hike through forest and beach, accessible throughout most of the year. After this quick mini-adventure, head to Curry Corner in Lacey for some of the best Indian food in western Washington.
  3. Gold Mountain: 4.0 miles round-trip, 1087 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound region, Discover Pass. Spectacular views of the Olympics from the top so save this one for a clear day. Stop by Leonard K’s Boat House Restaurant in Allyn for some killer crab cakes or El Balcon in Bremerton for delicious pupusas.
  4. Elliott Bay Trail: 10.4 miles round-trip, 0 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound region, no parking pass. Lovely urban hike on a paved path following the shoreline of Elliott Bay, excellent year-round with the added bonus of having a great excuse to stop at some great restaurants in the city–my favorites are Ivar’s Acres of Clams (4 chowder sampler), The Steelhead Diner (ling cod fish and chips and strawberry-rhubarb tart), Sushi Kappo Tamura (black dragon roll), Mani’s Kitchen (lamb tikka masala or butter chicken), Junebaby (Sunday fried chicken dinner special), The Pink Door (risotto, la fettunta, and Saffron and Moscato Wine Poached Pear with blood orange sorbet), and Pike Place Chowder (clam chowder and lobster roll).
  5. Clark’s Creek Park Loop: 5.5 miles round-trip, 0 feet elevation gain, Puget Sound region, no parking pass. This is an interesting trail that connects several parks and open space designated areas together. It’s a pleasant wooded stroll in the middle of urban life. If you go in the morning, stop by Tibbits @ Fern Hill in Tacoma for the best breakfast you’ll have this year. It is a small, seasonally rotating menu of so much deliciousness!