Whether you’re looking for a mountain lodge covered in fresh snow or a beachside hotel perfect for storm watching, the State of Washington has you covered during the winter months. Winter sports enthusiasts will love the cabins and lodges located around the state’s many mountains, providing easy access to snowshoeing and skiing. For those craving pampering, look no further than some of Washington’s small towns and urban retreats.
Winter Destinations in Washington
Enjoy cozy amenities such as fireplaces, soaking tubs, and spa services when you check into one of these lodges or hotels throughout the state.
Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum
A massive mountain retreat, Suncadia covers 6,000 acres of forested mountain landscape and is well-known as a cozy winter destination in Washington. You’ll find all the classic winter activities here, including ice skating, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
Stay at The Inn, Suncadia’s intimate property that includes rooms with gas fireplaces, soaking tubs, private balconies, and pet-friendly options. The Lodge feels more like a national park lodge and offers a whopping 254 rooms The gorgeous Glade Spring Spa boasts a peaceful outdoor retreat with hot mineral baths, saunas, walking paths, and fireside areas.
Nearby Cle Elum and Roslyn offer plenty of dining options and small-town charm. The resort is also within easy reach of The Summit at Snoqualmie, one of Washington’s most well-known ski destinations, as well as snowshoe trails.
Related: Washington’s Best Scenic Snowshoe Trails
Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie
Salish Lodge & Spa is an iconic, luxurious retreat at the top of Snoqualmie Falls and serves as a great base for those seeking a winter getaway in the Cascades. The property is owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe, and the renovated Snoqualmie Falls sdukwalbixw Gift Shop & Visitor Center highlights the cultural significance of the falls to the tribe, as well as their stewardship of the sacred site.
All guest rooms come equipped with a gas fireplace, and you can dial in your precise level of cozy with the “pillow menu,” where options include lavender, memory foam, and others. Patio Rooms, which are pet friendly, each have a private balcony with a gas fire pit. For dinner, indulge yourself with a meal in the dining room or The Attic. Bonus: The lodge has a resident beekeeper and apiary producing local honey and cultivating the local honeybee population.
The upper viewing area for thundering Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most well-known waterfalls, is a short walk from the lodge and is especially picturesque surrounded by snow. Bundle up and hit one of the many nearby trails or wander Issaquah’s charming historic main street.
Inn at Discovery Coast, Long Beach
One of the pleasures of winter on Washington’s coast is the chance for dramatic storm watching in Washington from the comfort of your room. The three-story, wood-shingled Inn at Discovery Coast offers a front-row seat with its oceanside location in Long Beach. The property offers plenty of opportunities to get cozy: Add extras such as the bonfire kit complete with beer and s’mores ingredients or get bubbles delivered to your room.
Rooms in the main building feature sweeping ocean views, fireplaces, decks, and either an oversized jetted tub or two-person shower. Sweeping views are also available from Pickled Fish, the on-site restaurant. Bundle up and rent bikes to cruise the boardwalk or try your hand at flying a kite. Visiting during winter means fewer crowds, so you’ll likely have the beach mostly to yourself.
The Historic Davenport Hotel, Spokane
Looking for a cozy winter destination in Washington with an urban setting? Look no further than the historic Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane. Built in 1914, the hotel continues a tradition of ornate decor and warm details, such as signature custom down pillow-top mattresses, mahogany furniture, and marble walk-in showers or soaking tubs. Book a spa service and grab a cocktail under the 5,000-piece stained-glass ceiling in the Peacock Lounge.
Just a short walk away, Riverfront Park is full of classic winter diversions. Go ice skating, ride the carousel, and view Spokane Falls—on foot or via a 15-minute gondola ride. Spokane is also surrounded by opportunities for outdoor adventures including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. For more winter recreation, head about an hour away to Mount Spokane for skiing and snowboarding.
Lake Quinault Lodge, Olympic National Forest
This grand 1926 lodge, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt once stayed and where the winter rainfall is measured in feet, welcomes you with an expansive lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs. Situated on Lake Quinault in Olympic National Forest, Lake Quinault Lodge offers access to lush, temperate rainforest.
In winter, sit in front of the expansive brick fireplace with a book, or take advantage of the game room, indoor heated swimming pool, or sauna. If you’re venturing outside, check out nearby hiking trails (you can take a guided tour, too) and find the world’s largest Sitka spruce. You can also reach the windswept beaches along the coast in around 30 minutes.
