Washington State in winter is one of the best places to enjoy a Winter Wonderland. Snow blankets the conifer-coated mountaintops, while the nearby Pacific Coast staves off the bitter freeze you might experience in Idaho or Montana. 

The state comes alive with winter activities, a chance to appreciate a whole different palette in a terrain already rich in natural beauty spending winter in Washington State really is breathtakingly beautiful.

While other nomads flee south during the holiday months, winter in Washington is one of my favorite seasons. Here are my eight favorite winter activities in Washington State…

1. Warm Up In A Hot Spring

Washington’s position at the edge of the Pacific tectonic plate—the famous “Ring of Fire”—gives rise to natural thermal hot springs, heated by magma beneath the Earth’s crust. 

For my money, there’s no greater pleasure in the winter season than hiking through the snow to a steamy pool and taking a hot plunge in the middle of a snowdrift undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Washington State in winter.

Best Hot Springs in Washington

Scenic Hot Springs

Discovered during the Stevens Pass railway construction project in 1880, Scenic Hot Springs was abused by skiers for decades before it came under private ownership.

Now restored to pristine condition, Scenic Hot Springs benefits further from the restriction to ten visitors per day. Check out the Scenic Hotsprings blog to find out how you can be one of those ten!

Scenic Hot Springs may require snowshoes to access in the winter. But if you brave the heavy snowfall, you will be rewarded by natural hot tubs ranging from 102 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit, perched on the edge of cliffs with fewer crowds, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and fir, cedar, and pine forest for miles.

Goldmyer Hot Springs

Secluded in the Cascade range twenty-five miles east of North Bend, Goldmyer Hot Springs is your reward for a 4.5-mile hike through old-growth forest. Named after one of Seattle’s first settlers, the springs are fed by a waterfall that cascades from a 30-foot cave. Skinny-dippers rejoice—nude bathing is allowed here.

Up to 20 people per day can visit the Goldmyer Hot Springs, which range from 104 to 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance, as well as obtain the required Northwest Forest Pass.

2. Take A Hike

Washington has nothing if not a wealth of hiking opportunities. The fun doesn’t stop when the winter weather gets cold, either. A whole different side of Washington is on display in the winter months with vistas of deep green, blue, and white that beg to be photographed as much as seen.

Some considerations for winter hiking …

Choose Hikes At Lower Elevations

At higher elevations—the mountain trails that Washington hikers know and love—snow can pile up 20 feet or higher, making trails impassable without snowshoes or skis.

Moreover, because a lot of forestry roads aren’t plowed in the winter, the trailheads won’t be accessible. Between November and May, it’s usually best to stick to low-lying trails.

Cold Weather Hiking, Camping, & Adventure Essentials

Cold weather changes everything on a camping trip, especially your gear. The right layers and equipment can be the difference between a cozy night under the stars and a long, shivery reminder that winter does not mess around. These are the pieces I trust when the temperatures drop, the wind picks up, and staying warm becomes just as important as the adventure itself.

Clothing

BASE LAYER TOP: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew Base Layer Top

BASE LAYER BOTTOM: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms

Kari Traa makes winter layers way more fun, thanks to bright patterns and playful designs that somehow still perform really well on the trail.

SHELL JACKETS:

Arc’teryx Beta AR – The shell I trust when the weather turns really bad. It handles wind, rain, and snow without feeling too bulky.

Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 – My favorite soft shell. It’s honestly kind of magic. It’s the only shell I’ve ever had that is weather proof but somehow still lightweight and incredibly comfortable. The fabric is literally soft, not stiff or crinkly like most shells I’ve used.

HIKING PANTS

The Arc’teryx Gamma is great for winter hiking because its softshell fabric blocks wind, sheds light snow, and moves easily while still keeping you warm.

The Fjällräven Keb Curved Pants shine in winter thanks to their durable, weather resistant G-1000 panels and a fit that stays comfortable even on long, cold climbs.

The REI Trailmade Pants are a great winter option if you want something you can wear year round, with enough room to comfortably layer warm base layers underneath when the temperatures drop.

FLEECE LINED LEGGINGS: A great base layer option when you want warmth without bulk. My two favorite fleece lined pants are from these from The North Face and Lululemon. Also, as I try and invest more in natural fabrics the Stella Marino Wool Leggings by WoolX have become my new favorite heavy leggings for layering or on their own.

INSULATED JACKET (DOWN): The Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Jacket is a cold-weather essential I bring on alpine or winter trips when serious warmth is non-negotiable. It’s stuffed with premium 800-fill down, so it’s incredibly warm for its weight. I’d recommend sizing down.

