Best Winter Hikes Near Seattle, Washington
Winters in Washington State can be hard. They’re long and dark, and it’s hard not to miss summertime in the high mountains here. However, since I moved to Washington, my goal has always been to make the most of winter and try my best to enjoy it. One of the ways I stay happy (and sane) during winter is by getting outside as much as I can, so I go to the place that always makes me happy: hiking trails. In this post, I outline some of my favorite winter hiking trails in Washington State, all accessible from Seattle.
“Near” can be subjective and depends on how much time you have. One person’s “near” may be another’s “far.” The hikes listed here range from a 30-minute to a 4-hour drive oneway from the Seattle area. I’ve grouped the hikes into the following regions if you want to jump ahead:
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Safety Information for Washington State Winter Hiking:
Avalanche Safety: In Washington, it is extremely important to remember avalanche safety. You can check avalanche conditions in Washington on the Northwest Avalanche Center website. If there's any chance of an avalanche, I choose to stay home because the risk is not worth it. I also never take my dog into avalanche-prone areas. Taking an Avalanche Safety Course is also a really good idea.
Check Trail & Road Conditions: In the winter, it is important to read trail reports before heading out. It is important to check for both road and trail conditions to confirm if it is safe to drive to the trailhead and what sort of gear you might need for hiking, such as snowshoes, microspikes, or avalanche safety gear. In Washington, my main trail status sources are Washington Trails Association (“WTA”) and AllTrails to check for recent trip reports. Guides for each trail are linked below.
Be Prepared: Always bring the Ten Essentials.
Traction: I always bring microspikes with me on every winter hike, just in case it is icy.
Leave No Trace
Please remember to Leave No Trace when enjoying our natural spaces, which means following the below principles:
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Others
What to Bring on a Winter Hike
I wrote an entire blog on Winter Hiking Gear and Clothes! Here’s a very brief overview of what I like to bring on winter hikes (read the full blog post for more details!):
Gear:
Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Navigation Tools: AllTrails, Paper Maps, Compass
Water and Water Bottle
Snacks
Beautiful Winter Hikes Near Seattle, Washington
Snoqualmie/North Bend Region
Rattlesnake Ledge
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: None
Hike Length: 4.0 miles roundtrip (to get to the first “main” ledge, longer if you continue up farther on trail)
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,160 ft
Highest Point: 2,078 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead
Area/Town: North Bend
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
Rattlesnake Ledge is one of my go-to hikes year-round, but especially during winter and spring. It is a very popular hike, so don’t expect to be alone (even on weekdays). However, it’s perfect for a quick after-work hike, once the sun sets a bit later. I love looking at the mountains in the distance, dreaming of hiking in them during the summer. This trail can sometimes be icy in the winter, so I recommend bringing microspikes, just in case.
Tiger Mountain - West Tiger #3
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: Discover Pass
Hike Length: 5.0 miles roundtrip (there are many connecting trails on Tiger Mountain, can make your hike longer if you want)
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
Highest Point: 2,525 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Highpoint Trailhead
Area/Town: Issaquah Alps
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
When I want a good training hike, Tiger Mountain is my go-to. On a clear day, you get panoramic views featuring Mount Rainier, the Olympics, the city of Seattle, Mount Baker, and Glacier Peak. I highly recommend hiking Tiger Mountain on a clear day. There can sometimes be snow at the top, so I also recommend bringing microspikes on this hike during the winter.
I hiked Tiger Mountain numerous times in preparation for my thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail in 2023. There is a decent amount of elevation gain, which makes it a good training hike. Plus, there are lots of connecting trails, so you can make your hike longer if you so desire. For a more intense thigh and calf burner, check out the Cable Line Trail.
Teneriffe Falls
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: Discover Pass
Hike Length: 5.6 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
Highest Point: 2,370 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Mount Teneriffe Trailhead
Area/Town: North Bend
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
Who doesn’t love a waterfall hike? This trail takes you through a beautiful forest, leading up to Teneriffe Falls. When I hiked it last winter, it was pretty snowy, but very beautiful! I forgot my microspikes on this one and I wish I had brought them. The snow got a little hard to walk on at times.
