5 Best Washington Hikes with Dogs in February

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Ah February, the month of love. My partner and I may be two of the least romantic people I know. I don’t want flowers or cards or gifts. I do want quality time though. No phones, no distractions. Where better to connect with your partner than on the trail? Communication, teamwork, and basking in gratefulness and appreciation for the opportunity to experience the outdoors with your favorite person is my kind of Valentine’s. Head out on one of these hikes (plus food!!!!) this month to connect with yourself, your partner, or your dog.

  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. Ruby Beach: 6.0 miles round-trip, 80 feet elevation gain, Olympics region, no parking pass. Walk the beach and enjoy a leisurely stroll as you pass by the famous sea stacks to the north, keeping alert to dodge sleeper waves. Clam chowder and fish and chips are the food of the coast. Stop by Creekside Restaurant at the Kalaloch Lodge in Forks or Breakwater Seafood and Chowder House in Aberdeen for some of each.