Is it okay to go hiking in the rain? If you had to ask yourself this question living in the Pacific Northwest, you’d probably end up staying at home more than you should!
Rain is an inevitable part of life here in the PNW, so us locals have learned how to embrace hiking in bad weather!
You can’t always count on sunny days, so we’ve put together our essential tips for hiking on rainy days.
Keep scrolling for what to wear on rainy hikes, our recommended wet weather trails, and some perks (!!) of these trails too!
15 Essential Tips For Hiking In The Rain
What To Wear Hiking In The Rain
To make the most of your rainy day hike, it’s important to choose comfortable and practical gear that will keep you comfortable and dry all day long!
In this section, we’ve got a list of everything you should wear while hiking in the rain — from hiking boots to what to wear AFTER your hike.
1. Choose Your Rain Jacket Wisely
The most important gear for hiking in the rain is a rain jacket that will protect you from the elements and regulate your temperature as you hike.
There are tons of options out there, so we’ve narrowed the pool to our top 7 favorite rain jackets for hiking in the PNW.
Among our favorite picks are the rain jackets made by San Poncho. They make the best hiking rain ponchos and are sustainably made on Vancouver Island!
2. Use Trekking Poles
The benefit of using trekking poles while hiking in the rain is that it gives better balance and traction while hiking on slippery or muddy surfaces.
The foldable REI Trailmade Trekking Poles are a reliable option that can be used for hiking, backpacking, and backcountry/downhill skiing!
3. Carefully Select Waterproof Boots
It’s important to know how to keep your feet dry when hiking in the rain, and picking the best boots for hiking in the rainy PNW is essential!
While there are tons of options, some of our favorite waterproof hiking boots include the Danner Mountain 600s and Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Hiking Boots.
TIP: Be sure to thoroughly break in your boots before you go to prevent blisters and ensure comfortable hiking.
4. Layer Up!
Layers are essential to staying warm and dry – especially on rain trails! Generally, we layer up well on winter hikes in Washington.
This could look like wearing a lightweight, breathable layer first (like a merino wool or synthetic long sleeve), a warm mid layer, and a rain jacket over the top.
Too hot? You can peel off layers as you work up a sweat!
Read More: 7 Essential Ways To Layer Clothes for Winter Adventures
5. Consider Rain Pants
If it’s looking like the weather will be extremely rainy or you’re hiking in more exposed terrain, consider wearing rain pants! They’ll keep your front dry as the water sloughs off your jacket.
The REI Co-Op Trailmade Rain Pants is a reliable and cheap option to try!
6. Wear Wool Socks
What makes wool socks so epic? If they get wet, they will still be able to insulate your feet!
This is an essential element of staying dry when hiking in the rain. Wet feet make or break an experience!
We love wool socks made by REI, Smartwool, and Darn Tough.
7. Choose a Waterproof Rain Cover For Your Backpack
Protect your backpack and gear from the rain by bringing a waterproof rain cover with you on your hike! These are basically big shells that cover your backpack – keeping water out of your clothing, gear, and food!
The REI Co-Op Duck’s Back Rain Cover is a great, budget-friendly option that comes in a small and medium size.
8. Avoid Wearing Cotton
As cotton holds moisture, wear synthetic material or merino wool instead!
This way, you’ll get better insulation in cooler temperatures and the fabric has sweat wicking properties.
9. Pack an Extra Set of Clothes In your Car
After hiking in the rain, change into an extra set of clothes back at your car. It’s so refreshing!
This should definitely include a new pair of socks and comfy shoes — especially if your hiking boots get muddy!
Bring a towel, too, in case you need to wipe anything down or to keep your car from getting dirty.
Planning & Safety Tips For Hiking In The Rain
10. Choose the Right Trail (skip the views)
Chances are that if it’s raining, the clouds will cover any expansive views.
So, choose hiking trails that are at a lower elevation and have other unique features like a lake, cool plants, interesting geological sights, or a waterfall.
Try these trails: The best hikes in the Columbia River Gore (aka waterfalls!)
11. Bring a Communication Device
It’s always a good idea to tell someone where you’re going before you hike and how long you intend to be hiking.
You can also bring a communication device like the Garmin inReach Mini, which is perfect for off-the-grid contact when there’s no cell service!
With the Garmin inReach Mini, you can communicate with others by text, send an SOS message to a 24/7 emergency response center, share your location while you hike, and receive weather alerts.
Prefer to use your phone? Here are 11 hiking apps to try on your next trail.
12. Pack Easy Hiking Snacks
As always with physical activity, it’s super important to fuel yourself with hiking snacks that will keep you going for the entire hike.
Some of the best hiking snacks that are nutrient-dense and packable include trail mixes, nut butter pouches, Honey Stinger energy chews, and fruits/vegetables.
Don’t rely on heating up water or preparing food. Have something pre-made so you don’t have to make it out in the rain and you can eat it quickly.
13. Know When To Cancel or Postpone Your Trip!
Hiking in bad weather can be dangerous, so it’s super important to know when to NOT go!
You should be particularly cautious if the weather turns from just rain to thunder and lightning. If this happens, head to the trailhead ASAP—especially if you’re hiking at higher elevations.
14. Be Cautious Around Rivers and Streams
If you’re hiking in really heavy rain, rivers and streams can be bigger and more powerful than you anticipate!
Research if your hiking trail has stream crossings or seek an alternate route.
15. Soak in the benefits of hiking in the rain
Ultimately, hiking in the rain is a wonderful opportunity to go forest bathing and connect with nature in a new way.
By taking a slower pace on your hike in the rain and using your senses to relax into your surroundings, you can better enjoy the beautiful PNW sights and reset from the business of life.
Our Favorite Pacific Northwest Trails For Hiking in the Rain
Some trails are just better when hiking in the rain! Living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s inevitable that you’ll run into poor weather, so it’s good to just embrace it sometimes!
Here are the trails we recommend checking out on bad weather days!
Hall of Mosses Trail (Hoh Rainforest)
Found in the enchanting Olympic National Park, the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Rainforest is an easy, 1.1-mile loop with 82‘ elevation gain.
Not only is this one of the coolest hikes in the Olympic National Park, this is also one of the best rainy day hikes!
What makes this trail so unique is that the old-growth forest is completely covered with moss. It’s absolutely magical in the rain!
Cape Flattery Trail
The Cape Flattery Trail is an easy 1.5-mile hike out and back with 215‘ elevation gain.
This trail is known for its stunning views of the Olympic Peninsula and leisurely hike through the coastal forest of Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlocks, and Red Alders.
What are your pro tips for hiking in the rain? We’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!