When I’m really trying to go lighter without sacrificing warmth it’s hard to beat Rab’s Mythic G Down Jacket. Best to pick this one up on sale if you can!

DOWN PANTS: Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer Down Pants. Definitely more of a luxury than an essential. But they’re just so cozy! As someone that runs very cold, these make all the difference for me on chilly camp nights.

BIB PANTS: The North Face Freedom Bib

Footwear

WINTER HIKING BOOTS:

KEEN Revel IV Mid Polar Boots (Mens) – My go to winter boot because it stays warm, grips well on icy trails, and feels comfortable right out of the box.

The Oboz Bridger – Another classic favorite I’ve used for years, sturdy enough for snowy miles but still comfortable for everyday winter wandering.

Arctic 600 Side-Zip Boot – Perfect for cold weather days when I want something warm, reliable, and still cute!

DOWN BOOTIES: The North Face ThermoBall Traction Booties

SOCKS: Darn Tough and Smartwool are my two favorite brands of hiking socks.

Hiking & Camping Gear

THREE SEASON TENT: The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2. Despite its light weight, it’s held up to years of wind, rain, and rough campsites, making it my overall top tent pick.

FOUR SEASON TENT: The REI Arete ASL 2 is a solid all season tent that strikes a nice balance between durability and livability. It’s also one of the most budget friendly all season tents out there.

SLEEPING BAG: The Feathered Friends Egret UL 20 has been my go-to sleeping bag for the last two seasons because it’s lightweight, insanely warm for its weight, and compresses small enough to save space in my pack. Plus, I love that Feathered Friends is a local Seattle company internationally respected for its down gear.

If you’re looking for an even warmer option, The Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F Down sleeping bag is a very popular and highly regarded option.

SLEEPING BAG LINER: the Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner is a great way to add warmth to your existing sleeping bag.

SLEEPING PAD: Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

CLOSED-CELL FOAM PAD: Use the Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad for an added layer of warmth and insulation with your inflatable sleeping pad.

STOVE: Flash 1.0 L Fast Boil System

SEAT PAD: Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Pad provides a nice layer of insulation from the cold ground when you’re sitting around camp.

HEADLAMP: Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp. Remember it gets dark much earlier in the winter!

NALGENE: A Nalgene filled with hot water is one of my favorite cold weather camping tricks because it doubles as a mini heater you can tuck into your sleeping bag to stay warm all night. Make sure not to get the Ultralite Nalgene for this. . . the plastic will warp!

MICRO-SPIKES: The Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System his quite literally saved my butt on so many icy hikes and walks. One of the single most useful pieces of gear I own for when temperaters drop below freezing.

HAND WARMERS: You can get disposable ones, or invest in reusable hand warmers. Either way they will not only keep your hands toasty (and functional), but they’re also great for keeping batteries and electronics charged when temperatures drop.

Camera

SONY RX100 VII – The Sony RX100 VII is my favorite compact camera for backpacking because it’s small enough to slip in a pocket but still delivers professional-quality photos. The 24–200mm zoom range makes it incredibly versatile, and it’s the perfect option when I don’t want to carry one of my heavier cameras but still care about image quality.

Just a quick heads up. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I might earn a tiny commission if you decide to make a purchase. It does not cost you anything, but it’s one of the simplest and most supportive ways to help me keep creating these guides. I’m not paid to recommend anything, and every opinion here comes from real experience with gear I actually use and love. If you’re planning on picking something up, using my link truly makes a difference and I appreciate it more than you know.

For more detailed winter gear and apparel, information check out my top tips for staying warm while camping, or my complete hiking and camping gear guide.

Always Check Trail Conditions & Reports First

Winter and spring in the Northwest are tricky seasons for hikers and snowshoers. Temperature, precipitation, snow conditions, and hazards can change dramatically over a short period of time (Hence, the Ten Essentials).

One of the most important things you can do before any hike, but particularly before a Washington winter hike, is to read trip reports for the trail you are headed to. You can find these reports on the Washington Trails Association website and AllTrails websites.

Scroll down to the bottom of the web page and read the recent trip reports. Ideally, you can find a report that was written within a few days of your planned trip, so you get a good idea of how to prepare for your Washington winter hike before you go.

Remember that trip reports are written by individual hikers and thus are based on that hiker’s skill-level and experience.

While you are researching trail conditions for your Washington winter hike, you should also make it a habit to check for avalanche risk. The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center is a great reference for hazardous areas.