Middle Fork Snoqualmie
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (according to WTA)
Hike Length: 12.0 miles roundtrip (but you can make it as long or as short as you would like)
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,650 ft
Highest Point: 1,100 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (Hard if doing the entire trail, due to length)
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead
Area/Town: North Bend
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
Middle Fork Snoqualmie is perfect if you’re looking for a hike along a river through a beautiful, classic PNW forest. You can make this hike as long or as short as you want. The trail follows along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, which is a stunning blue color. If I’m looking for a chill hike, this is a great option. If it’s snowy or icy, definitely use microspikes on this hike.
Stevens Pass Region
Wallace Falls
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: Discover Pass
Hike Length: 5.6 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
Highest Point: 1,500 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Wallace Falls Parking Lot
Area/Town: Stevens Pass / Gold Bar
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
Yes, another waterfall hike! Waterfall hikes are great for winter and spring. Wallace Falls was among the first few hikes I did when I moved to Washington. It is a classic hike for a reason…the falls are beautiful. There may or may not be snow here depending on recent weather. The Middle Falls Lookout is the best lookout on the trail! If there is recent snow or freezing temperatures, I recommend bringing microspikes along with you, just in case.
Heybrook Lookout
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: None
Hike Length: 2 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 850 ft
Highest Point: 1,700 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Heybrook Lookout Trailhead
Area/Town: Stevens Pass / Index
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
Looking to scratch that itch for hiking to a lookout tower? Look no farther than Heybrook Lookout. This hike is great year round, but it makes a great winter hike due to its proximity to Seattle and that it is rather short. I’ve done this hike a few times now and it is a perfect short hike when you don’t have a lot of time but want a taste of the mountains. Depending on recent weather, microspikes may be required.
Mountain Loop Highway Region
Lake 22 [closed until at least December 1, 2024]
The Lake 22 trail is closed through at least December 1, 2024 for trail maintenance.
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (according to WTA)
Hike Length: 5.4 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft
Highest Point: 2,400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Lake 22 Trailhead
Area/Town: Mountain Loop Highway / Granite Falls
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
Longing for an alpine lake hike while you wait for summer? Lake 22 is a great option. Whether the lake is frozen depends on the time of year; the photo above was taken in April 2023, but either way, this is a beautiful hike. Please note that this trail is in an avalanche zone, so check NWAC.us for current avalanche conditions, and do not go when there is any risk for avalanches. I highly encourage you to take an avalanche safety course before hiking in avalanche zones. I definitely recommend bringing microspikes on this hike.
Bellingham Region
Oyster Dome
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: Discover Pass
Hike Length: 7 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft
Highest Point: 2,025 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Oyster Dome Chuckanut Drive Access Trailhead
Area/Town: Chuckanut Mountains / Bellingham
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
Want both mountains and the ocean? Oyster Dome is the hike to do. Oyster Dome is located in the Chuckanut Mountains and it has incredible views overlooking Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. This is probably one of my favorite winter hikes. It’s also very popular, so I wouldn’t expect to be alone on this trail. I haven’t done it for sunset, yet, but I have a feeling sunset here would be amazing. After your hike, you can head to the nearby city of Bellingham if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Mount Rainier Region
Panorama Point Snowshoe via Skyline Trail
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (National Park Pass)
Hike Length: 5 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft
Highest Point: 7,070 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Paradise Meadows & Skyline Trailhead
Area/Town: Longmire/Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park
Dogs Allowed? No, it’s in a national park
If it is a clear day, I highly recommend venturing out to Mount Rainier National Park to snowshoe! Not only can you see Mount Rainier, but you get amazing views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains, including Mount Saint Helens. If you don’t own snowshoes and aren’t interested in buying them right now, no worries! You can rent snowshoes from REI! Check out the REI Rental Gear page to find a rental location near you. Please note that this trail is in an avalanche zone, so check NWAC.us for current avalanche conditions, and do not go when there is a risk for avalanches. I highly encourage you to take an avalanche safety course before hiking in avalanche zones.
