Hiking in the Pacific Northwest: Embracing the Rain

The Pacific Northwest—Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia—receives some of the heaviest rainfall in North America. From October through May, rain is a near-daily companion. But the same rain that makes the PNW challenging also makes it magical: ancient temperate rainforests, moss-draped trees, thundering waterfalls, and an emerald intensity found nowhere else.

The PNW Rain Reality

What to Expect

• Western slopes: 60-120 inches of rain annually (more than most places on earth)
• Rain shadow areas (eastern slopes): Only 10-20 inches. A completely different climate.
• Pattern: Rain is persistent but often gentle—steady drizzle rather than violent storms
• Temperature: Mild. Winter rain is typically 35-50°F. Hypothermia is more common than frostbite.
• Summer: Surprisingly dry. July through September averages only 1-3 inches of rain per month.

Embracing vs Fighting

The PNW hiking mindset:

• There is no bad weather, only inappropriate gear
• Rain makes the forest come alive—colors are richer, waterfalls are fuller, air is cleaner
• Trails that are crowded in summer are empty in the rain season
• Some of the best PNW experiences happen in the rain

Essential Gear

Rain Jacket

Your most important piece of equipment in the PNW.

• Gore-Tex Pro or equivalent high-end waterproof-breathable fabric
• Pit zips for ventilation (you'll hike hard and sweat)
• Hood that fits over a hat and adjusts tightly
• Budget at least $200 for a jacket you can trust in sustained rain
• DWR coating must be maintained—rewash and reproof regularly

Rain Pants

Not optional in the PNW wet season.

• Full side zips allow putting on over boots
• Lightweight waterproof-breathable material
• Some hikers prefer a rain kilt for better ventilation

Footwear Strategy

The great PNW footwear debate:

• Waterproof boots: Keep feet dry initially but once water gets in (over the top, through seams), they stay wet
• Non-waterproof trail shoes with waterproof socks: Lighter, faster drying, socks keep feet warm even when shoes are soaked
• Gaiters: Essential companion to either option—keep water, mud, and debris out
• Extra socks: Carry dry socks in a waterproof bag. Changing into dry socks is transformative.

Pack Protection

• Pack liner (trash compactor bag inside your pack) is more reliable than a pack cover
• Pack cover for the exterior reduces water absorption
• Use both for the best protection
• Dry bags for sleeping bag, electronics, and dry clothes

Recommended products to consider:

• Castelli Emergency 2 Rain Jacket - Women's ($105, 113 g)
• PEARL iZUMi Canyon 2.5L WXB Rain Jacket - Men's ($135, 255 g)
• Patagonia W's Granite Crest Rain Pants ($229, 244 g)
• Patagonia M's Granite Crest Rain Pants ($229, 264 g)
• Columbia Crestwood Waterproof Hiking Shoe - Men's ($80, 357 g)
• On Running Cloudsurfer Trail Waterproof Shoe - Women's ($117, 249 g)
• Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof Boot - Women's ($117, 454 g)
• 686 Dream Insulated Jacket - Women's ($69, 1.0 kg)

Rainy Season Trails

Olympic National Park Rainforest Hikes

The Hoh, Quinault, and Queets rainforests are the wettest places in the lower 48. They're most magical IN the rain.

Hall of Mosses (Hoh Rainforest) (0.8 miles, easy): Walk through cathedral-like groves of Sitka spruce and bigleaf maple draped in moss. Rain makes the moss glow green.

Quinault Rainforest Nature Trail (0.5 miles, easy): Giant old-growth trees and the lush understory that defines the PNW. Quieter than the Hoh.

Columbia River Gorge Winter Waterfalls

Winter rain means peak waterfall season.

Wahclella Falls (2 miles, easy): A powerful two-tier falls in a basalt amphitheater. More dramatic in winter rain.

Ponytail Falls (0.4 miles from Horsetail Falls parking, easy): Walk behind a waterfall through a natural cave. The heavy winter flow makes this spectacular.

Forest Trails

PNW old-growth forests are at their most atmospheric in the rain:

Forest Park, Portland (30+ miles of trails): The largest urban forest in the US. Wildwood Trail offers everything from short loops to all-day hikes through moss-covered forest.

Mount Rainier Carbon River (variable distances): The only remaining temperate rainforest on Mount Rainier. Massive old-growth trees and lush undergrowth.

Staying Comfortable

Layering for PNW Rain

The key challenge: staying warm and dry while generating heat through exertion.

• Base layer: Lightweight merino wool. Manages moisture from sweat.
• Mid layer: Skip it during active hiking (you'll overheat). Carry a packable fleece or puffy for stops.
• Shell: Your rain jacket. Ventilate aggressively—open pit zips, lower the hood when possible.
• Tip: Start cool. If you're comfortable standing at the trailhead, you'll be too hot within 15 minutes of hiking.

Managing Moisture

• Accept that you'll be damp. The goal is warm and functioning, not perfectly dry.
• Ventilate your rain jacket aggressively during exertion
• Take shell off during uphills if rain is light (sweat wet is worse than rain wet)
• Change into dry camp clothes the moment you stop moving
• Keep sleeping gear bone dry—this is your reset button

Drying Gear

In the PNW, "drying" often means "preventing further wetness":

• Hang gear under tarps or vestibules
• A small PackTowl wrung out repeatedly absorbs surprising amounts of water
• Body heat in a sleeping bag dries slightly damp clothing overnight
• Drying rooms at some hostels and lodges are a godsend

Summer in the PNW

The Dry Season Secret

July through September is often spectacularly dry and sunny:

• Mountain wildflower meadows explode with color
• Alpine lakes are accessible after snowmelt
• The Enchantments, Mount Rainier meadows, and North Cascades are world-class
• Permits for popular areas require advance planning (lottery systems)
• This is when you do the high-altitude hikes

The Transition Seasons

• October: Colors change. Rain returns. Mushroom season begins.
• November-March: Full rain season. Lowland hiking only (snow at elevation).
• April-May: Rain easing. Lower trails clear of snow. Waterfalls peak.
• June: Lingering snow at altitude. Wildflower season begins.

The PNW Hiking Community

The Pacific Northwest has one of the most active hiking communities in the US:

• Washington Trails Association (WTA): Trip reports, trail maintenance, advocacy
• Oregon Hikers: Forums with detailed trip reports
• Mazamas: Portland-based mountaineering club (founded 1894)
• The Mountaineers: Seattle-based outdoor education and conservation
• These organizations offer courses, group hikes, and volunteer trail work opportunities