Amazing Winter Adventures in Washington
Winter in the Pacific Northwest doesn’t have to mean staying inside and waiting for the rain to stop. In fact, it’s one of the best times to explore! Whether you’re looking for snowy mountain adventures, cozy retreats, or unique experiences you can’t have any other time of year, Washington has something for you.
So, if you’re wondering how to stay active and adventurous this winter, here are some incredible ways to embrace the season. Grab your gear and get out there!
The list of Amazing Winter adventures in Washington!
Soak in some Hotsprings
Nothing beats soaking in a steamy natural hot spring while surrounded by snow. While Washington doesn’t have as many hot springs as neighboring Idaho or Oregon, the ones we do have make for unforgettable winter getaways.
Scenic Hot Springs
Details: Accessible via a 2-mile hike, Scenic Hot Springs features two soaking pools with sweeping views of the surrounding forest. The site recently underwent renovations, including a new changing area. Reserve here.
Location: Near Stevens Pass, off Highway 2
Best for: A private, scenic soak after a moderate hike
Reservations required: Yes ($20 fee)
Goldmyer Hot Springs
Location: 25 miles east of North Bend, in the Cascade foothills
Best for: A remote, backcountry hot spring experience
Reservations required: Yes (lottery system)
Details: A 4.5-mile hike (one way) leads to a stunning oasis of thermal pools tucked into the forest. Limited access keeps it peaceful, and if you’re lucky, you’ll experience it with fresh snowfall.
Rent a Cabin East of the Mountains
Escape the rain and head east of the Cascades, where it’s often sunny even in winter. Booking a cabin in a mountain town is a perfect way to reset.
Rolling Huts – Mazama, WA
- Why stay here? These beautifully designed tiny cabins are cozy and minimalist, complete with wood stoves and big windows to watch the snow fall.
- Perfect for: A solo retreat, a romantic weekend, or a fun family stay.
- Book a weekend at the Rolling Huts.
For more cabin options, check out rentals in Glacier (near Mt. Baker), Ashford (near Mt. Rainier), or Winthrop for a classic Western-style mountain town experience.
Spend the Night in a Fire Lookout Tower
Washington has 92 standing fire lookouts, and some are reservable for overnight stays. These rustic escapes offer solitude and unbeatable mountain views.
Steliko Lookout (Entiat, WA)
A 2.4-mile winter hike leads to this cozy, heated lookout. Great for families or a solo retreat.
2. Friends of North Mountain Lookout in Darrington WA
Hard to book, but worth it! You can drive right up to this unheated lookout for a rustic getaway.
Book Friends of the North Mountain Lookout
3. Heybrook Lookout (Stevens Pass area)
A short hike leads to stunning views. Booking is tough, but even a day hike is worth it!
Go Snowshoeing!
If you love hiking, snowshoeing is the perfect way to keep exploring in winter. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly!
Top Snowshoeing Trails:
- Franklin Falls Winter Route – A short, family-friendly trek to a frozen waterfall. See the AllTrails route here.
- Skyline Lake (Stevens Pass) – Moderate 3-mile route with stunning views.
- Artist Point (Mt. Baker area) – One of the most scenic snowshoe hikes in Washington, with breathtaking mountain vistas.
Safety Tip: Never snowshoe alone, and check avalanche conditions before heading out. Learn about avalanche safety here.
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.
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 Snow Cave
One of the most fun (and exhausting) winter activities is building a snow cave! Head to a snowy area like Picture Lake or Paradise at Mt. Rainier, bring a shovel, and get creative. Warm up with a fire and hot cocoa afterward!
Hike to a Waterfall
IIf you’re looking for a winter hike without deep snow, consider chasing waterfalls! The rain makes them extra powerful this time of year.
Best Winter Waterfall Hikes:
- Boulder River Falls – 3 miles roundtrip to the first falls, with a lush, mossy forest setting.
- Wallace Falls – 5-mile roundtrip hike with multiple viewpoints of a stunning cascade.
- Bridal Veil Falls – A 4.2-mile trail leading to an incredible waterfall just off Highway 2.
Rent a Camper Van + Head to the Coast
For a unique winter road trip, rent a camper van and explore Washington’s coastline. Winter means fewer crowds and dramatic ocean views.
- Best Coastal Stops:
- Rialto Beach (Olympic National Park)
- Cape Disappointment State Park
- Salt Creek Recreation Area
Rent a camper van through Outdoorsy.
We have done Winter coast road trips in both Washington 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
Winter in Washington is anything but boring. Whether you’re soaking in a hot spring, snowshoeing to a frozen lake, or cozying up in a lookout tower, there’s no shortage of adventure. So bundle up, grab your gear, and make this winter one to remember!
What’s your favorite winter adventure in Washington? Drop a comment below or share your experience on Instagram!
