Trails and Books for Every Season

As we move through the seasons, nature gently reminds us that change isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. The world around us shifts effortlessly, from the hush of winter to the bright stirrings of spring, from the full bloom of summer to the quiet release of autumn. Each transition carries its own rhythm, its own invitation to slow down, awaken, or let go.

In Washington, where mountains, rivers, and forests are in perpetual dance with the seasons, these shifts become even more profound. Here, amidst snow-laden peaks, fields of spring blossoms, and autumn-hued forests, we are constantly reminded of the beauty of change. Let us walk together through the seasonal landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, exploring how each period in nature mirrors our inner journey.

Winter: Rest and Reflection

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." — Albert Camus

Winter in the Pacific Northwest is a season that seems to pause in reverence. The days are short, the skies muted, and the land takes on a tranquil stillness. The days are short, the air crisp, and the land seems to pause, wrapped in frost and quiet. It’s a time for reflection, for pulling inward, for gathering strength in stillness—not because the world demands it, but because nature itself shows us the importance of rest.

Trails to Enjoy Winter Quietude

Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park): Covered in a layer of snow, Hurricane Ridge is a winter wonderland. Snowshoeing along this ridge, with towering, snow-capped peaks all around, offers a profound sense of tranquility. This is a perfect place to meditate on stillness and find peace in the beauty of winter’s quiet.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (Olympia): While many trails bustle in warmer seasons, the winter quiet here invites contemplation. The wetlands take on a serene beauty, and the crisp air offers a refreshing clarity. A slow walk along these paths in winter is an ideal way to connect with your own need for rest and reflection.

Journaling Prompts for Winter

What in my life needs rest or recuperation right now?
How can I nurture a sense of inner peace and calm during this quiet season?
What dreams or goals do I want to plant in the coming year, even if they’re still in their “winter” phase?

Books to Pair with Winter Stillness

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey - A mesmerizing novel set in 1920s Alaska about a childless couple and the mysterious girl they find in the snow.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah - A gripping, emotional novel about survival, resilience, and the wild beauty—and danger—of winter in Alaska.

Spring: Awakening, Growth, and New Beginnings

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." — Anaïs Nin

Spring is a season of motion. Everything is waking up—the rivers, the trees, the sky. There’s a hum in the air, an unspoken urging toward something new. It’s the season of becoming, of stepping into possibility, of allowing ourselves to move forward even when we’re not sure what’s ahead. Spring asks us to trust the process of growth—even when it’s messy, even when we’re not quite ready.

Trails to Welcome Spring’s Energy

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (Mount Vernon): Nothing says “spring” quite like rows upon rows of colorful tulips. This experience is ideal for reflecting on new beginnings, standing amid the fresh blooms and feeling the energy of renewal in every direction.
Cherry Creek Falls Trail (Duvall): This gentle hike, lined with budding trees and ending in a beautiful waterfall, feels like a celebration of spring. Let the cascading waters symbolize the power of releasing old doubts, making space for growth and dreams to flourish.

Journaling Prompts for Spring

What areas of my life do I want to cultivate or nurture this season?
What old beliefs or fears do I need to release in order to grow?
How can I embody the spirit of renewal and fresh beginnings?

Books for a Season of Growth

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - A novel as rich and wild as the landscapes it describes, about resilience, solitude, and the deep connection between humans and nature.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - A timeless classic about transformation—of a place, of a girl, of a life.

Summer: Joy, Expansion, and Saying Yes

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Summer in Washington is a season of abundance, where nature is in full bloom. Summer is a full-body exhale. It’s golden light stretching into late evenings, it’s wildflowers exploding in color, it’s laughter carried on warm air. It’s movement and connection, adventure and play.

This is the season that reminds us to live fully—to step outside, to embrace what makes us feel alive, to say yes.

Trails for Summer State of Mind

Skyline Trail (Mount Rainier): Known for its breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and fields of wildflowers, this trail is a summer favorite. The abundance of blossoms under the expansive sky captures the energy of summer’s peak, offering a reminder.
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls (Stevens Pass): Surrounded by greenery, this hike leads you to a stunningly clear lake fed by cascading falls. The cool, refreshing water is a beautiful metaphor for summer’s abundance, a reminder to savor life’s simple, beautiful moments.
Hidden Lake Lookout (North Cascades) – A steep climb leading to an old fire lookout, where the world unfolds beneath you.

Journaling Prompts for Summer

What brings me joy, and how can I embrace it more fully?
How am I connecting with those around me, and how can I deepen these connections?
What brings me joy, and how can I prioritize this in my daily life?

Books for a Season of Expansion

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert - A novel about curiosity, passion, and the hunger to understand the world.

Circe by Madeline Miller - A dazzling reimagining of Greek mythology—lush, immersive, and deeply human.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed - A memoir of self-discovery, healing, and literally walking through change.

Autumn: Reflection, Letting Go, and Trusting the Cycle

"Autumn carries more gold in its pockets than all the other seasons." — Toni Morrison

Autumn in Washington is a breathtaking display of change. As the days grow shorter and leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, there’s an unmistakable magic in the air. Autumn is a time for reflection, for appreciating what we’ve gained, and for preparing ourselves for the cycles yet to come.

Autumn teaches us the beauty of endings and transitions. It reminds us that letting go is an essential part of growth, making room for new beginnings in the future.

Trails for Autumn Perspective

Maple Pass Loop (North Cascades National Park): This trail is a must-see in autumn when the larches turn golden and the landscape is adorned with vibrant fall colors. The views from the loop are breathtaking, making it an ideal place to reflect on what you’re ready to release, letting nature’s beauty inspire you to let go gracefully.
Blue Lake Trail (North Cascades National Park): This moderate hike leads to a crystal-clear lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage. The calm waters reflect the colors of the trees, offering a perfect metaphor for introspection and reflection as you consider what you’re ready to release.
Mount Pilchuck (Granite Falls): The changing colors along this trail make it an autumn favorite. As you reach the summit and take in the expansive views, reflect on what you’re ready to release, trusting that this release is as beautiful as the vibrant leaves themselves.

Journaling Prompts for Autumn

What thoughts, habits, or relationships no longer serve my growth?
How can I honor the journey I’ve traveled, and find gratitude for my experiences?
What can I let go of to make space for future growth?

Books for a Season of Reflection

The Overstory by Richard Powers - A novel about trees, time, and the deep interconnectedness of life.

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson - A quiet, reflective novel about memory, legacy, and what we leave behind.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - A story as magical and fleeting as autumn itself.

No matter the season, nature reminds us that we are always becoming—resting, growing, blooming, shedding. The cycle repeats, not to trap us, but to teach us how to move through change with grace.

Take the hike. Read the book. Notice the season. And trust the rhythm of things.

Happy trails!