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 or almost anyone. Getting outside in winter can make all the difference—whether it’s burning off some extra energy for the kids or lifting your mood as a parent. Washington offers plenty of kid-friendly, cold-weather hikes suitable for all levels. So, don’t let the colder temperatures stop you from hitting the trails—just know where to go!
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Always Prepare for Cold Weather Hikes
Like any winter activity, being prepared is essential. And probably the most important is dressing right, staying warm and dry. Its all about the layers. This helps you adjust your body’s temperature depending on how hard you are working. Its never good to sweat, you can end up very cold.
Please be sure to pack lots of snacks and plenty of water.
If you are new to winter hiking and are looking for what to wear, check out my guide to getting into Snowshoeing in Washington.
Middlefork River Trail
If you just make it out of the parking lot and onto the bridge its a win. The newly constructed bridge is just beautiful and SO FUN to cross. Once you cross the bridge the trail continues to the left and you can go for as long or as little as you like. Don’t be intimidated by the mileage, most just meander along the river and into the forest for a while. Add this to your list of awesome winter hikes in Washington!
Distance: 27.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,989 feet (but relatively flat for several miles after the bridge)
Location: Middlefork River Road
Link: AllTrails Link
Why it made the list: fun bridge and beautiful scenery
Robe Canyon Historic Trail
Located early on the Mountain Loop Highway, the Robe Canyon Historic Trail offers a bit of everything. You’ll begin in the woods, then venture into an area that feels reminiscent of the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula. The trail ultimately leads to a canyon with a powerful, raging river. The river’s intensity depends on rainfall and snowmelt, and when we visited, it was moving fast. There’s plenty to explore along this scenic and varied trail!
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 285 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Link: AllTrails Link
Why it made the list: lots of variety, easy grade and lots of moss.
Garfield Ledges
A short (and very green) hike located in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, Garfield Ledges is a quick and rewarding escape into nature. This trail offers stunning views at the end, including a breathtaking sight of Mount Garfield. Along the way, there are plenty of logs to climb on, making it an adventure kids will love. It’s a family-friendly hike that doesn’t require a full-day commitment, making it perfect for those spontaneous, shorter outings.
Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 616 feet
Location: Middlefork Road
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: Lush forest with lots of moss and old growth.
Rattlesnake Ledge
This might be the most known hike outside Seattle BUT in the winter the crowds are much less. In fact, on our last trip during the winter we hardly saw anyone. I tend to approach popular hikes with the attitude that we all deserve to be outdoors and hiking can be social. Regardless, its a beautiful place starting with Rattlesnake Lake. (this can be a micro adventure on its own!) But if you can make it up to the ledge, its a beautiful view! (especially at sunset) Just make sure to pack your headlamp.
Distance: 5.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,459feet
Location: Off I-90
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: Gorgeous lake + stunning views.
Franklin Falls Winter Route
This hike is a great way to get used to snow and snowshoes. The views are beautiful and you end up at Franklin Falls, need I say more? In the winter the the falls freeze and you can see ice climbers out. Its pretty incredible. And there is no shortage of icicles surrounding the falls, it picture perfect. I have hiked this one with my kids several times, its really family friendly. Long but easy.
Elevation Gain: 806 feet
Location: I-90 corridor
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: stunning icy waterfall + easy snowshoe
Oxbow Loop Trail
If you are looking for a fun place to get out into the woods, see old growth, admire big leaves on the ground then this is the hike for you! Its close to Seattle, next to no elevation gain and only takes an hour or so. Its the perfect get out into nature with less effort kinda hike. Perfect for running energy of little ones.
Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 72 feet
Location: Middlefork Road off I-90
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: short, sweet and lots to explore for little ones.
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 lush, mossy 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, sometimes 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
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, adding 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 and past cascading streams 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 1.5-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 and accessible for families. 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
There is no shortage of easy hikes to do in Washington in the winter. I hope you give one (or more) of these 17 awesome winter hikes a try!
