Epic Winter Hikes You Can’t Miss in Washington State!
Winter is one of the most magical seasons in Washington! The sunrises just hit differently and the snow covered mountain peaks are absolutely stunning! While winter in Washington can feel long, getting outdoors is the perfect way to embrace its beauty and support your physical & mental health. Here’s a list of some incredible winter hikes in Washington State!
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WHAT TO BRING
Before you hit the trail, make sure you’re prepared! What you wear and what you bring can make all the difference. Here are a few essential items I always take on any winter adventure!
- 🧊 Microspikes: Always keep a pair of microspikes in your backpack! Slip them on anytime you need extra grip on icy or snowy surfaces.
- 🥾 Gaiters: Gaiters help prevent snow and dirt from getting into your boots so your feet stay warm and dry! Such a game changer!
- 🆘 Emergency Blanket: One of those just in case items that could totally save your day. It is ultralightweight and can also be used as a shelter.
- ♨️ Electric Hand Warmers: Electric hand warmers are an absolute game changer for hiking in cooler weather! This rechargeable hand warmer provides 8 to 20 hours of warmth, depending on the heat setting.
- 🔦 Headlamp: Daylight hours are shorter in the winter, so having a reliable headlamp and extra batters is essential.
- 🧥 Insulated Jacket: This puffy jacket from Akova is super lightweight and ridiculously warm.
- ☕️ Thermos: There’s nothing better than enjoying a hot cup of coffee, cocoa or even soup on the trail. I love this one, it keeps my drinks piping hot for hours and is completely leak-proof!
- 📱 Portable Charger: I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me! It’s compact size makes it great for portability and charging on the go.
- 🎒 Daypack: This is my favorite daypack by Osprey Packs! It’s super breathable and can be adjusted to your torso length.
- 🧦 Hiking socks: Having the correct socks can help prevent blisters. These ones are my favorite and have held up well over many years!
PREPARE FOR YOUR ADVENTURE!
It’s always a good idea to check recent trail reports on AllTrails and do a little research before you go! I also like to keep an eye on the avalanche forecast. More info on avalanche forecast HERE.
SKYLINE TRAIL
Visiting Mount Rainier National Park in winter truly feels like stepping inside a snow globe. The Skyline Trail is one of the park’s most iconic hikes, offering breathtaking views of Rainier and the surrounding peaks.
Paradise Road beyond Longmire is generally open Friday – Monday and closed Tuesday – Thursday. The gate from Longmire to Paradise typically opens to uphill traffic at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. It’s recommended to be on your way out by 4:30 p.m., since the downhill gate closes at 5:00 p.m.
Conditions can change quickly, so always check the National Park Service website before you go for the latest updates. And don’t forget: from November 1 to May 1, all vehicles – including 4WD are required to carry tire chains.
📍 Location: Mt. Rainier National Park
🥾 Distance: 5.7 Miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 1,781 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Hard
🔔 More info HERE!
FRANKLIN FALLS
Franklin Falls is about an hour from Seattle, near Snoqualmie Pass, and it’s absolutely magical in winter. The trail winds through snow-covered trees with beautiful views of the river along the way, and the waterfall, which drops 135 feet, is gorgeous in every season, but winter is my favorite.
Be sure to bring microspikes for this hike. The final descent to the falls can be extremely slippery. There’s also an avalanche chute to the left of the falls, so always use caution and know the conditions before you go. I often see people show up in UGGs or regular sneakers without traction. This is definitely a trail where coming prepared makes all the difference!
📍 Location: Snoqualmie Pass
🥾 Distance: 2 Miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
SCENIC HOT SPRINGS
Located along Highway 2, just west of Stevens Pass, Scenic Hot Springs offers one of the dreamiest winter soaking spots in Washington. There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a steaming hot spring while the world around you is covered in snow. In my opinion, it’s one of the best hot springs to visit in the state.
Because this area typically receives a lot of snowfall, be sure to bring microspikes and snowshoes. The springs are on private property, so reservations are required, and once you arrive, you’ll find designated changing areas and an outhouse available for visitors.
📍 Location: Central Cascades, Stevens Pass West
🥾 Distance: 4 Miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
LAKE 22
Lake 22 is a classic Mountain Loop Highway hike that transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The trail begins through lush old-growth forest and steadily climbs toward the lake basin, offering glimpses of waterfalls and snow-dusted ridges along the way.
Once you arrive, the view of the lake is incredible! It sits at the basin of the northern face of Mount Pilchuck and is easily one of my favorite winter hikes. Keep in mind there is avalanche terrain on this trail and around the lake so be sure to check current conditions prior to your adventure.
