Seattlest keeps waiting and waiting for the right weekend to head out for our inaugural hike of 2008. There are few things we love more than hiking through the cool misty forests of Cedars and Doug Firs; the monotony of one-foot-in-front-of-the-other up a mountain brings us a zen calm. After driving through the mountains for Memorial Day weekend, we were feeling especially itchy to head out on the trail. But we are going to have to wait, just like every other eager would-be hiker.

The National Weather Service predicts two feet of snow tonight above 5,400 feet, and elevations above 3500 feet (which includes popular spots like Stevens Pass, Hurricane Ridge and Paradise) could see up to three inches of snow. While the heaviest snowfall will occur tonight, the unseasonable weather will continue throughout the weekend. The weather service, park rangers, and local search and rescue teams are warning hikers not to overlook the weather forecast. The National Weather Service told the Seattle Times, "We wanted to get the word out to people hiking. We'd hate to call search and rescue to get you off the mountain."

"Snowy Cascade Slopes" by Seattlest Flickr contributor Bill Barr. Sounds like the Cascades might look very similar this weekend.