Snowing in Seattle

North Bend, Washington | Rattlesnake Ledge Trail | Snow Day

Snowy Trails | Snowmaggedon | Snow Day

Every so often you get a real snow day, when schools close, side streets get snowed under, and folks sled, hike, snowshoe or ski. We’re in the middle of that now! To those of you who still don’t have power, come on outside to enjoy the daylight and join in the fun.

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail in North Bend was filled with hikers, nature lovers, and families with dogs yesterday. Birds chirped and squirrels scrambled overhead. Mini snow showers made us laugh as the trees suddenly dumped extra snow without warning. We said lots of cheerful hellos during the hike. Although the spectacular view was clouded over, we had fun on the trails, with a little extra fun when we slipped and slid (needed traction in places). At noon, the light was stronger and brighter and we loved the color of the occasional evergreen branch against the snow.

Later we circled part of Rattlesnake Lake and in the waning afternoon, the light took on a completely different feeling. Monocromatic, simple, all pale whites, soft greys, and shadowy hues best described as colorless. We fell silent, enchanted by the beauty. Nature, no filters, did not disappoint. The beautiful blue lake surrounded by evergreens in the spring and summer becomes a winter palette of grey hues fading into an inky black. Equally striking, just different. A bonus of having four true seasons. I had never seen the lake in winter and it was almost surreal, completely quiet. After a time, we slipped away, but that stillness will stay with me.