Winter in Washington offers plenty to keep you busy, from storm watching on the coast to hitting the slopes in the mountains. Snow blankets Washington’s peaks during the colder months, hushing forests and freezing lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts will find activities for all skill levels, from premier cross-country skiing to snowshoeing. Looking for a more relaxed winter escape? Head to one of Washington’s cozy lodges, spas, or hot spring resorts for a laid-back weekend during the quieter months.
Things to do During Winter in Washington
Go Cross-Country Skiing
Nordic skiers can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland at multiple non-motorized sno parks across the state. The most famous area for cross-country skiing in Washington is the Methow Trails system. Head to the scenic Methow Valley for 130+ miles of groomed trails. Skiers delight in kid-friendly valley-bottom loops, mountainside traverses, and even dog-friendly routes.
In the Lake Chelan area, the Echo Ridge Nordic Area has 25 miles of groomed trail maintained by the Lake Chelan Nordic Club. The trails circle ridge tops and wind through drainages, allowing skiers spectacular views of the Enchantments, Pyramid Peak, and the Okanogan Highlands. On select winter Sundays, skiers can enjoy the Nordic club’s popular Soup Sundays at the Yurt, where a piping-hot bowl of soup completes your adventure.
Just southwest of Mount Adams, three Sno-Parks—McClellan Meadows, Old Man, and Koshko—share an interconnected trail system that has over 40 miles of trail. For the most adventurous, Koshko has 15 miles of ungroomed trails that visit remote mountain lakes and old-growth forests.
Hit the Slopes
Snowboarders and downhill skiers have a wealth of opportunities, ranging from night skiing at Stevens Pass near Leavenworth to plowing through the famously dry snow at family-friendly Bluewood in the southeast corner of the state.
The Cascade Mountains are home to some of Washington’s best skiing and snowboarding destinations. Near the Canadian border, Mt. Baker Ski Area is known for its abundant snowfall, challenging terrain, and laid-back atmosphere. To the south, Crystal Mountain offers terrain for all skill levels, night skiing, snowshoeing, and scenic gondola rides with spectacular views of Mount Rainier.
East of the Cascades, 49° North offers a robust ski school program and 301 average inches of snowfall per year, making it well worth the pilgrimage, while Mount Spokane is easily accessible from Washington’s second-largest city.
Also See: Where to Ski and Snowboard in Washington
Watch a Storm
Winter brings torrential rain, swollen waves, and bluster to coastal communities along the Olympic and Long Beach peninsulas. And there’s nothing like sitting back and watching the drama. November through early March marks the storm season, though king tides — the highest predicted tides of the year — arrive in December or January. Check the National Weather Service for storm predictions.
West of Olympia, the open-air observation tower at Westport Marina offers dramatic views of waves crashing against the breakwater, sending seawater high into the air. Less than a mile south along the paved, ADA-accessible Westport Light Trail, Westport Light State Park offers sweeping coastal views from its dunes. Farther south in Cape Disappointment State Park, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center sits atop a cliff 200 feet above the crashing waves. Its enclosed observation deck offers a front-row seat to the action without the wind and rain.
Safety note: Always keep a safe distance from the water, do not walk on slick driftwood, and never turn your back on the ocean. Powerful waves and changing tides can be dangerous, so stick to higher viewpoints and check weather and tide forecasts.
Also See: Where to Experience Storm Watching
Go Hiking and Snowshoeing
Those looking to trek through the snow-dappled woods or along frozen lakes can choose from many snowshoe trails. One of the most iconic spots is Artist Point on Mount Baker. This moderate route rewards snowshoers with outstanding views of the North Cascades’ glacier-laden peaks. For something easier but still scenic, try Gold Creek Pond near Snoqualmie Pass. The flat cruise around a forest pond is a good beginner-friendly option.
For those who want to avoid heavy snow, Washington’s varied terrain provides year-round hiking options, including options for families. In the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy near Yakima, the 5.2-mile Cowiche Canyon Trail tours a creekside riparian zone surrounded by sagebrush and basalt cliffs.
Also See: Explore Scenic Snowshoe Trails
Attend a Winter Event
Winter in Washington is packed full of holiday festivals and events. Discover charming winter markets, light displays, parades, and more throughout the state. In Seattle, the annual Seattle Christmas Market transforms the Seattle Center into a magical village of food and gift vendors. In cities along Washington’s bays and rivers, including Seattle, Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities, visitors can watch illuminated boat parades.
East of the Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth hosts back-to-back winter festivals in December and January, while the Lake Chelan Winterfest welcomes visitors in January for ice carving and more.
Also See: Experience Winter in Seattle
Hit the Trail on Fat-Tire Bikes
Pedal fat-tire bikes down snowy trails for a fun winter adventure in Washington. The Methow Trails system boasts miles of dedicated routes, while nearby Pearrygin Lake State Park offers 21 miles of groomed, shared-use winter trails open to fat biking.
In Leavenworth, the Leavenworth Ski Hill keeps the snowshoe trails in the foothills of Tumwater Mountain open to fat biking. Plus, a portion of their groomed Nordic trails are open to fat biking each evening. While some routes are illuminated, others require a headlamp or headlights.
