surnise at artist point near mount baker. one of the best winter hikes in washington

Explore the 21 Best Winter Hikes in Washington

When most people think of winter, they think of snow. It’s just how it is. But with most of the top hikes in Washington under feet of snow, we have to lower our expectations and just be happy we can get outside and enjoy ourselves.

So, this list is just that—a consolation prize for all we’re given during the warm, dry months. It’s still good, though, so don’t get me wrong. These best winter hikes in Washington will get you into nature and show off some beautiful destinations.

I will note that these are primarily in the western half of the state, where I live and have explored.

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Your Guide to Amazing Winter Hikes in Washington State

Washington Winter Hikes with Snow

Strap on your snowshoes and waterproof boots; we’re getting snowy!

1. Artist Point, Mount Baker

surnise at artist point near mount baker. one of the best winter hikes in washington
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Snowshoeing up to Artist Point is one of the best winter hikes in Washington. It offers some of the best views in the entire state, and the hike is only two miles once you park at the Mount Baker Ski Resort.

The trek is moderate for the most part, with one steep part rising alongside the groomed section of the ski run.

2. Mazama Ridge, Mount Rainier National Park

Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

It’s another one of my favorites and best winter hikes in Washington. Starting from the Paradise Visitor Center, head east out of the parking lot. You’ll drop down a bit before crossing a bridge and heading up the slope towards Mazama Ridge.

There are some steeper sections, but overall, it’s a pretty good route. Make sure to check with the park staff about avalanche risk, though, for the most part, there’s not a lot of risk.

This route gives you great views of the peaks to the south, and Rainier from a bit further away than the below trail.

3. Glacier View or Panorama Point, Mount Rainier National Park

a hiker stares out at mt. rainier in washington
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

One of the classic trails at Mount Rainer during winter. There are a few ways up here, though we usually follow a path heading up. Eventually, they merge, and a single track will bring you towards the mountain.

This route is moderate, ranging from 3 to 5 miles round trip. I’ve always stayed below Panorama Pont, but hiking up there will offer surreal views of the snowy landscapes if you have the time and energy.

4. Kendall Peak Trail, Snoqualmie Pass

My fiancee and I hiked this to find a Christmas Tree, and it was lovely. The trail is super mild and meandering, giving you a nice and easy hike in a snowy forest. We only snowshoed four miles, but the trail keeps going for a while, allowing you to tackle a long day in the snow.

5. Gold Creek Pond, Snoqualmie Pass

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A short 1.5-mile loop around the frozen pond offers a nice way to get outside during winter. It’s super popular and only 75 minutes from Seattle, so be prepared for crowds during the weekend.

I’ve only been here once, and the road wasn’t plowed. So, bring a vehicle that can handle snowy conditions or have chains.

6. Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park

One of the highest driveable roads in the entire state during winter will bring you into a winter wonderland with amazing views of the Olympic Range. Reaching the visitor center and parking lot is incredibly winding, so you’ll want to drive carefully and have a car with traction.

The estimated winter opening for 2024 is November 24. The road is also only open Friday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cars must be down from the parking lot by 5 p.m.

Once at the top, you have miles of exploration possible.

Map courtesy of National Park Service

7. Amabilis Mountain, Snoqualmie Pass

In the summer, you can drive right up, but in winter, it turns into a 10-mile snowshoe trip. The road is gradual, and at the top, you get stunning views of the Cascades and Kachess Lake below. While it’s definitely a long day, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds in other popular areas, this is the place to be!

8. North and South Sno-Park Options, Lake Wenatchee State Park

One of my favorite places to go in winter is Lake Wenatchee. Its two sides, the north and south, offer nice snowshoeing options for families and those looking to meander instead of a tough trail.

The North side tends to be less crowded, though I think the South side offers better lake views.

Note: You’ll need to buy a Sno-Park Permit to recreate here. The seasonal option is $50 and worth it, as a one-day pass is $25.

9. Lake 22

Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Lake 22 is an uber-popular hike yet stunning in the wintertime. The lake will mostly freeze over (I visited in late March, and it was half frozen) and offers gorgeous reflections. Our hike was snow-free until we reached the last half mile before the lake.

We didn’t need snowshoes, but I would recommend hiking poles and spikes, just in case.

10. Heather Lake

Next to Lake 22, Heather Lake is another excellent winter hike in Washington. We did this in January, and the trail was basically a stream for the entirety of the hike. But up at the lake, it was magical and snow-covered.

Make sure to wear waterproof boots for this one, as you’re destined to get wet.

Washington Winter Hikes with No Snow

Enjoy these usually snow-free trails as they wind through the forests.

11. Deception Pass State Park, Whidbey Island/Anacortes

This area has a handful of trails allowing you water access and good hiking. Just know that it’s quite wet up here, but you shouldn’t have any snow as you’re on the Puget Sound.

