AMAZING WINTER ADVENTURES IN WASHINGTON
Looking for ways to make it through the PNW’s rainy season? As the cooler weather and rain sets in it can be hard to know what to do to keep your sense of adventure. But I am here to tell you that winter brings so many new opportunities for adventure. So, if you’re wondering how to stay active during the colder months, here are some fun ideas to keep it going till Spring! I hope you are able to give one (or more) of these amazing Winter Adventures in Washington a try!
The list of Amazing Winter adventures in Washington!
Soak in some Hotsprings
While Washington may not have the hot springs that Idaho or Oregon offers, we do have a few that make for amazing winter outings. And let me tell you, there is nothing better than a good soak outside in the winter!
Scenic Hot Springs ($20 + reservation)
Scenic Hot Springs, located near Stevens Pass, Washington off Highway 2, offers a hot spring experience with sweeping views of the forest. Accessible via a moderately challenging hike, this private hot spring features two tubs filled with naturally heated mineral water. They recently went through a renovation with a changing room and the original (3) tubs are now one and made out of stone. Due to its popularity a reservation is required to visit. You can reserve a spot here: https://scenichotsprings.com/
Goldmyer Hot Springs
Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Goldmyer hot spring sits roughly 25 miles east of North Bend, WA and is a true winter adventure!
Goldmyer is a stunning oasis surrounded by snow-covered trees, featuring two pools—one in a cozy cave and another just below it. There’s a small covered area to change and store your things. Due to its size, reservations are limited and managed through a voicemail system with a monthly calendar, plus an online lottery extending two months out. The hot springs are a 4.5-mile, relatively flat hike in. I got lucky with 10 inches of fresh snow on my visit! You can enter their lottery system here: https://www.goldmyer.org/
Rent a Cabin East of the Mountains
Head over the mountains to the East side of Washington, where it’s almost always sunny, and spend the weekend in a cabin or tiny home. I love a good “mama” weekend or if we take the kids, they are always thrilled with a new place to call home. (Really no matter where we stay.)
We recently booked an “off-season” weekend at the Rolling Huts in Mazama, and we had a fantastic time. Though they’re tiny, they’re cozy and perfect for a few days of warmth by the wood stove, reading, or hitting the trails. And they are BEAUTIFULLY designed.
Book a weekend in the Rolling Huts.
Spend the Night in a Fire Lookout Tower
Did you know that Washington has 92 standing fire towers? And some of them are reservable? Making them a great getaway into the mountains with a few comforts of home. These are 3 reservable options I would highly recommend:
1. Steliko Lookout, Entiat Washington
In the summer you can drive right up to this one but come winter is a 2.4 mile hike one way. I have been up there twice, once solo and the other with my whole family. When I was alone, I read most of the weekend but with my family we had snowball fights, played games and spent endless hours sledding. This one even comes with a heater so you can stay warm while reading a book or catching up on some sleep between sledding rounds. Due to its somewhat remote location it has a 2 night minimum.
2. Friends of North Mountain Lookout in Darrington WA
It’s almost impossible to book, so I’m a bit hesitant to mention this one. Luckily, I snagged a cancellation and the host even commented on how quickly I acted—I was just seconds in the right place at the right time! I spent a solo night in this lookout during some heavy rain and strong winds, but it was still a lovely getaway. The lookout features a real mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep, and you can drive right up to it, allowing you to bring some extra comforts. Just a heads up: there is absolutely NO heat in this place!
Book Friends of the North Mountain Lookout
3. Heybrook Lookout
This is another spot that’s nearly impossible to book, but you never know! I’ve only hiked to it several times without managing to secure a reservation, but even from the floor below, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Accessing it requires a short hike through the forest, which is an adventure in itself!
Go Snowshoeing!
Washington State offers a wide range of fantastic snowshoeing locations, catering to various skill levels and preferences. Its a great way to get some exercise and experience a winter wonderland.
Just a note. It not a great idea to go alone in the snow. My recommendation: Join a Winter Hiking Group. Connect with fellow adventurers by joining local winter hiking or snowshoeing groups. It’s a fun way to meet new people and explore Washington’s beautiful trails.
New to snowshoeing? Check out my comprehensive “How to” get snowshoeing in Washington. I also list some of my top spots to go snowshoeing in Washington.
A quick family favorite: Franklin Falls Winter Route. Check out the Alltrails Link.
Rent a Cabin Close to Snow
If you’re looking for a getaway in the Cascades or near Mount Rainier for some snow, consider renting a cabin. There are plenty of options around Mount Baker, particularly in and around Glacier or Demming. While Glacier itself might not have snow, you can find plenty just up the road—Mount Baker is known for some of the highest snowfall in the United States. If you prefer heading south toward Mount Rainier, check out the charming cabins in Ashford!
Grab the board games, a good book and cozy pajamas for the evening. Or make it a bigger weekend and book a cabin with friends.
Build a Snowcave
One weekend, when we rented a cabin in Deming, near Mount Baker, we headed up to Picture Lake to enjoy the snow. We ended up building a snow cave, having a fire, and sipping hot chocolate. It was a fun way to burn off energy (and refill it with hot cocoa!) while feeling a sense of accomplishment. That day stands out as one of my favorite winter memories with the kids.
Hike to a Waterfall
It rains a lot in Washington yes, but you can still get out for a hike. If snowshoeing isnt your thing, consider a waterfall hike in the lowlands. Here is a list of relatively close(ish) to Seattle, shorter in distance and of course that have that extra something. And sometimes all you need is a little time in the forest with the fresh air to fill you up with energy.
- Boulder River Falls: 8.1 (1.5 to the first falls) / 1,384 ft of elevation gain, Arlington Highway
- Wallace Falls: 4.9 miles / 1,469 ft of elevation gain, Highway 2
- Bridal Veil Falls: 4.2 miles / 1,00 ft of elevation gain, Highway 2
Rent a Camper Van + Head to the Coast
We have done Winter coast road trips in both Washigton and Oregon, both have been epic. My kids LOVE sleeping and rolling in a van, thats like the best thing ever. Then you throw in miles of deserted beaches. Um, hard to say no. Just make sure to pack the rain pants and let them go. This is also an amazing thing to do without kids. You will have even more solace. You will find the crowds have gone home for the winter. Bring a good book and enjoy!
You can rent camper vans on Outdoorsy.com Click HERE to book one!
Conclusion
There really is no shortage of adventure in the Winter in Washington. Hope you get out and give one of these adventures a try!
