One of the most frustrating aspects of being an avid snowshoer is waiting for the season to begin. I’m not a patient guy to begin with and seeing other parts of the country (I’m looking at you, Colorado and Utah!) getting snow while the Pacific Northwest is just rain makes me want to sit in front of my happy-light for a few hours.

While the Internet spews pictures of blue skies and white snow that I can’t touch, it also makes researching this winter’s adventures much easier. In between ballet, ice skating, and tae kwon do there will be a few weekends when I can get the family into the mountains to enjoy nature. Here’s what I’m planning for this season.

Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park

Reflection and Louise Lakes, Mount Rainier National Park

Grubstake and Northway Peaks via the Crystal Mountain Gondola

Artist Point, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

For all these trips, safety will be my top priority followed by fun and then the destination. Avalanche safety is a big issue with the wet snow in the Northwest, but there are usually enough safe times to get on the snow and alternative routes if it’s questionable.

Even if we don’t get to all of these amazing spots in Washington (or any of them), I’m sure we’ll have more than our fair share of time on the snow. Assuming it finally snows here. I’m dancing now.