Mount Baker Region
Artist Point Snowshoe
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: None
Hike Length: 4 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
Highest Point: 5,100 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Wild Goose Trail #684.3
Area/Town: Mount Baker
Dogs Allowed? Yes, must be on a leash
This is one of my all-time favorite winter hikes in Washington (and just in general). Mount Baker Wilderness is truly incredible and being able to experience it in winter is magical. Snowshoeing to Artist Point on a clear day, you get 360 views of the mountains, with Mount Shuskan front and center, along with views of Mount Baker. If you don’t own snowshoes and aren’t interested in buying them right now, no worries! You can rent snowshoes from REI! Check out the REI Rental Gear page to find a rental location near you. Please note that this trail is in an avalanche zone, so check NWAC.us for current avalanche conditions, and do not go when there is a risk for avalanches. I highly encourage you to take an avalanche safety course before hiking in avalanche zones.
Olympic Peninsula Region
Marymere Falls
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (National Park Pass)
Hike Length: 1.8 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 330 ft
Highest Point: 920 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Marymere Falls Trailhead
Area/Town: Olympic National Park
Dogs Allowed? No, it’s in a national park
The Olympic Peninsula has it all - mountains, beaches, rainforests, and, of course, waterfalls. If you’re looking for a quick and easy waterfall hike on the Olympic Peninsula, Marymere Falls is it. It’s a great trail to tack onto Mount Storm King (the next hike listed) since they start from the same trailhead. The trail starts out through a beautiful forest, eventually leading you to Marymere Falls. It was a little icy when I went, so as with every hike on this list, I highly recommend bringing microspikes with you.
Mount Storm King
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (National Park Pass)
Hike Length: 4.1 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
Highest Point: 2,600 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Marymere Falls Trailhead
Area/Town: Olympic National Park
Dogs Allowed? No, it’s in a national park
Mount Storm King is one of my favorite hikes. The view from the top overlooks Lake Crescent and is one of my favorite Washington views. I’ve hiked it multiple times in both winter (January) and spring (May). I recommend bringing microspikes on this hike, as it is a little exposed once you get near the top and you would need them if it was icy. This hike is challenging - not only is it steep, but it also has a section where you use a rope to get up.
Hall of Mosses
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (National Park Pass)
Hike Length: 1 mile roundtrip
Route Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 100 ft
Highest Point: 600 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Hoh River Trailhead
Area/Town: Olympic National Park
Dogs Allowed? No, it’s in a national park
This is probably one of the most magical forests I’ve ever visited. It is truly a rain forest with huge, old-growth trees. Walking through the Hall of Mosses is an enchanting experience. While it’s only 1-mile roundtrip, I recommend taking your time and soaking in the experience.
Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall
Permit/Parking Pass/Fee Required: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (National Park Pass)
Hike Length: 3.3 miles roundtrip
Route Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 110 ft
Highest Point: 71 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Guide: AllTrails, Washington Trails Association
Trailhead/Parking: Rialto Beach
Area/Town: Olympic National Park
Dogs Allowed? No, it’s in a national park
While I love being in the mountains, one of the cool things about living in western Washington State is the easy access to the coast. I’ve never been a huge beach person, but there is something so relaxing about hearing the waves crash on the shore. Hiking along Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall is the perfect hike for you if you want to walk along the beach. Although it can be windy and walking through sand may be tiring, this hike features beautiful rock formations along the beach.
Final Thoughts
Winter hiking near Seattle offers a diverse array of experiences, from serene forest walks to breathtaking mountain vistas. Each trail has its own unique charm, providing ample opportunities to embrace the beauty of Washington's winter landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these trails offer something for everyone. So, bundle up, bring the appropriate gear, stay safe, and embark on a winter adventure that will leave you with lasting memories. Happy hiking!