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digitalgadget t1_j830vlk wrote

Reply to comment by FirePhoinex290 in I can't wait for all this green to start coming back! | Little White Salmon River, WA, USA | [OC] [5075x6767] by CameronKelsey

If you want to go to Rainier etc then come in July. The roads aren't open until May usually and the flowers don't really start growing until June. By August the forest fires will cause visibility issues and possibly breathing problems depending where you go. September is lovely but it's shoulder season so expect some things to be closed for the season or shortened hours.

I also recommend St Helens if you have the time. Or drive scenic Highway 2 up north. See Leavenworth and Wenatchee while you're out there.

You can get "lush green" any time of year in the rainforests of the peninsula. Visit the Hoh and Hurricane Ridge. But of course they're called rainforests for a reason, the summer is the best time to avoid getting absolutely drenched your whole visit. And of course the coniferous forests of most of Western Washington are green year round on account of the evergreens.

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FirePhoinex290 t1_j84dlf8 wrote

Thank you so much, I didn’t even think about road closures. I am still in school so May through August is the only time I can travel, but it seems like there are a few good months to choose from within that bracket.

I have had the Hoh rainforest on my list for a long time, but I’ll have to check out Hurricane ridge. A scenic drive is also a good idea, I’ll see if I can fit it in. Thanks!

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CookieKeeperN2 t1_j84leip wrote

There is gonna be a shit tone amount of people on Rainier. If you do go there, go there on a weekday super early (like 6-7am). I highly suggest going up to Camp Muir if you are in decent shape. but check conditions before you go because you might need microspikes or crampons.

Olympic is huge. If you want to visit the Hoh and hurricane ridge, and hike, that is 2 whole days of driving (not counting from Hoh back to Seattle). Olympic is a must visit.

Instead of Mt St Helens (which you can't hike to the peak without a permit), consider parts of the Cascades that's closer to Seattle. All NFs in Washington are amazing. North Cascades NP is absolutely heaven if you are into alpine views. Of course there is always the Enchantment. If you are in super shape the doing that in a day (backpacking permit is a tough lottery) might be one of the best day hike in the US.

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FirePhoinex290 t1_j89dr2d wrote

Good point, I plan on starting hikes early. I don’t have any experience with backpacking so I’ll stick to day hikes, but Olympic is definitely on my list. Thank you!

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