Amazing Winter Hikes in Washington – a Local’s Guide.
Need help getting through a Winter in Washington? I’ve got you covered. Getting out and hiking during can make all the difference and definitely lift your spirits! Washington offers stunning cold-weather hikes that are perfect for all levels, so there’s no reason to stop hiking just because the temperatures drop. You just need to know where to go! (and how to be prepared) Here’s a list Amazing Winter hikes in Washington that are suitable for nearly anyone.
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Always Prepare for Cold Weather Hikes
Like any winter activity, being prepared is all about layering. 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. In fact, I always start my hikes on the colder side and then adjust as I heat up.
I am always amazed when I see people in sneakers, sweatpants and a water bottle in hand (and pretty much nothing else) hiking in the snow. Weather in the mountains can change, things happen, so heed a little bit of caution. Please make sure to pack the essentials, dress appropriately, bring lots of layers and preparing for what could happen.
If you are new to winter hiking and are looking for what to wear, check out my guide to getting into Snowshoeing in Washington.
Important Essentials to Carry on Every Hike
Headlamp or Flashlight (with extra batteries): My personal favorite headlamp.
Ample Food Supply: Winter hiking can be physically demanding, so pack plenty of high-calorie snacks.
Adequate Water: Staying hydrated is key, I like to carry a filter on every hike.
Emergency Shelter or Sleeping Bag: Even if you’re just out for the day, carrying an emergency shelter or a sleeping bag is a smart precaution.
Additional Essential Items
Microspikes: If you are headed out into the snow or ice, these can be a true lifesaver. I cant recommend these MICROSPIKES enough.
Gaiters: Keeping your feet warm and dry is essential. In addition to water proof boots and wool socks I always wear my OR Gaiters when there is snow present to keep it from getting into the top of my boots. Wet feet are the worst!
If you are new to winter hiking and are looking into Snowshoeing, check out my guide to getting into Snowshoeing in Washington.
Before You go in the Snow
Hiking in the snow can have its dangers and its important to be informed before you head out. The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) offers a free hour long class that gives you some valuable information on navigating their avalanche forecasts. You can check them out here: https://nwac.us/ If you want to learn even more, I recommend taking an AIARE Level 1 class.
Winter Hikes in Washington – I-90 corridor
Talapus + Ollalie Lakes
This hike might just be even more stunning in winter than any other season! It’s one of the rare trails that takes you to two alpine lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, all blanketed in snow. The contrast of snow against the mountain backdrop surrounding both lakes is so pretty. Pack some soup or hot chocolate and take your time soaking in the views. And with its proximity to Seattle, this winter hike is as convenient as it is spectacular!
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!
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 the outdoors. This trail offers stunning views at the end, including that of Mount Garfield. Along the way, there are plenty of logs to climb on, making it an adventure your 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.
Franklin Falls Winter Route
If you are looking to try out snowshoeing this hike is a great opportunity. In the beginning of the hike, the mountain views are beautiful and then you end up at Franklin Falls. Need I say more? In the winter the the falls freeze and if you are lucky you might find some ice climbers out. There is also no shortage of icicles surrounding the falls, it is just picture perfect.
Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 806 feet
Location: I-90 corridor
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: stunning icy waterfall + easy snowshoe
Teneriffe Falls
Teneriffe Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Snoqualmie National Forest of Washington State. The falls drop about 300 feet in a series of cascades, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the region.
Mileage: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,620 feet
Location: Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area
Link to Alltrails
Why it made the list: beautiful cascading waterfall.
Granite Lakes
This hike offers all the alpine lake vibes, which can be hard to find in winter in Washington. It’s a moderate, steady climb that leads you to the stunning Granite Lake—a beautiful reward. This trail is ideal for winter hiking, as it’s often snow-free, but be sure to check current trail reports before heading out.
Mileage: 7.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,391 feet
Location: Middlefork Road
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: beautiful alpine lake basin.
