[Miss Hiker Pants]

I was considering taking my dogs out with me on a winter backpack trip. I live in the Pierce County area. One of my dogs is old, so 4 miles in is about his pace. The other fellow needs a little space from on coming dogs. I had considered Lena Lake, but not sure how popular it will be even in the winter months. I don't want to drive in snow if possible, I don't have 4 wheel drive but I do have chains. Being older makes it hard to find friends to play in the cold months, so I would no doubt be alone. Love to hear some suggestions.

[InFlight]

If you try http://www.wta.org/go-outside/hikes There's an option to limit the maximum elevation (gain as well). You could pick anything below the snow level at the time (2000 feet is pretty safe). Select dog friendly, 4-5 miles maximum, and established campsites and you'll have a list of options that includes Lena.

[Schenk]

Check out Juniper Dunes. http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/juniper-dunes-wilderness https://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=13412 There is a wilderness section as well as an ORV area, but the wilderness section is pretty unique and cool to visit.

[AlpineRose]

These are not in Pierce county, but might work for winter overnights. Middle Fork Snoqualmie River trail, Baker Lake East Bank trail, Chuckanut Mountains (near Bellingham), which has some designated backcountry sites at lakes. Monitor WTA trip reports to see where folks are going and what the conditions are for ideas. Edited to add: Craig Romano's Olympic hiking guide has a chart that categorizes hikes by, among other things, year-round, dog-friendly, and difficulty. Could be a good resource for you. Ranger Rock posts Trip Reports that are off the beaten path and dog friendly. Here's a recent trip report to the old Dosewallips Ranger Station that sounded nice. Don't know about the dog rules, but the hike is on a decommissioned road to a decommissioned campground. Can't imagine why dogs wouldn't be allowed.