The best winter hikes in Washington:

• Heybrook Lookout

• Franklin Falls

• Barclay Lake

• Sol Duc Falls

• Hoh River Trail

• East Peak Rattlesnake TrailFor more options check out my list of Best Spring Hikes in Washington. Many of the Washington spring hikes are at lower elevations and might be accessible during the winter as well.

3. Rent A Cozy Cabin In The Woods

Maybe you’d rather take in views of the Washington winter through a double-paned glass window, sipping coffee or cocoa in your robe while the fire crackles in the fireplace of a cozy cabin you rented for the weekend.

Dozens of national parks and small mountain towns offer a rich selection of cabins available as vacation rentals by the night, week, even month if you’re looking for winter getaways in Washington State. 

You can find cabins for rent on sites like Airbnb.com or VRBO.com. You can find a cabin that is part of a rustic neighborhood, or a cabin secluded in the deep woods with nothing but trees for neighbors.

Where to rent a cozy cabin in Washington State

There is no shortage of mountain towns in Washington that are perfect for a little cabin in the woods winter vacation in Washington State. Here are a few of my favorites! Plug any of these destinations into Airbnb and find the cabin of your dreams:

• Skykomish, WA

• Packwood, WA

• Winthrop, WA.

• Leavenworth, WA.

4. Cross Country Ski In The Methow Valley

There’s never a bad time to visit the Methow Valley, one of my favorite destinations in the Pacific Northwest. 

Tucked into the northeastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, with a much dryer and sunnier climate than the western slope of the Cascades, winter is the perfect time to visit as it’s one of the best places for cross country skiing in the state of Washington. 

The Methow Valley is crisscrossed by 120 miles of nordic ski trails, maintained by the Methow Valley Trails Association. In fact, Methow Trails touts itself as the largest cross-country ski system in North America. There are also snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and hiking trails to explore.

Cross-country skiers in the Methow Valley can expect picturesque landscapes, a peaceful atmosphere and well-groomed terrain with trails for beginners and the experienced skier alike.

For strong skiers, there’s even the option to do an overnight hut-to-hut ski adventure along the Rendezvous Trails. This network of backcountry huts allows visitors to pick their way across the valley with a series of invigorating overnight stays, warming your bones after each exhilarating day of cross-country skiing. Without a doubt one of the more unique things to do in Washington State during winter!

The region is also a popular backcountry ski area, and is the base for North Cascade Heli Skiing, great for downhill skiing.

5. Try Snowshoeing

If skiing and snowboarding don’t appeal to you, that doesn’t mean that the high elevations in Washington are out of the question. Snowshoes make the impassable passable, even when your destination is under 20 feet of snow.

Some of the greatest views, hot springs, and lodges in Washington are only accessible by snowshoe during the winter, so it’s a great hobby for a year-round outdoor enthusiast to take up.

Plus, it’s relatively easy to learn to snowshoe, compared to the difficulty of learning to ski or snowboard.

Where to go snowshoeing in Washington

Some of the best beginner-friendly snowshoe trains include:

• Stevens Pass, just two hours’ drive from Seattle.

• Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.

• Mt. Rainier National Park. Especially the Paradise area.

• Crystal Mountain Resort in the shadow of Mt. Rainier.

• The Summit at Snoqualmie Nordic Center.

• Artist Point at Mount Baker.

6. Long Weekend In Leavenworth

When Washingtonians hear “Leavenworth,” we don’t think “prison”—we think “paradise.” Leavenworth, WA is a resort town that dates back to the timber-industry beginnings of settlement at Stevens Pass. 

Today, Leavenworth is a playground for adults and children alike, the perfect place to breathe fresh air, kick back, and relax surrounded by the glorious northern Cascades Mountains during winter in Washington State.

Crafted to resemble a rustic Bavarian village in the Alps, the charming architecture of downtown Leavenworth enjoys soaring, snow-capped peaks as its backdrop, the perfect setting for a gourmet meal or a leisurely day browsing high-end merchandise in upscale boutiques. 

In December, downtown Leavenworth lights up with dazzling displays of public Christmas lights – a must-do winter activity in Washington.

Whether it’s the ritzy Bavarian Lodge, the remote Sleeping Lady Resort, or a secluded cabin at Alpine Lakes High Camp, Leavenworth wasn’t made for cooling your heels in your hotel room (although there’s certainly no harm in burning a day doing exactly that!) Once you’re ready to venture out, a world of winter adventure awaits!For some summer fun near Leavenworth check out my guide for The Cascade Loop – Washington’s Best Road Trip!

