17 Awesome (+Easy) Winter Hikes in Washington – Great for Families + Beginners
Looking to take your kids hiking in Washington this winter? Here’s a list of 17 AWESOME (+ easy) winter hikes in Washington that are perfect for families and beginners alike. Getting outside in winter can make all the difference—whether it’s helping kids burn off extra energy or lifting your mood as a parent. Washington offers plenty of kid-friendly, cold-weather hikes for all skill levels, so don’t let the colder temperatures keep you inside—you just need to know where to go!
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Always Prepare for Cold Weather Hikes
Like any winter activity, preparation is key. Staying warm and dry is crucial, and layering is your best friend. Proper layering helps regulate body temperature and prevents sweating, which can lead to getting too cold.
Key Winter Hiking Essentials:
- Dress in layers (base, insulating, and waterproof outer layer)
- Bring extra socks, gloves, and hats
- Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks
- Use microspikes or traction devices for icy trails
- Carry the 10 essentials for safety
New to winter hiking? Check out my guide to Snowshoeing in Washington for gear recommendations and tips!
Middlefork River Trail
If you only make it across the newly constructed bridge, that’s a win! It’s a fun and scenic crossing, and once on the other side, the trail continues along the river. You can turn around whenever you like, making it an easy winter adventure.
- Distance: Up to 27.3 miles round trip (but you can turn back anytime)
- Elevation Gain: 3,989 feet (relatively flat for several miles after the bridge)
- Location: Middlefork River Road
- Why it made the list: Beautiful suspension bridge and scenic river views.
Robe Canyon Historic Trail
This trail offers a little bit of everything—starting in a lush forest before leading into a stunning canyon with a rushing river. Depending on recent rainfall or snowmelt, the river can be especially powerful in winter!
- Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 285 feet
- Location: Mountain Loop Highway
- Why it made the list: Moss-covered forest, a dramatic canyon, and an easy grade.
Garfield Ledges
This short, steep trail offers epic views at the top and lots of mossy logs for kids to climb on along the way.
- Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 616 feet
- Location: Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley
- Why it made the list: Quick and rewarding with stunning mountain views.
- Link: Alltrails Link
Rattlesnake Ledge
Normally a packed hike in summer, winter offers a quieter experience. Start at Rattlesnake Lake and hike up for a rewarding view—especially at sunset (just bring a headlamp for the way down!).
- Distance: 5.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,459 feet
- Location: Off I-90
- Why it made the list: Iconic views and fewer crowds in winter.
- Link: Alltrails Link
Franklin Falls Winter Route
A classic Washington winter hike, this route takes you to a gorgeous waterfall that often freezes into an icy wonderland.
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Location: I-90 Corridor
- Why it made the list: Stunning frozen waterfall and beginner-friendly snowshoeing.
- Link: Alltrails Link
Oxbow Loop Trail
A quick forest escape with big-leaf trees and moss-covered scenery. Ideal for young kids who need to burn off energy.
- Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 72 feet
- Location: Middlefork Road off I-90
- Why it made the list: Super short and easy, perfect for little ones.
- Link: Alltrails Link
Wallace Falls
Wallace Falls features a series of stunning waterfalls. The trail to the upper falls viewpoint is a moderate hike suitable for most skill levels. In winter, the forest is especially lush, and the falls become even more impressive with increased water flow, often accented by frost or snow along the trail. It offers a very accessible parking lot and fun bridges for kids to run along.
Distance: 4.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,469 feet
Location: Highway 2
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: dramatic icy waterfall in the winter.
Heybrook Ridge
This one gets a bit overlooked by its neighbor, Heybrook lookout but this one has equally stellar views… with half the people. It doesnt have the firetower but it has the view without the steps. Its a bit of a longer and steeper hike, but hey, its a better workout!
Mileage: 3.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 775 feet
Location: Highway 2
Link: WTA Link
Why it made the list: incredible views and accessible parking lot in the winter.
Bridal Veil Falls
A beautiful waterfall hike located near Index, Washington, Bridal Veil Falls is along the trail to Lake Serene. The trail winds through the forest and climbs steadily before reaching a set of wooden stairs that lead to a viewing platform near the base of the falls. In winter, the falls can be especially dramatic, with water cascading over rocky cliffs. And if you are lucky, framed by ice and snow. It’s a moderate hike that’s perfect for a short, scenic winter outing.
And if you are looking for another view of this waterfall, follow the trail to Lake Serene and catch Bridal Veil Falls from the bottom!
