17 Best Easy Winter Hikes in Washington State (Family-Friendly & Beginner Trails)
Looking for the best winter hikes in Washington? ❄️ Whether you’re planning a family outing, introducing kids to hiking, or just want an easy trail with beautiful snowy scenery, this guide has you covered. From frozen waterfalls near Seattle to coastal boardwalks on the Olympic Peninsula, these 17 easy winter hikes in Washington State are perfect for beginners and families.
Getting outside in the colder months makes a huge difference—kids burn off energy, adults boost their mood, and everyone comes home with rosy cheeks and new memories. Don’t let the shorter days or chilly temps keep you indoors. With the right trail (and a few essentials packed), winter hiking in Washington can be magical.
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📍 Jump to: I-90 Corridor • Highway 2 • Mountain Loop • South Sound • Olympic Peninsula
Always Prepare for Cold Weather Hikes
Staying warm and dry is everything in winter. Dress in layers, keep moving, and carry traction for ice. A few smart choices turn a cold slog into a cozy, confidence-building day outside.
Key Winter Hiking Essentials:
- Dress in layers (base, insulating, waterproof shell)
- Bring extra socks, gloves, and hats
- Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks
- Use microspikes or traction devices for icy trails
- Carry the Ten Essentials (headlamp, map, emergency kit)
New to winter hiking? Start here: Snowshoeing in Washington: Beginner’s Guide.
I-90 Corridor: Best Easy Winter Hikes Near Seattle
Middle Fork Snoqualmie (Bridge) — Choose-Your-Distance Winter Stroll
Cross the beautiful suspension bridge and stroll riverside as far as your group feels good—then turn around. Low-commitment, high-reward winter wander.
- Distance: Flexible (families often do 2–4 miles RT)
- Elevation Gain: Minimal for the first several miles
- Location: Middle Fork Road (I-90)
- Why it’s great: Easy access, scenic bridge, pick your turnaround point
Garfield Ledges — Quick Climb, Panorama Payoff
Short and steep—kids love the mossy logs along the way, and the viewpoint delivers big mountain drama for minimal time.
- Distance: 1.9 miles RT
- Gain: 616 ft
- Location: Middle Fork Snoqualmie
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Microspikes recommended if icy
Franklin Falls (Winter Route) — Washington’s Iconic Frozen Waterfall
A winter classic: short distance, spectacular ice formations. Expect snow travel in peak season.
- Distance: ~2 miles RT
- Gain: ~400 ft
- Location: Exit 47 (I-90)
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Microspikes/snowshoes often required Dec–Feb
Twin Falls — Family-Friendly Winter Waterfall Near North Bend
Short, scenic, and satisfying—two big falls, river views, and year-round access make this a winter favorite.
- Distance: 2.5 miles RT
- Gain: ~590 ft
- Location: Olallie State Park (I-90)
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Microspikes helpful after cold snaps
Rattlesnake Ledge — Classic View Hike with Fewer Winter Crowds
Famous for a reason—winter often means quieter trails and moody views. Sunset is stunning; bring a headlamp for the descent.
- Distance: 5.3 miles RT
- Gain: 1,459 ft
- Location: Exit 32 (I-90)
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Microspikes helpful Jan–Feb (shaded ice)
Oxbow Loop — Easiest Winter Hike Near Seattle for Toddlers
Flat, short, and packed with mossy logs and big-leaf trees—perfect for tiny legs and first timers.
- Distance: 1.3 miles RT
- Gain: ~72 ft
- Location: Middle Fork area (I-90)
- Why it’s great: Super short, magical forest vibes, easy win
Gold Creek Pond — Easiest Alpine Scenery on Snowshoes
Dead-flat snow wander with huge mountain views. Note: Area access/parking may change during improvements—check current status before you go.
- Distance: ~4.4 miles RT (includes winter road walk)
- Gain: ~167 ft
- Location: Hyak / Snoqualmie Pass
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Snowshoes recommended Dec–Mar
Talapus & Olallie Lakes — Gentle Switchbacks to Snowy Lakes
Mellow grade through quiet forest to one (or two) frozen lakes. Turn around at Talapus if kiddos fade.
