9 Picturesque Trails In Washington That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
Winter is a beautiful time in Washington, but it’s not always conducive to staying active. But not all of our hiking trails close down when winter strikes – in fact, some of our hiking spots are perfect for a winter trek. The next time cabin fever strikes, bundle up, go outside and head for one of these spots.
Padilla Bay is located near Mount Vernon, here the Skagit River meets the Salish Sea. This 4.5 mile trail is full of breathtaking views in an easy to walk area that rarely sees much snow.
Even after snows close the North Cascade Highway, Thunder Creek's trailhead at the Colonial Creek Campground stays open. If you're in the area and able to reach it, you'll be treated to nice, quiet paths along lakes and creeks with plenty of mountain views.
Located near Stevenson in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this 2 mile trail has some of the most amazing views in the area. Handrails line the route, but you should still be mindful on days when the ground is frozen.
Crab Creek is a 2.4 mile trail located near Othello that is good for all skill levels and seems to escape most of winter's worst weather.
Yakima's Cowiche Canyon Loop Trail is well-maintained and perfect for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. There are places in the area to hike year-round and go cross country skiing all winter.
The Olympic Peninsula's mild winters make it an ideal place for a nice winter hike. The Ozette Triangle Trail is open year-round and provides over 8 miles of beautiful terrain.
This dog-friendly, easy to navigate trail is located near Snohomish and is about 3.3 miles long.
You'll find Fort Ebey State Park near Coupeville, and the 6.7 mile loop is accessible anytime. You'll see a little bit of everything on this trail: Beaches, woods and bluffs.
The Central Cascades are absolutely beautiful this time of year. This 4 mile loop takes you into narrow Icicle Gorge and along Icicle River. It's a relatively flat hike... and although the trail never closes, it may be inaccessible during heavy snow.
What’s your favorite winter hike in Washington?
