The best winter hikes near Seattle (within 3 hours)

If you’re looking for the best winter hikes near Seattle, look no further. Winter hiking can be intimidating but it’s also incredibly rewarding! When many people are choosing to snuggle up with hot drinks and stay inside, it’s a great time to hit the trails. 

Here, you’ll find info on:

• Why winter hiking is amazing
• Safety tips for winter hiking
• Gear recommendations for winter hiking
• And most importantly, the best winter hikes near Seattle

But first, full disclosure: I wasn’t as stoked about winter hiking when I first moved to a place with winter (California farmland didn’t count. Or Ecuador, for that matter). It DOES take more preparation and hardiness to get outside when the weather is snowy, cold, and/or rainy. It has taken time to appreicate cold weather hiking, and that is okay!

Why is winter hiking near Seattle amazing?

1. Fewer people are out when the weather isn’t sunny and warm. This means you will likely have a more peaceful experience when hiking in the winter!
2. Snow and rain create beautiful and unique experiences. Some trails are better in winter than in the summer. This could be because the snow makes it more beautiful, or the terrain is easier to climb with snow cover (looking at you, Mount Washington).
3. Getting outside in the winter is an important way to beat the winter blues. Some fresh air and exercise can boost your mood and change your perspective.
4. For those of us who are prone to getting bitten by mosquitoes, you can enjoy bug-free hiking in the cold!

There are many more reasons that hiking in winter is awesome, but there are also things you’ll need to be aware of to minimize risk. Changing weather can bring hazardous conditions.

You, too, can find yourself joyfully playing in the snow on a winter hike. Read on for more!

Safety tips for winter hiking

Safety is always a concern (pretty much for any outdoor activity, let’s be real) but hiking in winter is more of a challenge due to the increased potential for inclement weather, losing the trail, frostbite, etc. So you’ll want to be very prepared and air on the side of caution when making decisions about outdoor recreation in the winter. There is never a penalty for canceling an adventure when conditions are risky.

 

1. Always carry the 10 essentials. You never want to be caught unprepared on the trail, especially in the winter.
2. Dress appropriately. Generally speaking, this means a non-cotton base layer (wool or synthetic), followed by a mid layer like a fleece zip up, then a waterproof layer like a goretex jacket. You may also want a down layer between the fleece and the waterproof layer! You’ll also need wool socks, warm gloves, a hat, and a scarf or gaitor. More on gear below.
3. Check the weather forecast, check it on multiple websites and more than once before you head out, and when in doubt, turn around. 
4. Know if the trail you’re going to hike has avalanche risk, and if you don’t have avalanche training, consider selecting a different trail.
5. Have offline navigation tools like AllTrails Plus. This will help you find a trail in more challenging conditions.
6. Bring appropriate footwear. If your hike has snow, bring microspikes or snow shoes, or both. 
7. Consider vehicle access to the trailhead. Is it right off the main road, or is there a forest or service road you need to take? Make sure you have snow traction if needed or required.

Best winter hikes near Seattle (within 3 hours)

1. Lake 22

Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 5.4 miles round trip, 1350 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association Link: Lake 22

Lake 22 is a classic winter hike near Seattle that can be accessed year round. However, I think it’s best hiked in winter! Lake 22 turns into a magical wonderland with snow and ice on the lake. Generally the snow cover can start about ½ to ⅔ of the way up the trail. Bring your microspikes and have a blast! Note that there is avalanche danger on the trail around the lake, so it’s safest to simply arrive at the lake and enjoy the views as opposed to making the entire circle around it.

2. Panorama Point

Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Pass needed: America the Beautiful or national park day pass
Trail distance and elevation: 5 miles round trip, 1900 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Panorama Point Snow Shoe

Panorama Point snow shoe is a commitment because it’s quite a drive from Seattle, but on a blue sky day you won’t regret it. Panorama Point provides exquisite views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Mountains. Be sure to get an early start for this hike, and be cognizant of road and trail conditions. You can check the road conditions and alerts regarding safety here.

3. Twin Falls

Distance from Seattle: 40 minutes
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 2.4 miles roundtrip, 940 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Twin Falls

When you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable day outside that is close to the city, Twin Falls is an excellent choice. It’s beautiful in rain or shine. The Twin Falls trail is protected by tree cover which helps in inclement weather, and the river and falls look mysterious and gorgeous in the fog. 