Here are a few trails I recommend:

  • Lighthouse Point and Lottie Pont via Rosario Head Trail – 5 miles
  • Goose Rock Trail – 2.5 miles
  • North Beach Trail – 2 miles

12. Whatcom Falls, Bellingham

One of my personal favorites in the Bellingham area. I’ve done this trail multiple times and have been snowed on at least once! It’s super accessible and mostly flat for the entire out-and-back. For being mostly in the city, you truly feel like you’re outside and amongst nature.

You probably don’t need more than an hour, but it’s very worth it!

13. Twin Falls, Olallie State Park

A 2.5-mile trail that showcases multiple waterfalls is in the Olallie State Park area. It’s a perfect day trip for families and those visiting the area throughout winter. I’ve really enjoyed this trail, and we usually take visitors here when they come to Seattle.

14. Hoh River Trail, Olympic National Park

ferns on the hall of mosses trail in olympic national park
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

The Hoh Rainforest looks incredible in the wet winter months, making it lush and vibrant. Most crowds flock here in the summer, but I would argue it’s more magical this time of the year. It’s definitely not your typical winter hike in Washington, but it’s so worth it!

One hike to not miss: Hall of Mosses Trail

15. Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park

Another one in Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Falls, will run even more fiercely than usual. It’s a quick hike to the viewpoint, though you can keep hiking into the forest if you want to.

16. Teneriffe Falls, North Bend

Once it starts to rain, Teneriffe Falls will start flowing! It’s not a big waterfall by any means, but it looks really pretty and offers a pretty decent six-mile, 1,500-foot-gain trail.

17. Middle Fork of Snoqualmie River, North Bend

It’s always a classic and looks so lush during the wet winter season. The trail goes and goes for some 10+ miles, giving you a chance to really get into the forest. The only downside is you don’t hike too close to the river, which could be a downer for some.

But for those looking to trail run, it’s a perfect escape into the outdoors and one of the best winter hikes in Washington.

18. Boulder Falls, Mountain Loop Highway

Near Darrington, Boulder Falls is a great hike to a lovely waterfall. I think I clocked it at 1.5 miles each way, though most is flat and/or a gentle incline. This area can see snow, but it should be snow-free for most of the year.

Use this to find the trailhead.

19. Coal Creek Falls, Cougar Mountain

This is a really nice 2.5-mile walk in the forest just outside of Seatle. If you don’t want to venture too far but are looking to get outside, I highly recommend this loop.

20. Poo Poo Point, Issaquah

the full mount rainier view looking south
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Looking for a good workout with nice views of Rainier (on a clear day)? Poo Poo Point is a perfect hike. Unless it snows heavily, it should usually be without snow for most of the hike. The hike is decently steep, but at less than five miles round trip, it won’t take the entire day.

21. Wallace Falls State Park

a frozen waterfall at wallace falls state park. this six mile trail is one of the best winter hikes in washington
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

This one’s on the border between snowy and not snowy, though for the most part, it should be snow-free. But it will get cold here, so bring plenty of layers for the six-mile trail. I do believe this is the best waterfall trail in the state. With three distinct falls along the trail, you’re in for a treat!

Winter Hiking Gear I Recommend

I took a while to dive into these items and did my best to find high-quality gear that will keep you warm as you tackle your winter hikes. Ladies, I’m sorry if I missed the mark for some of these.

Snowshoe Options

If you’re looking to go snowshoeing, these are the ones I recommend and currently use. I suggest getting good ones that might be more expensive, but they should last you your entire life.

A snowshoer makes her way on the snow in Mount Rainier National park in winter.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

Staying Safe During Winter in Washington

Check Weather Conditions

Check the weather and road conditions before heading out if your destination is in the mountains. WSDOT does a good job of keeping people appraised of what is happening, and you can look at live cameras from each road you’re traveling on.

Bring Winter Gear in Your Vehicle

Winter supplies are key, even if you have an AWD/4×4 car. I make sure to have the following just in case unexpected things happen:

Final thoughts on the Best Winter Hikes in Washington

After two winters in Seattle, I’ve found that while it’s less ideal than our gorgeous summer hiking, you can still have fun outdoors. With Mount Rainier and Mount Baker so close and then Snoqualmie Pass only 70 minutes away, there’s an abundance of things to do in the area.

I hope these best winter hikes in Washington help you get fresh air and see some new places you haven’t seen before!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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Author: Alec Sills-Trausch

Title: Founder of Explore with Alec

Expertise: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, and Road Trips

Alec Sills-Trausch is a hiker, backpacker, landscape photographer, and syndicated travel writer. He enjoys showing off the beauty of the world through his photos, videos, and written work on ExploreWithAlec.com. Alec is also a 2x cancer survivor and bone marrow transplant recipient, showing the world that there is a future from this terrible disease.

He lives in Washington, where he gets to enjoy the stunning PNW mountains in addition to all the other places he attempts to visit each year! You can see more work on IG at @AlecOutside