In the main lodge, you can stay in the cozy historic rooms or splurge on a fireplace room equipped with a gas fireplace, private patio, and heated bathroom floors. Other options include the pet-friendly historic Boat House, built in 1923, with eight rooms and a veranda.
Skamania Lodge, Stevenson
Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge resembles a classic national park lodge complete with modern, cozy amenities. This full-service resort boasts three restaurants, a gift shop with s’mores packets for the fire pit, a spa, and many onsite recreation opportunities, including zip-lining and axe throwing.
Lodging options include resort rooms as well as luxury tree houses elevated among the towering Douglas firs. Enjoy your indoor-outdoor fireplace from the deck while sipping a glass of Washington wine before taking a dip in the outdoor hot tub.
Located about an hour east of Vancouver, Washington, the lodge is a great base for exploring the Gorge Region. Nearby sno-parks at Oldman Pass in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Snow King in Trout Lake offer opportunities for sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
Also See: Gorge to Coast Road Trip
Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop
Located in the heart of the Methow Valley, Sun Mountain Lodge is a self-contained resort at the edge of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The resort boasts more than 200 kilometers of groomed ski trails, a full-service ski shop, and ski instruction, as well as ice skating, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. The nearby towns of Winthrop and Twisp in the picturesque Methow Valley beckon visitors with art galleries and shops. The lodge also makes a great base for visiting the tiny downhill ski area of Loup Loup Ski Bowl, about 15 miles east of Twisp.
In addition to outdoor recreation, the property’s accommodations are what make it one of the best cozy winter destinations in Washington. Lodge rooms, most with views of mountains or the valley, come equipped with a gas fireplace. Book a Mount Robinson room and enjoy oversized jetted tubs with a view and locally made furniture and lighting. Treat yourself at the full-service spa or hit the nearby trails for a walk in the snow-covered woods.
Also See: Where to Ski & Snowboard
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, Leavenworth
Tucked a short drive west of downtown Leavenworth with its Bavarian charm you’ll find Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. The property is especially picturesque during the snowy winter months and makes a great base for attending Leavenworth’s holiday festivities. Stroll downtown and sip hot cider and mulled wine, enjoy a sleigh ride, or ski, snowboard, and snowshoe on nearby trails.
There’s plenty of indoor entertainment too. The resort’s Icicle Creek Center for the Arts features music and dance performances, while Aspen Leaf Spa features extras such as walking meditation and organic tea and chocolate. Afterward, warm up with a whiskey at The Grotto Bar. Guest rooms are all warm wood tones and come with heated towel racks and plush robes. Choose from two cabin options: The Eyrie has a whirlpool bath and private deck, while the Rookery sleeps eight, perfect for a group trip.
Captain Whidbey, Whidbey Island
Located along the forested shores of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, Captain Whidbey has been the epitome of Pacific Northwest tranquility and charm since 1907. The perfect base to explore historic Coupeville and Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve, this property offers quaint rooms in the historic main lodge as well as cabins and more modern lagoon rooms. Cozy up in front of the lodge fireplace, enjoy dinner and drinks at the on-site restaurant, and stroll the rocky beach or dock as you keep an eye out for seals.
Alderbrook Resort & Spa, Union
Set on Hood Canal and a gateway to the east side of the Olympic Mountains, Alderbrook Resort & Spa is spacious and cozy all at once, with details like a nearly century-old canoe hanging from high wood beams. Grab a drink and lounge in the main lobby, stocked with games and books, or warm your toes at the outdoor fire pits. The full-service spa includes a signature basalt stone massage. Rooms feature private balconies, many with soaking tubs and views. Guests can also book a forest meditation or go geocaching on Alderbrook’s private course.
Explore the nearby Kitsap Peninsula communities of Union, Hoodsport, and Lilliwaup for fresh seafood, including the area’s famous oysters. Embrace winter hiking on the Staircase Rapids trail, a beautiful 2-mile loop following the North Fork of the Skokomish River.
Also See: Kitsap Peninsula Road Trip Guide
Stormking Cabins, Ashford
You’ll have to book one of these five rustic Mount Rainier-area cabins well in advance—and it’s worth it for a cozy winter getaway. These yurt-style abodes are suited to two people and made for staying in: you’ll find two-person showers, private hot tubs (magical to experience when it’s snowing) and unique local touches, such as custom log furnishings/. Bring food to grill or enjoy the nearby restaurants.
Although access to Mount Rainier National Park is limited in winter, Stormking is located by the Nisqually entrance, which is open year-round and offers access to outdoor recreation