Please see our FAQ page for answers to other questions that travelers frequently send us.
Photo by Spencer Gurley from Pexels
Being prepared means staying warm, dry, and comfortable so you can focus on having fun.
Locals agree that one of the best things about this region is that the weather is rarely extreme. As a temperate maritime climate, the Pacific Northwest enjoys warm & sunny summers, mild temperatures in the spring and fall, and cool winters that rarely drop to freezing or below. Our moderate gear and clothing needs don’t vary too drastically from one season to the next.
On all of our tours, we provide water, sparkling water, snacks, and more. On full day tours we generally provide a seasonal gourmet lunch. We also bring snowshoes or kayaking gear when necessary and always carry first aid equipment.
You only need to bring your own clothing, camera, and necessary medications.
While not necessary, feel free to bring a day pack for your personal items. If you do not have the clothing or gear you need – give us a call. We have some clothing, waterproof clothing, hats, gloves, and hiking boots provided that we can loan you when available.
National Park Tours
Summer (July- September)
Mountains – In the peak summer months (July to September) it is typically pleasantly warm up in the mountains (in the upper 50’s to lower 70’s). However, the weather can change very rapidly at high elevations and is unpredictable, so no matter how sunny and warm it may be, we always advise you to bring a warm jacket.
Coast – The weather at this time of year is typically beautiful on the coast. It will occasionally rain, but for the most part the sun is shining daily and the only concern is the wind chill. However, please always be prepared for rainy weather and for cool winds.
Our Suggestions:
- Top – wear lightweight and breathable long or short sleeve layers with a light jacket
- Even if it calls for warm weather, high elevations, early mornings or areas around water can be much cooler than expected.
- Bottom – wear light hiking or activewear pants, and avoid cotton or denim
- Shoes – wear hiking boots or shoes, durable sneakers are ok but ensure they are shoes that you don’t mind if they get a bit muddy or dusty.
- DO NOT WEAR – Sandals, flip flops, clogs, ballet flats, crocs, or leather shoes or loafers
- Jackets – bring a lightweight fleece or jacket and a rain shell
- Even though July-September are our driest months of the year, dry weather is never guaranteed in the Pacific Northwest
- Accessories – Hat with a visor and sunglasses
- The UV rays at high elevations are much more intense, so even if you come from a warm sunny climate, please wear sun protection to prevent buring
- Backpack – You may wish to have a small daypack with you to keep personal items, accessories, extra layers and water nearby
Spring and Autumn (May, June + October)
Mountains – During this time the weather is relatively cold in the mountains. There will be some snow on the ground at high elevations so please be prepared.
Coast – Rain is common in the fall and spring in the Pacific Northwest and the coastline is windy during this time of year. Please bring a rain jacket to block the wind and rain.
Our Suggestions:
- Wear hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim) so that they are breathable, lightweight, and quick drying.
- For your upper layer, wear a non-cotton base-layer, paired with a moisture-resistant jacket.
- We suggest breathable hiking socks and hiking boots or a durable pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and/or wet. Avoid sandals, flip flops, clogs, and leather shoes as there could be snow in the mountains or mud on the coast. Bring an extra pair of dry socks for the ride home – you’ll be glad you did!
Winter (November – April)
Mountains – The weather can be quite cold and there is a lot of snowfall in the high mountains. The temperatures can be 15-20 degrees Farenhiet colder than you will experience in Seattle. It is important for your safety and comfort and the enjoymnet of the group that you dress appropriately for the tour. Avoid cotton materials like shirts, sweatshirts and denim jeans. Thesee will not keep you warm enough for this climate. See our recommendations below and reach out to us if you need to borrow anything for your tour day.
Coast – It is cold and windy and often times rainy at this time of the year. Insulating and waterproof layers are essential to stay comfortable. Opt for breakthable materials (no cotton) and be prepared for changing conditions.
Our Suggestions:
- Top – Layers are your friend! For optimal warmth and comfort follow these guidelines
- Layer 1 – Wear a wool or synthetic long sleeve base layer shirt (avoid cotton shirts or sweatshirts)
- Layer 2 – Mid layers should be made of fleece or soft shell materials
- Layer 3 – Insulate with a down or down synthetic jacket
- Layer 4 – Make sure to wear a waterproof exterior jacket (some jackets have your insulation and waterproof shell built into one!)
- Bottom – Wear warm hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim,) so that they are breathable, lightweight and quick drying. Wear a pair of long johns or an insulating base-layer underneath your pants for warmth and if you have ski or rain pants to layer over your pants, bring those along to keep you dry
- Shoes – Waterproof snow or hiking boots are required for our winter snowshoe tours. This is for your safety as much as your comfort. Sneakers, crocs, converse or van type shoes are not allowed. We recommend thick warm (non-cotton) socks to keep your feet warm
- Accessories – Bring a warm pair of gloves, a scarf, and a warm hat. We also recommend bringing an extra pair of dry socks for the drive home in case your shoes collect any snow along the way, you’ll be glad you did!
- Backpack – You may wish to have a small daypack with you to keep personal items, accessories, extra layers and water nearby
If you are concerned about having the appropriate gear to keep you safe and comfortable on a winter tour in the mountains, please contact our team before your tour to find out about borrowing extra layers or waterproof boots!