4. Oxbow Lake Loop

Distance from Seattle: 50 minutes
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 1.8 miles round trip, 56 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Oxbow Lake Loop

Another excellent and easy option for when you want to get outside but don’t want to work too hard! Oxbow Lake Loop trail is a beautiful winter hike near Seattle, and is family friendly for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Generally not very crowded, this trail takes you on a loop around a lake and provides stunning river, lake, and mountain views. Note that you should check road conditions prior to heading here as sometimes there is snow on the road to the trail.

5. Garfield Ledges

Distance from Seattle: 55 minutes
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 2.2 miles round trip, 830 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Garfield Ledges Trail

Garfield Ledges is located right by Oxbow Lake Loop and could easily be combined for a stellar two-hike day. The trail is relatively new and primarily in the woods, arriving at a view point overlooking the Snoqualmie River and surrounding mountains. Another family friendly trail to add to your list. Note that you should check road conditions prior to heading here as sometimes there is snow on the road to the trail.

6. Oyster Dome

Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 5 miles round trip, 1050 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Oyster Dome Trail

In the mood for a coastal stroll? Oyster Dome is a beautiful trail located near Bellingham that goes through the forest and ends up at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the San Juan Islands and Sammish Bay. When we hiked here in February it wasn’t very snowy but it was frigidly cold at the overlook so definitely pack accordingly!

7. Mount Storm King

Distance from Seattle: 3 hours
Pass needed: National Park Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 4 miles round trip, 2065 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Mount Storm King Trail

While the drive is a commitment, the views are worth it. Mount Storm King is the farthest best hike still close enough to Seattle to make it a day trip. You’ll want to arrive early because this is a very popular trail year-round. We summited around 8:30 am on a Saturday morning and were not alone, but within the next 45 minutes it got very busy. The final portion of the trail is unmaintained, so proceed at your own risk. The views over Lake Crescent are unbeatable. There may or may not be snow, so as always be sure to check the weather and conditions before you head out. Pro tip: take the ferry and enjoy the sunset views on your drive home!

8. Mount Washington

Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes
Pass needed: Discover Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 8.5 miles round trip, 3250 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Mount Washington Trail

Mount Washington is a real workout. You’ll want to budget ample time to hike this trail! What’s great about Mount Washington in the winter is that when there is snow, the trail is actually easier to climb. Many sections are quite rocky, which can be tough on the ankles, and the snow covers this up. Additionally, you may get lucky and see a cloud inversion (we did!) as you enjoy the views from the summit. This is one epic winter adventure.

9. Lena Lake

Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 7.2 miles round trip, 1300 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Lena Lake Trail

Lena Lake Trail is a beautiful hike for a winter excursion. You’ll get to enjoy peaceful forest paths with beautiful wooden bridges, and are rewarded at the end of the trail with a lovely lake. Note that there is an upper Lena Lake that is much more difficult to access. Lower Lena Lake is the lake referred to here. Additionally, the road to the trail can be covered in snow, so check conditions prior to departing. I once attempted to do this trail in January winter and had to turn back because I didn’t have appropriate winter traction!

10. Lake Keechelus

Distance from Seattle: 50 minutes
Pass needed: Sno Park Pass
Trail distance and elevation: 4 miles round trip, 200 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Palouse to Cascade Falls Trail, Lake Keechelus

Hiking Lake Keechelus is a great introduction to snow shoeing, in a place that is generally easy to access and very beautiful, making it one of the best winter hikes near Seattle. The trail is groomed and broad, which makes this a wonderful place to spend the day. You can even try your hand at cross country skiing here! Make sure if you are hiking (in microspikes or snow shoes) that you stay off the ski track. There is also a great sledding hill right here so bring your sled for some after hike fun. Note that the Sno Park pass is a bit more expensive than other passes and it may be more worth it to hike here if you plan to come back for sledding or multiple visits! Pro tip: REI has snow shoe rentals right here if you don’t have your own!

Heybrook Lookout

Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Pass needed: None
Trail distance and elevation: 2.6 miles round trip, 850 feet elevation gain
WA Trails Association link: Heybrook Lookout Trail

Heybrook Lookout is an amazing trail in the winter and it’s pretty close to Seattle. It’s almost always accessible because the trailhead is right off the freeway; there is little to no avalanche risk even when there is snow; and it’s extra beautiful when the mountains (and top!) are snowy. In fact, I’d argue that it is BEST in the winter season. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Mount Index and the surrounding Cascade Mountains, all for a simple 1.3 mile trail up to Heybrook Lookout. Be cautious of the stairs up the lookout, though, particularly when they are damp or snowy. 

Hiking in the winter is both challenging and rewarding. There are endless possibilities for great winter adventures in the Puget Sound, but these are some of the best winter hikes near Seattle. Happy trails!