It doesn't happen often, but occasionally, we're able to see the Northern Lights (also known as aurora borealis) right here in Washington. We were treated to their colorful magic several times in 2017, and if we're lucky, we'll be seeing them in 2018 as well.
Your best bet for Northern Lights viewing depends on a lot of factors. Sometimes they're more visible in Western Washington than Eastern Washington (or vice versa), and cloudy skies can prevent us from seeing them at all. But on a nice, clear night, we recommend trying to see the Northern Lights from one of the viewing points in Spokane.
The Spokane area has some great stargazing spots, most notably Cliff Park on the South Hill and Mount Spokane.
Locate your snowboots and dust the spiderwebs off your skis! The experts at the Old Farmers' Almanac have released the 2024 winter forecast for Washington State, and they're predicting a bit of a milder winter this year! If you're disinclined to endure Washington's wintery blusters, there's good news for you, too. Keep reading to learn more about what the upcoming season has in store for us all.
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Admittedly, residents west of the Cascades have a poor track record dealing with snowfall. What Eastern Washingtonians would consider a light sprinkling wreaks havoc in areas like King County, where past storms have earned formidable names like Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse, and Snowzilla.
But for Washingtonians who'd prefer not to be "walking in a winter wonderland," there's good news, too. This year's conditions ensure we might just see a drier winter for most of the state (except for the western half, they'll get plenty of snow). While Intermountain areas like the Cascade range will receive above-average snow as usual these last few seasons, we'll cope with less precipitation than usual at lower elevations. Strangely, I'm okay with this.
The Almanac predicts that snowfall will be greatest from mid-to-late December through the middle of January. Plan your winter excursions for these weeks to coincide with fresh deposits of powdery snow! I guess only time can tell, but I'm pretty excited myself.
But it's important to clarify: less precipitation doesn't necessarily mean warmer weather. The experts still agree that winter temperatures throughout the Pacific Northwest will be colder than is usual for our bioregion. Invest in reliable winter clothes and prepare your battle positions at the thermostat!
It's also worth noting that other experts have predicted a particularly wet Washington winter, even closer to sea level. The truth is, the Farmer's Almanac is fun - but there's no way to accurately predict an entire season ahead of time. But hey, it's fun - especially to see whether or not things pan out. We Washingtonians aren't strangers to taking forecasts with a grain of salt, anyway. In the Northwest, it's always helpful to hope for the best but prepare for the worst regarding weather.
Whether lower elevations get their usual sluicing later this year or not, one thing is certain: the 2024 winter forecast for Washington has the usual chilliness and plenty of snow up north. Pack your cars with essential cold-weather gear and block out a weekend to explore some of the most amazing winter trails in Washington! If you're a fan of spending the cold weather inside, winter resorts in Washington state are where it's at, with all sorts of amenities to ensure you and yours stay warm and toasty throughout the winter.
So, what is there to do in Washington in the winter? Plenty! With as much snow as we get, it's easy to fall in love with the season through activities like sledding, ice skating, and, of course, hiking. You read that right - hiking in Washington might just be the best in the winter, if you ask me! Other delightful things one must add to their wintry to-do list include visiting some of the cutest Christmas towns in Washington, attending all sorts of fun winter festivals, and lots more.
For more information, be sure to check out the official Farmer's Almanac website. Planning to visit and need somewhere to stay? Check out all the coolest offerings from our friends at VRBO.
Do you have a favorite iconic hiking trail in Nebraska? Tell me all about it in the comments.
Are you looking to explore the most beautiful places in our state this autumn? Then you might be wondering: "When do leaves change color in Washington?" With this helpful map from the experts at Smoky Mountains, timing your visits to correspond with the region's brightest fall foliage displays has never been easier.
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While the guide isn't an exact science, this tool uses all available data, as well as helpful contributions from local leaf peepers like you, to predict this autumn's rollout of fall color.
Seattle Arboretum Japanese Garden Fall Colors Trees and Leaves Reflection in the Pond
By the end of September, residents of Seattle will be enjoying trees adorned in metallic golds and vibrant reds. Strolling through the arboretum will give you a fabulous look at these spectacular colors.
For good reason, maples and other deciduous trees get the most glory for their gorgeous autumn displays. But don't forget about alpine forests! By early October, the groundcovers and shrubs of Mount Rainier will give lower-elevation maples a run for their money.
By early October, the foliage in Whatcom County should be at its best. It's worth setting aside an hour or two to wander through Whatcom Falls Park to appreciate the delicate orange leaves.
Around the same time, larches in the North Cascades turn stunning shades of yellow. These unique trees are one of the only deciduous conifers in the world, and they paint the rugged mountain slopes with spectacular washes of color.
On the east side of the Cascade mountain range, meander along the Spokane River and delight in the autumn hues. These colors are estimated to pass their peak by the end of October, so plan your visit accordingly!
Have you used the Smoky Mountains map in the past? If so, were their predictions useful in your quest to catch the best fall foliage? Whether it did or didn't answer your question, "When do leaves change color in Washington?" we want to know!
