The Winter Wonderland Washington Hike You Must Do Before Spring

With the vast majority of our state recently being blanketed in snow, exploring the great outdoors might be the last thing on your mind right now. But if cabin fever has gotten to you, the cure just might be a cool, crisp hike. Plenty of our hiking trails are accessible all year long — and some of them, particularly this one, are especially pleasant in the winter.

The Gold Creek Trail is located on the Kitsap Peninsula near Bremerton.

From Bremerton, you'll follow State Route 310 west for three miles to Kitsap Lake. Turn left on Northlake Way, then take a left onto the Seabeck Highway and follow it for three miles. Logging in the area has limited access to some of the roads, so make sure to follow any detour signs you see. Eventually, you'll come to a well-signed trailhead and large parking lot.

The trail is about 4.5 miles in its entirety, so you can hike it in an afternoon.

Green Mountain is known as the Kitsap Peninsula's go-to after work destination because it's possible to get a fairly quick workout in here.

The trail takes you through an old logged-off area, a shaded forest trail, and Gold Creek, which you'll cross on a well-built bridge.

Eventually, you'll come to a summit with scenic views.

Along with the picturesque views of Bremerton and the Olympics you'll see at the summit, you'll pass a number of small creeks and waterfalls along the way.

This hike looks best in the daylight after a fresh dusting of snow.

It won't be long before this area is packed with hikers, so take advantage of the cold weather and enjoy some peace and quiet.

This is the perfect place to stretch your legs after a long winter indoors.

Do you enjoy hiking in the winter? Here are some other trails in Washington to explore this season.