Romancing the Trail
Hiking Recommendations courtesy of Earth Share organization Washington Trails Association
Love it or hate it, it’s February. For some, the month of Valentines Day means dinner by candlelight and champagne. For others, a thermos of hot chocolate and… hiking boots!
The outdoors can be a very good place to spark some romance. Secluded hot springs, cascading waterfalls, dramatic vistas, enchanted forests… Washington’s great outdoors are dreamy, sometimes steamy, and definitely enhance the romance.
In the spirit of Valentines Day, we’ve been perusing cupid’s trail guide for great hikes that will set your and your special someone’s world afire. Desolation Peak didn’t make the list, and neither did Bachelor Creek or Cutthroat Pass, but the six hikes that did will surely make you swoon. Before you grab your sweetie and head off to Heart Lake or Lovers Lane Loop, you’ll want to consult our tips for enhancing the hiking romance.
Some trails conjure romantic thoughts and feelings by their names alone. Depending on how deep your love is, there is both a Big Heart Lake and a Little Heart Lake. The Enchantments are, well, absolutely enchanting. Thinking of proposing? Consider Gem Lake, Necklace Valley, or Diamond Point. Dream Lake is a perfect spot for young lovers, while Reflection Lake is just the place for celebrating your anniversary.
You can make your hike with a special someone even more romantic with a little extra forethought and creativity. According to our panel of experts, it’s good to keep the huffing and puffing to a minimum, so consider your partner’s physical shape in mind when choosing a trail. Bring chocolate, and other special snacks to share. If you can pack it in, a blanket and a small bottle of champagne or thermos of hot chocolate brings elegance to lunchtime that will be appreciated. Prepare a special lunch in advance, like cheese fondue and blackberry pie. Make sure it doesn’t rain, but be prepared if it does. Bring a plant book or binoculars and take the time to identify something new together. Skip work to hike, at least once. Leave your cell phone and other electronic gizmos at home. And don’t forget to have a cooler in the car waiting when you get back to the trailhead filled with drinks, fruit, hand towels and more chocolate.
Here are our favorite romantic hikes. They range from easy to moderate. Some are accessible now, and others will have to be saved for warmer months. All of the hikes are romantic and unique in their own way. Enjoy, and see you on the trail!
Lover’s Lane Trail
The Olympics, South from Soleduck Hot Springs and Campground. 6 miles round trip, elevation gain 250 feet
Why it’s romantic: The trail begins level and suitable for strolling hand in hand, preferably by bright moonlight. The Lovers Lane Trail passes through spruce groves and fern glades on its three miles to the Sol Duc Falls. The trail makes a loop after the Falls and returns to the campground.
How to get there: From junction of Highway 101 and Sol Duc River Road, Drive southward on the Sol Duc River Road 12 miles to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Park in the day-use area and cross the river to begin the Lovers Lane Trail.
Monte Cristo Railroad
Mount Baker Snoqualmie Forest, 8 miles round trip, elevation gain 400 feet
Why it’s romantic: Explore a ghost town together! Monte Cristo is packed with interesting history and pretty scenery. The trail is mostly flat and is actually an abandoned road to the historic mining town of Monte Cristo.
How to get there: Take the Mountain Loop Highway through Granite Falls to Barlow Pass. You will pass two very distinct bridges; the first one is blue and the second is red. At Barlow Pass the paved road ends. There is a parking lot on the left hand side or you can park along the road.
Dungeness Spit
North Olympic Peninsula, 11 miles round trip, flat
Why it’s romantic: Because you’re in the sand with your sweetie. This is an easy beach stroll to a historic lighthouse, with views across the Strait of Juan De Fuca to Victoria Island. Dungeness is one of the longest sand spits in the world, and a hike that can be done any time of year, and for any length desired. Look for whales, seabirds, and other wildlife.
How to get there: From U.S. Hwy 101 turn onto to Kitchen-Dick Road just past Sequim. Turn north following Kitchen-Dick to the end, turn east and drive a short distance until you see Voice of America Road on your left. Turn left and follow the signs.
Shi Shi Beach Trail
Olympic National Park, 3 miles round trip to the beach, flat
Why it’s romantic: Shi Shi is gorgeous, and pretty much everything about this hike is romantic once you reach the ocean itself (the hike in can be quite muddy). Shi Shi makes a great day hike or overnight trip (added bonus for spending the night is you get to watch the sun set!) This is a terrific hike for exploring seastacks and tidepools together.
How to get there: From Port Angeles, take state Route 112 west to Neah Bay. Before reaching the tribal center, take a left over a bridge toward Hobuck Beach. Follow the road for approximately four miles past the fish hatchery and the blue-gated old trailhead. The new trailhead, just beyond, is clearly marked. The parking lot is for day-use only. Overnighters can park for $10 a night at the home of Donna Wilkie about 1/4 mile back toward Neah Bay; longer stays are discounted. Information: 360-645-2554.
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls
Alpine Lakes Wilderness 8 miles round trip, elevation gain 2000 feet
Why it’s romantic: Bridal Veil Falls is a gigantic, billowing waterfall plunging over huge granite cliffs. Enjoy great views of the Skykomish Valley and Monte Cristo area peaks along the way. Sparkling Lake Serene has nice, romantic campsites for overnighters. There’s even a great side trip on this trail – the honeymoom mine.
How to get there: Drive US Hwy. 2 east from Everett. If driving eastward, just before the bridge over the S. Fork Skykomish River, turn right on paved Mount Index County Road. The pavement ends very soon, and the gravel road continues until it forks. Take the right fork, a very steep, narrow, dusty road about 0.3 miles to a huge gravel parking area- with privies! The trailhead is uphill, just beyond the parking area.
Grove of the Patriarchs
Mount Rainier National Park, 1.5 miles round trip, flat
Why it’s romantic: Hopeless romantics with love that will stand the test of time will have much admiration for the trees on this trail. This magnificent stand of old growth trees has the oldest and largest in the park. Signs identify plants and describe features of the ecological community.
How to get there: Drive to the Stevens Canyon Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park and continue 1/4 mile on the Stevens Canyon Road to a large parking lot beyond the Ohanapecosh River Bridge. The trail starts behind the restrooms.