Winter Hikes in Washington – Highway 2
Skyline Lake
If you’re looking for a short (and a bit steep) snowshoe with a big payoff, this one’s for you! The trail starts with a steep, wide, road-like climb, but it soon levels off to reveal sweeping views of the lake. There’s plenty of snow to play in up here, making it a great choice for families with kids. This hike is definitely at the top of my list for incredible winter adventures in Washington!
Mileage: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,059 feet
Location: Highway 2
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: snowy wonderland with great views.
Wallace Falls
A popular year-round hike near Gold Bar, Washington, Wallace Falls showcases a series of stunning waterfalls. The trail to the upper falls viewpoint is a moderate hike that’s suitable for most skill levels. In winter, the forest is particularly lush, and the falls become even more dramatic with increased water flow, often framed by frost or snow along the trail. With several scenic viewpoints along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire the falls from different angles.
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 has equally stellar views… and with half the people. 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
Located near Index, Washington, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in the area. The trail winds through a lush, mossy forest and steadily climbs before reaching a set of wooden stairs that lead to a viewing platform near the base of the falls. In winter, the falls are especially dramatic, with water cascading over the rocky cliffs, often framed by ice and snow. This moderate hike is ideal 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.
Winter Hikes in Washington – Arlington to Darrington Road
Boulder River Falls
Located near Darrington, Washington, this trail is a scenic and relatively easy hike that takes you along the Boulder River to two beautiful waterfalls. If the river is full, the waterfalls are absolutely spectacular—each one with its own dramatic presence. I’ve hiked this trail twice, and the falls looked strikingly different each time depending on the water flow.
The trail follows the river through lush, green forest, offering plenty of beauty along the way. It’s a moderate climb that’s perfect for families, with a relatively gradual ascent. While the full trail extends to 8.6 miles round-trip, most hikers turn around at the falls for a shorter, equally rewarding adventure. This is a fantastic trail for a scenic winter outing no matter what the weather.
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.
Winter Hikes in Washington – Olympic Peninsula
Cape Flattery
Cape Flattery, located at the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, offers a short but incredibly scenic hike especially at sunset. The trail meanders through lush forest and along boardwalks, leading to several viewpoints that overlook rugged sea cliffs, sea stacks, and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, you can even spot Tatoosh Island and its historic lighthouse. Be sure to wear waterproof layers, as the weather here can be windy and rainy—adding to the dramatic and wild beauty.
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.
Winter Hikes in Washington – Mountain Loop Highway
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.
Winter Hikes in Washington – Mount Rainier National Park + Surrounding Area
Mount Rainier – Snowshoeing to Panorama Point
You cant go wrong snowshoeing around Paradise in the winter especially if its a clear day. There are so many trails up at Paradise but the one up to Panorama Point (IMHO) takes the cake. If thats too far and a bit too much the entire trail boasts epic views of Mount Rainier. Truth be told you can see epic views from the parking lot in case you are feeling a little bit unmotivated haha.
Mileage: 4.5
Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
Location: Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise
Link: https://visitrainier.com/panorama-point-snowshoe-2/
Why it made the list: Incredible views and so much snow!
High Hut Snowshoe Trail
Just down the road from Mount Rainier National Park outside of Ashford Washington is a network of trails in the Tahoma State Forest. There are a series of hut and yurts up there that are reservable. While most of them have access to a view of Mount Rainier, High Hut takes the cake in this department.
Mileage: 7.9
Elevation Gain: 2,375 ft
Location: Tahoma State Forest
Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: Beautiful snowshoe through the woods ending in an epic view of Mount Rainier.
Winter Hikes in Washington – Bellingham
Oyster Dome
Oyster Dome is a scenic hike in the Chuckanut Mountains near Bellingham, offering sweeping views of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. While the trail can be wet and muddy in winter, it’s a fantastic year-round hike, especially for those seeking dramatic views. The summit features an open rock face, making it the perfect spot to take in the views on clear winter days.
Mileage: 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,896 feet
Location: CHUCKANUT ROAD near Bellingham WA
Link: Alltrails Link
Why it made the list: epic vistas over the Islands.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of hikes to do in Washington in the winter… Lots of options for all abilities getting you out into that must needed fresh air. Hope you get out onto one of these amazing winter hikes!
