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Winter can feel like a long, drawn-out season when you’re stuck inside. However, with these winter hikes, you’ll be able to still get your exercise in even when the snow is on the ground. But if you live near Seattle, what are the great winter hikes in the area?
Here are the 8 winter hikes near Seattle worth going on:
- Green Mountain
- Franklin Falls
- Beckler Peak
- Lake 22
- Wilderness Peak Loop
- Skookum Flats
- Cowiche Mountain Trail
- Snoqualmie Falls
This article will dive into each of these hikes with a bit more detail. We’ll cover how many miles each hike is, what the gain is like, and what to look out for on each hike. If you’re ready to start hiking, keep on reading!
Table of Contents
1. Green Mountain
Green Mountain is an 8.5-mile (13.68-km) hike with a gain of 3300 ft (1005.84 m). The highest point is 6500 ft (1981.2 m).
This hike has everything you need, from beautiful meadows to historical lookouts. When you get to the top, you won’t be disappointed with the panoramic views. You’ll also find a historical lookout from 1933, which people used to monitor forest fires decades ago.
For the first mile of the hike, you’ll walk through thick forest. During times of heavy snowfall, snow will cover the treetops, but once the trees open up, you’ll be able to admire the meadows and the sheer rock faces all around you.
Since you’ll be climbing 6500 feet (1981.2 m), you’ll need to pack lots of water and snacks. Remember that once you get past the trees, there won’t be much water available for your furry friends if you decide to bring them.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll need some sort of spikes/cleats on your shoes while hiking during winter. The trail will most likely be a bit icy near the top.
Even though the trail is rather long, it will be an easy trail that anyone with even a little experience can do.
2. Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is a very simple 2-mile (3.22-km) hike. The gain is 400 ft (121.92 m), and the highest point is 2600 ft (792.48 m).
If you’re a bit hesitant to go for a long hike in the cool winter weather, this hike will be a great choice. People of all ages can easily complete this hike, even in the winter.
Once you reach the top of the hike, you’ll see Franklin Falls. This gorgeous waterfall is about 130 feet (39.62 m) high and will be a sight to remember, even in winter. If you don’t make it to the top, you can stop at a viewpoint before the falls.
While there may be a bit of ice on the trail in the winter, most of the hike will have stairs and handrails for the more difficult areas. One last thing to keep in mind is that you may have to get there a bit early to get a parking spot since this is a popular trail.
3. Beckler Peak
If you’re looking for some epic views, the Beckler Peak hike will be the best choice. This hike is about 7.6 miles (12.23 km), has a gain of 2240 ft (682.75 m), and the highest point is 5026 ft (1531.92 m).
One of the unique things about this trail is that you’ll be hiking on a decommissioned logging road for the first mile. Once you make it past the logging trail, you’ll be surrounded by old-growth; and when you finally reach the top, you can see Baring, Glacier Peak, Index, Evergreen Mountain, and the Monte Cristo Range.
Keep in mind that this hike isn’t the easiest. Those with small children or pets should be careful since there are a few steep cliff faces.
4. Lake 22
The hike to Lake 22 will be the perfect trip for those who don’t want to do an all-day hike. About 5.4 miles (8.69 km) long, this trek will only take a few hours. The trail has a gain of 1350 ft (716.28 m), and its highest point is 2400 ft (731.52 m).
So many people love hiking to Lake Twentytwo, even in the winter. When you reach the lake, it feels like you’ve entered another world, with still, pristine waters surrounded by lush snow-capped trees and tall, looming rock faces.
The alpine wetland is nothing short of amazing. Furthermore, the trail is pretty well-groomed, so it won’t be an impossible hike. But keep watch for ice along the trail!
5. Wilderness Peak Loop
Wilderness Peak Loop is another easy trek that will be perfect for the winter. It’s only 4 miles (6.44 km) and has a gain of 1200 ft (365.76 m); the highest point is 1598 ft (487.07 m).
This hike reaches the highest point in all of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. All you’ll see is greenery peeking out of the snow and steep, rocky hillsides in the winter.
There will be a few bridges you’ll cross with spectacular views on the way to the top, and there’s also a narrow boardwalk that’s a favorite amongst many hikers. Watch out for ice on the boardwalks in the winter, though!
6. Skookum Flats
If you’re looking for a nice, leisurely hike, this will be a great option. Skookum Flats is a 7.8-mile (12.55-km) trip with a gain of 300 ft (91.44 m). The highest point is 2550 ft (777.24 m).
This hike is especially great for winter since it’s not steep and has a low elevation gain. If there’s a bit of ice on the path, it won’t be a big deal.
Skookum Flats follows the White River that runs between the Silver Springs and Dalles campground. You’ll be walking through old forest and mossy areas, and the main highlight of this trip is all of the rivers you’ll see along the way.
When you get to the top, you’ll get a great view of Skookum Falls. However, you’ll have to be careful in the winter since the water can make the path pretty slick.
7. Cowiche Mountain Trail
The Cowiche Mountain Trail is about 7 miles (11.27 km) long and has an elevation gain of 1140 ft (347.47 m). The highest point of the hike is 2970 ft (905.26 m).
You’ll have to travel a bit to get to this trail, but it’ll be well worth it in the winter. The hike starts at Snow Mountain Ranch, and along the trail, you’ll be able to see a few old relics of cattle ranches. Furthermore, you’ll most likely see some wildlife along the way as well.
The views of this trail are spectacular since you’re walking through wide-open country. Be sure to go on a sunny day, so you can really enjoy the panoramic views that you’ll see throughout the trip.
8. Snoqualmie Falls
If you’re in the mood for a short afternoon hike, you should check out Snoqualmie Falls, which is about three miles (4.83 km) and with an elevation gain of 250 ft (76.2 m).
As you walk along the trail, you’ll see a plethora of plants and greenery. You might also see some wildlife along the way.
Many people agree that the beautiful sight of the Snoqualmie Falls will make the trek worth it. After all, over one million people visit the falls each year since it’s an icon of the “Twin Peaks” television show.