Falls & Wine Tour
Summer (June – September)
Urban – The Northwest is gorgeous in the summer and is usually warm and dry (upper 60’s to lower 80’s) but cool breezes can make warm-blooded visitors chilly quickly. Dress like a local and wear light, breathable clothing, but also bring a sweater or light jacket with you at all times. There is some walking on all of our tours, so wear comfortable walking shoes too.
Mountains – In the peak summer months (July to September) it is typically pleasantly warm up in the mountains (in the upper 50’s to lower 70’s). However, the weather can change very rapidly at high elevations and is unpredictable, so no matter how sunny and warm it may be, we always advise you to bring warm layers.
Coast – The weather at this time of year is typically beautiful on the coast. It will occasionally rain, but for the most part the sun is shining daily and the only concern is the wind chill. However, please always be prepared for rainy weather and for cool winds.
Our Suggestions:
- Hat with a sun visor and/or sunglasses
- Wear light hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim), so that they are breathable, lightweight, and quick drying
- On top, wear lightweight, non-cotton layers with a long sleeve shirt or fleece jackets and a rain jacket shell or soft shell.
- For your feet, we suggest hiking socks and hiking boots or a durable pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and/or wet. Please avoid sandals, flip flops, clogs and leather shoes as even on warm summer days there may still be snow in the mountains or mud on the coast.
Spring and Autumn (April – May + September – October)
Urban – Northwestern weather remains beautiful in the spring and fall, but light rains and cool breezes are common. Bring a sweater and rain jacket with you at all times. Again, wear comfortable walking shoes.
Mountains – During this time the weather is relatively cold in the mountains. There will be some snow on the ground at high elevations so please be prepared.
Coast – Rain is common in the fall and spring in the Pacific Northwest and the coastline is windy during this time of year. Please bring a rain jacket to block the wind and rain.
Our Suggestions:
- Wear hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim) so that they are breathable, lightweight, and quick drying.
- For your upper layer, wear a non-cotton base-layer, paired with a moisture-resistant jacket.
- We suggest breathable hiking socks and hiking boots or a durable pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and/or wet. Avoid sandals, flip flops, clogs, and leather shoes as there could be snow in the mountains or mud on the coast. Bring an extra pair of dry socks for the ride home – you’ll be glad you did!
Winter (November – March)
Urban – Rain and cool breezes are common throughout the winter. Bring a sweater and waterproof jacket with you at all times. Wear comfortable & temperature-appropriate walking shoes as well.
Mountains – The weather can be quite cold and there is a lot of snowfall in the high mountains. Please dress in warm, non-cotton layers and bring waterproof gear (preferably pants and jacket). If you have hiking boots please bring them with you for snowshoeing on our winter Mt. Rainier National Park & Olympic National Park tours. Warm socks, hat, and gloves are also encouraged.
Coast – It is cold and windy and often times rainy at this time of the year. Please wear non-cotton layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes that will not easily become wet.
Our Suggestions:
- Wear warm hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim,) so that they are breathable, lightweight and quick drying. Wear a pair of long johns or an insulating base-layer underneath your pants for warmth and if you have ski or snowboard pants to layer over your pants, bring those along.
- On top wear a non-cotton base-layer, paired with a wool long-sleeve shirt or mid-layer, and a fleece jacket or sweater and waterproof jacket.
- We suggest warm non-cotton hiking socks and hiking boots, snow boots, or a durable pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and/or wet. Avoid sandals, flip flops, clogs and leather shoes as there will likely be snow on the ground in the mountains and mud on the coast.
- Bring a warm pair of gloves, a scarf, and a warm, non-cotton hat. We also recommend bringing an extra pair of dry socks for the drive home, you’ll be glad you did!
Rainier & Yakima Tour
Summer (June – September)
Urban – The Northwest is gorgeous in the summer and is usually warm and dry (upper 60’s to lower 80’s) but cool breezes can make warm-blooded visitors chilly quickly. Dress like a local and wear light, breathable clothing, but also bring a sweater or light jacket with you at all times. There is some walking on all of our tours, so wear comfortable walking shoes too.
Mountains – In the peak summer months (July to September) it is typically pleasantly warm up in the mountains (in the upper 50’s to lower 70’s). However, the weather can change very rapidly at high elevations and is unpredictable, so no matter how sunny and warm it may be, we always advise you to bring warm layers.
Coast – The weather at this time of year is typically beautiful on the coast. It will occasionally rain, but for the most part the sun is shining daily and the only concern is the wind chill. However, please always be prepared for rainy weather and for cool winds.
Our Suggestions:
- Hat with a sun visor and/or sunglasses
- Wear light hiking pants made of synthetic materials (not cotton or denim), so that they are breathable, lightweight, and quick drying
- On top, wear lightweight, non-cotton layers with a long sleeve shirt or fleece jackets and a rain jacket shell or soft shell.
- For your feet, we suggest hiking socks and hiking boots or a durable pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and/or wet. Please avoid sandals, flip flops, clogs and leather shoes as even on warm summer days there may still be snow in the mountains or mud on the coast.
