Best Winter Hikes Near Seattle, Washington

Washington
Written By Erin
 
A hiker in a bright yellow-orange jacket snowshoeing at Artist Point near Mount Baker, Washington, during sunrise with snow-covered mountains in the background, perfect for a winter hike near Seattle.
 

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:

  1. Plan Ahead & Prepare

  2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

  3. Dispose of Waste Properly

  4. Leave What You Find

  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

  6. Respect Wildlife

  7. Be Considerate of Others

The first light of sunrise illuminates the snow-capped peaks at Artist Point, casting a warm glow over the rugged Cascade Mountains, a popular destination for sunrise hikes near Seattle.

Sunrise from Artist Point

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!):

Beautiful Winter Hikes Near Seattle, Washington

Snoqualmie/North Bend Region

Rattlesnake Ledge

A woman at sunrise, enjoying the tranquil view from Rattlesnake Ledge, with the Cascade Mountains and Rattlesnake Lake in the background, a beloved hiking destination near Seattle, Washington.

  • 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: Washington Trails Association, AllTrails

  • 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

A hiker in a blue jacket stands admiring the grandeur of Mount Rainier from Tiger Mountain's West Tiger #3 trail, a popular winter hiking destination near Seattle, with a clear sky and snow on the ground.
View from Tiger Mountain's West Tiger #3 trail, showcasing a stunning aerial perspective of Seattle's cityscape with the Olympic Mountains in the background, highlighting the lush forests and trails ideal for hiking near Seattle.

  • 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: Washington Trails Association, AllTrails

  • 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

Snow-covered Teneriffe Falls cascading down rocky terrain, framed by frosty evergreen trees shrouded in mist, a serene and chilly hiking destination in Washington.

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

A wooden arch bridge covered with a light dusting of snow crosses over the clear waters of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, surrounded by a forest of evergreens.
A hiker in a blue jacket and beanie smiles as she walks through the snow with the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and a snow-capped mountain in the background, reflecting a serene winter hike.

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

The breathtaking Wallace Falls, partially frozen in winter, cascade through a dense evergreen forest covered in snow, a popular and scenic hiking destination in Washington State near Seattle.

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

Clouds weave through the forested peaks visible from Heybrook Lookout, with a silhouette of evergreen trees in the foreground, capturing the serene beauty of Washington's hiking trails.
A hiker in a blue jacket stands at Heybrook Lookout, admiring the dramatic view of rugged mountains partially covered in snow and bathed in the warm glow of sunrise, a popular winter hike for hikers near Seattle.

  • 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: Washington Trails Association, AllTrails

  • 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

A hiker stands at the edge of the partially frozen Lake 22, looking out at the clear reflections in the water with the imposing snow-covered mountain and dense evergreen forest in the background, a popular hiking spot in Washington.

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

A hiker enjoying the expansive view from Oyster Dome, overlooking the San Juan Islands and the vast Puget Sound, with lush forested hills stretching into the distance under a clear sky.

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

A female hiker wearing a green jacket and white winter hat snowshoeing towards Panorama Point in Mount Rainier National Park with a stunning backdrop of snow-covered peaks under a bright blue sky, a quintessential winter hiking spot near Seattle.

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

A hiker in an yellow-orange jacket stands on the snow-covered trail at Artist Point Snowshoe, gazing at the majestic Mount Shuksan with its sharp peaks and pristine snowfields, a popular winter hiking destination near Seattle.

  • 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: Washington Trails Association, AllTrails

  • 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

A hiker in a red jacket observing the icy cascade of Marymere Falls in Olympic National Park, with surrounding snow-covered trees and a wooden viewing platform, a serene winter hiking destination near Seattle.

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

A hiker in a red jacket stands atop Mount Storm King, overlooking the panoramic view of Lake Crescent with sunrays piercing through the clouds during a dramatic sunrise in Olympic National Park, Washington.

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

A hiker in an yellow-orange jacket is dwarfed by the towering, moss-covered trees in the Hall of Mosses, where sunlight filters through the dense canopy, creating a mystical atmosphere in Olympic 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

A lone hiker in a yellow jacket walks along the wet sands of Rialto Beach, with the iconic sea stacks rising majestically under a cloudy sky in Olympic National Park, Washington.
A person in a yellow jacket stands in the natural archway known as Hole-in-the-Wall at Rialto Beach, framing a sea stack in the distance, a geological wonder along the rugged coast of Olympic 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!

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