- Distance: 5.7 miles RT to both (≈4.0 to Talapus)
- Gain: 1,223 ft
- Location: I-90 Corridor
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Snowshoes often needed mid-winter; gate closures can add road walk
Highway 2: Winter Waterfalls & Lookouts
Wallace Falls — Powerful Winter Flow with Multiple Viewpoints
Ferns, bridges, and a series of roaring cascades—winter brings dramatic flow and frosty edges.
- Distance: 4.9 miles RT
- Gain: 1,469 ft
- Location: Near Gold Bar
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Microspikes helpful in Jan–Feb
Heybrook Ridge — View Hike Without the Tower Crowds
Often overlooked sibling to the lookout—same big view, no tower stairs, fewer people.
- Distance: 3.3 miles RT
- Gain: 775 ft
- Location: Hwy 2 near Index
- Link: WTA
- Tip: Microspikes when icy; limited roadside parking
Bridal Veil Falls — Stairway to a Spectacular Winter Cascade
Forest climb leads to wooden stairs and a dramatic viewing platform. In cold snaps, ice frames the falls for extra wow.
- Distance: 4.2 miles RT
- Gain: 1,043 ft
- Location: Near Index
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Stairs can be slick—microspikes help
Heybrook Lookout — Short Fire Tower Hike with Big Winter Views
Evergreen-lined trail to a 67′ fire tower with sweeping mountain views. Magical with a dusting of snow.
- Distance: 1.9 miles RT
- Gain: 879 ft
- Location: Hwy 2
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Supervise kids on stairs; can be icy
Love towers? Also read: Best Fire Tower Lookout Hikes in Washington State.
Mountain Loop Highway: Snowy Forest & Lake Trails
Robe Canyon — Mossy River Gorge for Low-Elevation Winter Days
Storybook forest, dramatic canyon walls, and river noise the whole way—all without heavy snow.
- Distance: 2.5 miles RT
- Gain: ~285 ft
- Location: Mountain Loop Hwy
- Why it’s great: Low elevation, moody photos, easy grade
Boulder River Falls — Lush Forest & Waterfalls, Minimal Snow
Gentle riverside walk to two dramatic waterfalls; mud is more likely than deep snow here.
- Distance: ~4.3 miles RT (to the falls)
- Gain: ~700 ft
- Location: Arlington / Darrington Road
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Waterproof boots + gaiters recommended
Heather Lake — Snow-Draped Alpine Bowl off Mountain Loop
Old-growth approach, cliffy cirque, and a lake that often freezes—big scenery for a modest effort.
- Distance: 4.4 miles RT
- Gain: 1,024 ft
- Location: Mountain Loop Hwy
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Microspikes (or snowshoes in mid-winter)
South Sound: Easy Winter Hike Near Tacoma
Little Mashel Falls — Three Big Waterfalls, Easy Winter Terrain
Wide former road makes for easy footing to three impressive falls—crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly.
- Distance: ~5 miles (loop/variations)
- Gain: ~500 ft
- Location: Eatonville, WA
- Link: WTA
- Tip: Waterproof boots (muddy in winter)
Olympic Peninsula: Coastal Winter Hike
Cape Flattery — Best Coastal Winter Views in Washington
Short boardwalks and forest path to jaw-dropping sea stacks and stormy Pacific views. Wild, wet, wonderful.
- Distance: 1.5 miles RT
- Gain: ~200 ft
- Location: Near Neah Bay (Makah land; pass required)
- Link: AllTrails
- Tip: Waterproof layers; respect closures and signage
Conclusion
Winter in Washington doesn’t have to mean staying inside. With so many easy, family-friendly hikes across the state, you can explore frozen waterfalls, snow-covered lakes, mossy forests, and even dramatic coastal cliffs.
The key to success is choosing the right trail for your group’s ability, checking recent WTA trip reports, and packing proper winter hiking gear. Start small with short hikes like Oxbow Loop or Franklin Falls, then work up to longer adventures like Heather Lake or Rattlesnake Ledge as your confidence grows.
✅ Quick tips to remember:
- Check conditions before you go
- Start early—daylight is limited
- Bring microspikes or snowshoes if reports suggest snow/ice
- Pack warm layers, snacks, and backups
Whether you’re chasing frozen waterfalls, introducing your kids to snow play, or simply looking for an easy winter hike near Seattle, Washington has endless options. Lace up, grab your camera, and discover why winter is one of the most rewarding seasons in the PNW.
👉 Which trail will you try first?
