It's winter. It's raining/snowing/hailing/dripping. But the kids are restless, everyone has cabin fever, and the woods are beckoning. Get outside and explore area trails that hold the promise of pure air, the scent of pine and perhaps the sight of an eagle, owl, herd of elk, or den of beavers. Here's a short list of popular area hikes, but there are thousands in this state. Visit a local sporting goods store and ask for their favorite locations, or see one of the websites listed below.

Less than three miles

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

An excellent destination from autumn through spring, especially for those yearning to see birds and other wildlife.

Roundtrip: 1.0 mile

Features: rivers, meadows, wildlife

Note: great for kids, no dogs, permit/pass required at trailhead

Location: Between Olympia and Fort Lewis. Take Exit 114 from I-5 and follow signs trail.

Hours/fees: Open during daylight, cost is $3. Pay at the Visitor Center.

What to bring: Good shoes, raingear, binoculars.

Flaming Geyser State Park

Though hardly a geyser, a flame does shoot up several inches, surrounded by a rock-rimmed basin. The flame - burning the remnants of a methane-gas pocket nearly 1,000 feet below the surface - was discovered in the early 1900s by coal miners. Impressive features include miles of trail through forests that tower above a rushing river.

Roundtrip: 3.0 miles

Elevation gain: 100 feet

Location: From Auburn, head east on SR 18. Take the Auburn-Black Diamond Road exit. Turn right on S.E. Green Valley Road. Drive 7 miles to Flaming Geyser State Park entrance.

Mirror Lake

One of the most beloved and certainly among the most photographed areas in the state, Mirror Lake sits in a deep basin alongside the Pacific Crest Trail. Plenty of nice banks to enjoy while contemplating spectacular views over the lake.

Roundtrip: 2.0 miles

Elevation gain: 800 feet

Highest point: 4,200 feet

Note: Permit or pass required at trailhead

Location: Take 1-90 to Exit 62 (sign will say "Kachess Lake"). Drive over the Yakima River and turn onto Forest Road 5480. Follow this road as it passes Lost Lake. At 7.1 miles from the freeway, where the round turns from rough gravel to rough dirt track, find a place to park. Trailhead about 0.5 miles from this point.

From 3-8 miles

Staircase Rapids

Watching the North Fork Skokomish River thunder past is just one of the joys of this popular trail. Great anytime of year, the Staircase Rapids is especially impressive during early spring when snows begin to melt.

Roundtrip: 4.0 miles

Elevation gain: 150 feet

Highest point: 950 feet

Note: Stay on the east side of the river, due to washed-out bridge. This time of year be aware that it becomes very dark around 4 p.m. due to dense forest. Plan accordingly.

Location: From Shelton travel north on U.S. 101 to Hoodsport. Turn left on SR 119, and go 9.3 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 24. Paved road ends in 1.7 miles. Continue 3.7 miles to junction. Turn right and drive 1.2 miles to Staircase Ranger Station. Park here.

Mount Pilchuck

Rising one mile above the surrounding countryside, Pilchuck offers some of the best panoramas of the Cascades. Enjoy the sight of a restored fire lookout, while gazing at the towering peaks.

Roundtrip: 5.4 miles

Elevation gain: 2,200 feet

Highest point: 5,324 feet

Note: Permit or pass required at trailhead. Be aware that although the trail is heavily used, people tend to sustain injuries due to improper footgear. Wear good hiking shoes! Be aware that snow is most likely on the trail during winter months. Good winter hiking gear is essential.

Location: From Granite Falls follow the Mountain Loop Highway east. One mile beyond Public Service Center, turn right onto Forest Road 42. Drive 7 miles to the trailhead at the road end.

Quinault National Recreation Trails

A system of intertwining, exhilarating and mesmerizing trails, hikers can take a half-day or full week exploring. Start off with the Rainforest Lake Loop.

Roundtrip: 3.9 miles

Elevation gain: 300 feet

Highest point: 450 feet

Note: great for kids, dogs allowed on leash, and permit or pass required at trailhead.

Location: From Hoquiam travel north on U.S. 101 for 35 miles. Turn right (east) onto the South Shore Road, located 1 mile south of Amanda Park. Go another 1.3 miles to large parking area signed "Rainforest Nature Trail Loop."

Learn more:

Local hiking/outdoor stores carry maps and books that cater to every level of hiking throughout the state.

To get more information about parking permits and trail permits in Washington state, visit www.parks.wa.gov/winter/permits/

Hiking websites to explore:

• Washing Trails Association: www.wta.org
• Trails.com: www.trails.com
• Best Hikes in Washington: www.wahikes.blogspot.com/

Tips for winter hiking

• Leave an itinerary
• Plan for emergencies: dress appropriately, carry water/food/heat source to start small fire
• Start small: for beginning hikers, start with one of the flat trails and check out the comfort of your shoes and pack.
• Understand hypothermia: It doesn't have to be 10 degrees below in order to suffer from hypothermia. Visit www.webmd.com to learn signs/symptoms/treatment of hypothermia.
• Visit The Great Outdoors website for a comprehensive list on what to wear and take on even a basic one-mile hike: home.comcast.net/~garyt1/winter.html