📍 Location: Mountain Loop Highway
🥾 Distance: 5.4 Miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
LAKE WENATCHEE
Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains approximately 25 minutes from Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee is a winter wonderland just waiting to be explored. The park has a North and South Entrance. While they both are beautiful, the north side is quieter and the south side is more open with a front row mountain view. Each side features a snowshoe trail loop under 3 miles round-trip, perfect for a winter outing.
From December 1 through March 31, Lake Wenatchee operates as a Sno-Park, which means Sno-Park permits are required (Discover Passes don’t apply during winter). Permits cost $25 per day or $50 for the season. You can purchase one HERE.
📍 Location: Central Cascades, Stevens Pass East
🥾 Distance: 1-3 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: <100 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info: North Snowshoe Trail & South Snowshoe Trail
BIG FOUR ICE CAVES
Big Four Ice Caves is a stunning hike on Mountain Loop Highway with epic views of the Stillaguamish River and the towering face of Big Four Mountain!
In winter, the hike begins with a 2-mile road walk before reaching the trailhead, making the full route roughly 7 miles round-trip. Never go into or climb on the Ice Caves, they are extremely dangerous, and several people have lost their lives here.
📍 Location: Mountain Loop Highway
🥾 Distance: 7 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 250 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
SNOW LAKE
Snow Lake is a classic Alpine Lakes Wilderness hike just off Snoqualmie Pass that rewards you with one of Washington’s most stunning alpine lake views. I prefer tackling this trail early in the season, as it crosses avalanche terrain and includes a few steep sections.
Hikers should have experience navigating avalanche-prone areas and carry the proper gear. Parking permits are required from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends and holidays, so plan ahead before heading out.
📍 Location: Snoqualmie Pass
🥾 Distance: 6.7 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 1,686 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
WALLACE FALLS
Wallace Falls is a stunning hike along Highway 2 near Gold Bar, Washington, just about an hour from Seattle. The trail features three impressive waterfalls: Lower, Middle, and Upper.
You’ll wind through a lush, green forest, cross a charming wooden bridge, and take in scenic river views along the way. The Middle Falls is my personal favorite, while the Upper Falls offers sweeping panoramic views of the Skykomish River Valley.
📍 Location: Central Cascades, Stevens Pass West
🥾 Distance: 4.9 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 1,410 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
LOWER LENA LAKE
Lena Lake is located off Highway 101, north of Lake Cushman. One of the best things about this trail is that it’s typically snow-free year-round! The route winds through a lush forest filled with massive old-growth trees.
Once you arrive, you can enjoy the views from the overlook or make your way down to the lake for a whole new perspective.
📍 Location: Olympic Peninsula, Hood Canal
🥾 Distance: 6.2 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 1,532 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
GOLD CREEK POND
Gold Creek Pond is a short and sweet loop hike near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. The trail is flat and the surrounding mountain views are absolutely stunning! It’s the perfect adventure for beginners, kids, and families.
During winter, a Sno-Park permit is required for parking, and depending on snow levels, you may need to walk about half a mile to reach the lot if the gate is closed. Weekends can get quite busy, so if possible, plan your visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience!
You can purchase a Sno-Park permit HERE.
📍 Location: Snoqualmie Pass
🥾 Distance: 1.2 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 39 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
TWIN FALLS
Twin Falls is a breathtaking waterfall hike just off I-90 near North Bend. The first part of the trail follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River, winding through a lush forest filled with mossy trees and ferns.
As you approach the falls, a set of stairs on the right leads down to the bridge and offers an up-close view. It’s one of my personal favorites and feels especially magical on a rainy day!
📍 Location: North Bend
🥾 Distance: 2.6 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 580 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
HEATHER LAKE
Heather Lake is another classic Mountain Loop Highway hike that transforms into a winter wonderland. The trail starts along an old logging road, winding through old-growth forest, and as it begins to climb, you’ll encounter plenty of roots and rocks – sturdy shoes are essential!
On recent visits, I’ve also encountered a lot of running water along the trail, so I would definitely recommend wearing waterproof boots! Once you arrive at the lake it is absolutely stunning and sits beneath the towering cliffs of Mount Pilchuck. Be sure to do the full loop around the lake so you can check out all the different vantage points!
📍 Location: Mountain Loop Highway
🥾 Distance: 4.4 miles Round Trip
🏔️ Elevation Gain: 1,204 ft.
❄️ Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
🔔 More info HERE!
START PLANNING YOUR WINTER ADVENTURE!
Winter in Washington is nothing short of magical, with breathtaking scenery and countless activities around every corner. Come experience the wonders of a Washington winter for yourself!
Looking for more winter adventures in Washington State? Be sure to check out my other posts:
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