It’s no mystery that winter in the northwest can be a little, ahem, how should I say this politely… dreary. While a SAD light, popping Vitamin D like it’s candy, and going to bed early are all perfectly wonderful antidotes to the drab, getting outside and enjoying some winter-specific activities can be a fun adventure. Here are some options if you’re feeling up to it!
WINTER HIKES
Franklin Falls
Hiking with kids, new to hiking, or just looking for an easy day hike with a spectacular endpoint? Look no further than Franklin Falls!
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/franklin-falls
Lake 22
The curiously-named Lake Twentytwo is the center of an oasis of alpine wetland nestled on the norther shoulder of Mount Pikchuck.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-22-lake-twenty-two
Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls
Frantic falls and a placid lake can be found beneath spiraling Mount Index.
Gothic Basin
Gothic Basin sits within the Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area. It supports a fragile ecosystem that provides habitat to endangered and threatened species of plants and animals.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gothic-basin
Mount Dickerman
Nestled deep in the heart of the Mountain Loop, Mount Dickerman offers superb views of all the major peaks that make up this ring of awesome summits. It’s a fine mountain in its own right too; you’ll ascend nearly 4,000 feet on your way to the top.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-dickerman
SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Skyline Lake
A wonderful, short snowshoe route with enough elevation gain to be great exercise. On clear days the lake and ridge offer expansive views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to the south and the Glacier Peak Wilderness to the north.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/skyline-lake-snowshoe
Hex Mountain
A steep but rewarding Cascades hike: you will earn the great 360 degree views from the summit.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/hex-mountain-1
Gold Creek Pond
An ADA-accessible paved loop hike around a picturesque mountain pond atop Snoqualmie Pass. It’s a good leg stretcher for folks who have been driving a long time and need a break.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gold-creek-pond
Artist Point
A top competitor for best viewpoint in the state. The beautifully shaped Mount Shuksan is the star of the area, with a gorgeous summit pyramid and several impressive glaciers.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/artist-point-snowshoe
HOT SPRINGS
Goldmyer Hot Springs
A gem of the wilderness nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, roughly 25 miles east of North Bend, WA. Visitors gain access to rugged terrain, hiking trails through old growth forest, beautiful waterfalls, a rich history of the Middle Fork Valley, and a crystal clear geothermal hot spring.
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat
Once a secret gem of the PNW, Doe Bay has a long, colorful history and a loyal group of fans and followers both local and worldwide.
Olympic Hot Springs
A popular destination for visitors from all over the world. Consider the 0.1 mile trail to Madison Creek Falls, a picnic stop along the Elwha River, and an incredible look at the site of the former dam at
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/olympic-hot-springs
Carson Hot Springs Resort
Located at the Columbia River Gorge, they offer a doorway into the beauty of nature and simplicity as well as nature’s sulfer-rich healing mineral waters.
BIRDWATCHING IN THE SKAGIT VALLEY
Alpine Adventures
Offers guided whitewater rafting trips & scenic floats on over 10 rivers around Washington State.
Padilla Bay
A reserve nestled just north o the quiet community of Bay View, 15 minutes west of I-5 in Skagit Valley. In the heart of the Salish Sea, they study and protect a massive eelgrass meadow. At more than 8,000 acres, it’s the second largest on North America’s Pacific Coast.
https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Shoreline-coastal-management/Padilla-Bay-Reserve
Skagit Flats
The winter home of over 50,000 snow geese and countless dabbling ducks, the Skagit River Delta has been identified as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The area hosts the largest number of bird species found in the Skagit Valley - 262 according to eBird.
https://birdsofwinter.org/skagit-flats/
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Sledding at Snoqualmie Pass
A fun-filled, carefree way for family and friends to enjoy the exhilaration of sliding on the snow. With over 20 tubing lanes during the peak of the season and a covered lift to take you back to the top, it’s easy to get your winter thrills!
https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/snow-tubing
Lake Union Hot Tub Boats
You’ll get to experience all the breathtaking views that Lake Union offers, especially the magnificent downtown Seattle skyline. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience on a one-of-a-kind lake. No matter what weather Seattle throws at you, their wood-fired hot tub boats are always hot!
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
A family-run reindeer farm, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and located just 1 mile from the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth. Hands-on, educational tours are fun for the whole family and are guaranteed to provide memories to last a lifetime.
https://www.leavenworthreindeer.com
Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours
Take advantage of all that fresh powdery snow. The trained guides will help you suite up in the provided gear, give a quick tour of how to operate the snowmobile, then lead you out through the groomed trails, stopping at the most scenic areas for views and pictures.
https://www.leavenworthsnowmobile.com
Lake Chelan Winterfest Jan 14-23
Nestled among the snow-capped hilltops and glacier fed waters, Lake Chelan is the perfect place to experience Washington’s Winter Wonderland. Join them for intricate ice sculptures, two spectacular fireworks shows and more across both Chelan and Manson.
https://www.lakechelan.com/winterfest/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAuP-OBhDqARIsAD4XHpfeCcaaHGOksbdmEROiHeUkjdlwR2aQtxCUiFuuEKW4ZnxpXoWfiF4aApUCEALw_wcB