7. Pamper Yourself At A Mountain Resort

It’s not all roughing it in Washington. For people who love to treat themselves, the soaring vistas of the Cascade Mountain range and the Olympic Mountains have given rise to an elite selection of five-star resort spas, perfect for a winter weekend getaway in Washington State.

You can pass a weekend of massages, pedicures, plunges, and room-service champagne brunches while snow flurries rage outside the massive picture windows of your suite.

Where to stay at a mountain lodge in Washington

You have dozens of opulent mountain resorts to choose from in Washington. Two of my favorites (that are great for kids as well) are:

The Lodge at Suncadia

Roughly eighty miles east of Seattle, this grand, expansive resort hotel right outside of Leavenworth boasts spectacular northwest architecture and soaring views of the nearby mountains and rivers.

Sun Mountain Lodge

The gem of the Methow Valley, Sun Mountain Lodge is foodie heaven. The farm-to-table restaurant boasts one of the few AAA Four Diamond Awards in the state. It also has an award-winning wine cellar. 

Or just grab a beverage in the bar and enjoy the spectacular view of Washington State in winter! In the winter you can utilize any number of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails on the property and adjacent national forests.

8. Go For A Paddle

I know I know. For most people Stand Up Paddle Boarding is synonymous with sunshine, warm weather, and well frankly…summer. 

But I have to tell you that of all the potential winter activities on this list, Stand Up Paddle Boarding might be my favorite thing to do in Washington State in the winter. And it’s precisely because most people don’t think of it. There are few things more magical than gliding across an empty lake on a calm crisp winter morning. 

No other people, no motorboats, no kids splashing around in the shallows. Just you and the rhythmic sound of your paddle. I’m tearing up a bit right now just thinking about it!

Of course, winter probably isn’t the best time to try out Paddle Boarding for the first time. You’ll want to feel comfortable enough on the board that there’s essentially no risk of you falling in. 

That also means diligently checking the weather for wind on the day you want to go out. You’ll also want a personal flotation device, warm jacket, gloves, and a good pair of waterproof shoes (I like to use rubber boots because they make launching the SUP easier). 

Other than that, try winter Paddle Boarding once, and I guarantee you’ll never think of it as purely a summer sport again.

Where to Paddle Board in Washington

There’s no shortage of easily accessible lakes in Washington that are perfect for Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in the winter. If you’re near Seattle, there’s Lake Washington and Lake Union just a stone’s throw away from almost anywhere. But if you’re looking for more of a wilderness vibe these are my favorite spots:

• Diablo Lake in the North Cascades.

• Lake Wenatchee in the Central Cascades.

• Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park.

• And Lake Cushman on the Olympic Peninsula.

9. Go Sledding

No, you’re never too old. Is there any more primal, childlike bliss than hiking up a hill and sliding back down on a plastic dish, a toboggan, a cookie tray, or whatever you can find?

The wind stinging your face, the rush of adrenaline, the satisfaction of speed … if there’s a snowy hill, a Washingtonian will sled down it with whatever vehicle is available. I strongly suggest that you join the fun.

The beauty of sledding is that it can be done anywhere, with just about anything. Most popular sledding destinations offer sled rentals. “Tubing,” a variation of sledding where you slide down hills in an inner tube, is equally popular for fun things to do in Washington State in winter. For something unique, there is the luge course at the Loup Loup ski area outside of Twisp, Washington (in the Methow Valley).

Where to go sledding in Washington State:

Some of the best sledding destinations in Washington State include:

• The Summit at Snoqualmie.

• White Pass.

• Hyak Snow Park.

• Lake Wenatchee Sledding/Tubing Hill.

• Hurricane Ridge at Olympic National Park.

• Echo Valley at Lake Chelan.

• Suncadia Resort Tubing Hill.

If you have avoided the Pacific Northwest in the winter because you thought it was too cold, or too inaccessible, think again. 

Washington in the winter time is truly a sight to behold, with beauty and excitement around every corner … and we’re not trying to keep it a secret. There’s no shortage of activities wen it comes to what to do in winter in Washington State. So grab your camera, your ski cap, and your snowshoes—and come see for yourself.

Happy Adventuring. – jess

Related Posts

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The Cascade Loop – Washington’s Best Road Trip

Easy Hikes In Washington That Are Actually Worth It

The Best Fire Lookout Hikes In Washington State

How to camp at Shi Shi Beach On The Olympic Peninsula

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