Farther east, the Spokane area has a number of fat biking opportunities. Riverside State Park—Washington’s second-largest state park—offers mixed-use winter trails that welcome fat-tire biking.
Also See: Year-Round Fun in the Methow Valley
Watch for Winter Birds
Come winter in Washington, thousands of migrating birds head to the fertile farmlands, wetlands, and estuaries of the Skagit Valley. At Butler Flats, spot trumpeter swans, eagles, and herons hunting and clustering in the Green Road Marsh. Near Mount Vernon, the fallow fields and freshwater ponds of Samish Flats attract raptors and owls.
On the Olympic Peninsula near Port Angeles, black oystercatchers frequent the rocky tidal flats of the Salt Creek Recreation Area. Sandpipers and loons can also be spotted around the beach and inshore waters.
Birders can also take part in festivals. Each year on the cusp of spring, Othello hosts the Sandhill Crane Festival, which celebrates the return of the majestic bird to the lakes and grasslands of the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge north of Tri-Cities. In March, the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival takes place in Blaine, a major stopover on the Pacific Flyway. With speakers, boating tours, and field trips, attendees can revel in the return of thrushes, waterfowl, herons, and more.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Wildlife Refuges
Go Snowmobiling
During winter, Washington’s mountains and high-elevation valleys transform into epic terrain for snowmobilers. Near Lake Wenatchee State Park, the Lake Wenatchee and Chiwawa trail network offers roughly 200 miles of routes winding through snow-covered forests, open meadows, and scenic mountain terrain. For a stress-free outing, look for guided snowmobile outings in the Cascades.
Farther north, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers designated snowmobile routes through forested valleys and mountain landscapes, with views of alpine lakes and snowcapped peaks. Be sure to check trail conditions and motorized-use restrictions before heading out.
Cozy up in a Lodge
For those looking to combine outdoor adventure and luxury, there are several cozy getaways across the state. In the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, you’ll find Suncadia Resort near Cle Elum. Spend the day ice skating, tubing, or cross-country skiing before heading to the lodge to enjoy the all-year heated outdoor pool, or kick back in the cedarwood wet sauna and aromatherapy steam room.
For cross-country ski lovers, there is no better place than Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. As the largest destination cross-country ski resort in the nation, guests have access to 130+ miles of groomed trails. Other winter fun at the lodge includes sleigh rides, top-class snowshoeing trails, and guided backcountry adventures.
Winter in Washington is the perfect time to book a stay at a hotel or resort with a full-service spa. Unwind in a sauna, enjoy a hot stone massage, and try treatments using locally sourced ingredients.
Lace Up Ice Skates
Near Cle Elum, Suncadia Resort offers outdoor ice skating at its seasonal Village Pavilion rink. Skaters of all ages can glide beneath the winter sky before warming up with hot cocoa around the fire pit. To the east, Spokane’s Riverfront Park is home to the 650-foot-long Numerica Skate Ribbon, a wide, winding ice pathway lit by festive lights.
Just 20 minutes from Seattle, the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink offers more than 9,000 square feet of real ice in a covered, open-air setting. The seasonal rink welcomes skaters of all ages and hosts special events throughout the winter.
In Central Washington, Moses Lake is home to a covered, NHL-sized outdoor ice rink next to the Larson Recreation Center. Families can enjoy public skating sessions, lessons, and youth hockey programs throughout the winter season.
Go Ice Fishing
When temperatures drop and lakes freeze over, ice fishing offers a unique way to enjoy Washington’s winter scenery. Near Leavenworth, Fish Lake is a popular spot for perch and trout, with access available through Cove Resort. Farther north, access Curlew Lake from Curlew Lake State Park and nearby resorts.
For a festive experience, the annual Molson Ice Fishing Derby at Sidley Lake near Oroville brings anglers together for friendly competition. Bonaparte Lake Resort also hosts a popular winter ice fishing tournament. Beginners should consider heading out with an experienced angler or booking a guided outing where available.
Enjoy a Soak
There’s nothing like slipping into warm, relaxing waters during the dead of winter. Thankfully, Washington offers multiple developed hot springs and soaking opportunities. The Columbia River Gorge area is home to a few stellar options, including Carson Hot Springs Resort, Tenzen Springs & Cabins, and Bonneville Hot Springs Resort. The Carson Hot Springs Resort dates back to 1901, and the 1930s bathhouse maintains its authentic charm with individual clawfoot tubs. At Tenzen, guests can enjoy private two-person tubs on a semi-enclosed deck.
Those looking to soak on the Olympic Peninsula can spend a couple of hours at Soak on the Sound in charming Port Townsend. Relax in the tiled copper saltwater tubs or steam saunas. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring.
Winter Travel Tips
Winter conditions can change quickly in Washington, especially in the mountains. Before heading out, check weather forecasts, mountain pass conditions, and any required Sno-Park permits. For backcountry activities, review avalanche forecasts and trail conditions, and always have a backup plan in case of closures or changing weather.
About the Author
Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Adventure Cyclist Magazine. When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.