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,043 feet
Location: Highway 2
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: Cascading waterfall that overlooks the mountains.
Boulder River Falls
The trail is relatively easy and scenic, following along the river with lush greenery and leading to two beautiful waterfalls. If you choose to hike farther, the full trail extends to about 8.6 miles round trip, but many people turn around at the falls for a shorter adventure. It’s a relatively gradual climb, making it a good option for families.
Distance: 4.3 miles round trip (to the waterfalls)
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Location: Arlington / Darrington Road
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: Cascading waterfall that runs down a beautiful mossy rock.
Talapus + Ollalie Lakes
This is probably the longest hike on the list. You can shorten this trip by only hiking to the first lake and turning around there. Its a fairly gentle hike with lots of mild switchbacks. The only drawback to the first lake is there isnt a lot of lake access. The logs you see in the picture are where you can get the closest. There is however a cool bridge and several waterfalls on the way.
Distance: 5.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,223 feet
Location: I-90 Corridor
AllTrails Link: Talapus + Olallie Lakes
Why it made the list: Lush forests and two beautiful lakes!
Distance: 6.9 miles
Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery, located at the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, is a short but has simply breathtaking views. The trail winds through lush forest and boardwalks, leading to multiple viewpoints overlooking rugged sea cliffs, sea stacks, and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, you can even spot Tatoosh Island and its lighthouse. Be sure to wear waterproof layers as it can be windy and rainy. Dont let it stop you though, it just adds to the wild beauty of this special spot.
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: Incredible sunset over the water.
Heather Lake
Located off the Mountain Loop Highway, Heather Lake is a picturesque alpine hike that’s especially beautiful in winter. It winds through old-growth forest before reaching the lake. The lake is nestled beneath the cliffs of Mount Pilchuck. In winter, the lake is often surrounded by snow-draped trees and frozen over. Its so much beauty for the effort. Make sure to walk all the way around the lake for a 360 view!
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,024 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Link: Alltrails
Why it made the list: road is accessible + the incredible mountains all around.
Heybrook Lookout
This is one of my favorites for the shorter and easier day hikes near Seattle especially in Winter. The trail, lined with evergreen shrubs, is REALLY pretty, add a dusting of snow and its magic. BUT the best part, in my opinion, comes at the end, where a 67′ fire tower sits on top of Namesake Ridge at 1,700 ft. Hike up the old fire lookout tower that’s open to climb up and see beautiful views of Barring Mountain.
Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 879 feet
Location: Highway 2
Link: Alltrails
Why it made the list: Lookout tower with epic mountain views
You might be interested in other Fire Tower Hikes: https://www.thetrekkingmama.com/washington/the-best-fire-tower-lookout-hikes-in-washington-state/
Little Mashel Falls
This easy-to-moderate 5-mile loop follows a flat, closed dirt road, making it accessible for everyone. The trail winds through a beautiful forested area and leads to three stunning waterfalls. The highlight is Little Mashel Falls, a dramatic, multi-tiered waterfall cascading into a mossy gorge. Well-maintained and family-friendly, this hike is a great choice for a peaceful outdoor adventure.
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Location: Eastonville WA
Link: WTA
Why it made the list: easy hike to 3 awesome HUGE waterfalls.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls, located in Olallie State Park near North Bend is an easy 2-mile round-trip trail follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River through a lush forest. The feature is a beautiful view of two scenic waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and features a mix of paved and dirt paths, making it accessible year-round. In winter, the falls can freeze into stunning ice formations, adding an extra layer of beauty to this already picturesque hike.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 590 feet
Location: North Bend off I-90
Link: WTA
Why it made the list: easy hike to 2 awesome waterfalls.
Gold Creek Pond
A Seattle favorite, this hike gives you the feeling of being deep in the snowy mountains with minimal effort. In winter, you’ll walk along the road to reach the trailhead, but it’s flat and easy. Once you arrive at the snow-covered parking lot, the breathtaking views unfold. If reaching the lake isn’t enough, you can take a stroll around it to enjoy panoramic views from every angle. This hike is always a showstopper!
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 167 feet
Location: Hyak area off I-90
Link: AllTrails
Why it made the list: Gorgeous mountain views and lots of snow to play
Conclusion
Winter in Washington offers no shortage of easy, scenic hikes. Whether you want to explore snowy forests, frozen waterfalls, or peaceful alpine lakes, this list has something for everyone.
Which one will you try first?
