With our short days and changing weather, it’s extra important to carry the 10 essentials and be prepared. Looking for Washington hikes that are absolutely worth the trek? 13 Best Winter Hikes in Washington 1. In the 19th century, the logging industry created miles of roads that eventually became hiking trails all over the tallest mountain (3,004 feet) in the Issaquah Alps. The 15 Best City … While the park contains a trail network of over 11 miles, the 2.8 mile loop hike is a great way to take in a wide range of diverse scenery in a relatively short distance. A great way to our gray winters in Seattle is to get outside and hike! In the morning, birdwatchers will find plenty of activity and can observe from four viewing platforms. Location: Seattle - West Seattle neighborhoodLength: 1.6 miles, round tripElevation Gain: 240 ft.Public Transit: Yes. It is very popular late spring through early winter for backpackers and hikers. We like Little Si best, which is a 5-mile roundtrip excursion with around 1,200 feet in elevation gain. Paul Stanley. We’ve collected seven hikes under six miles that are perfect winter getaways and all within … Photo: Vic Garcia For winter and early spring, it is excellent. If you’re interested in trying out snowshoeing for some outdoor winter fun, read more about how to get started snowshoeing here and read about the best beginner snowshoe hikes near Seattle here and my guide to snowshoeing Mt Rainier National Park here. About two hours north of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula, the Dungeness Spit is near the small town of Sequim. This trail is a fantastic easy hike for everyone, and it features a beautiful bridge that is Instagram-worthy. This trail has beautiful ferns, mossy old growth trees, and a wide variety of native flora. Head outdoors with our list of the top hikes near Seattle. The Forest service or park service websites can also be helpful in understanding road conditions, although I’ve noticed for road access the Washington Trails Association trip reports and hiking guide are usually most up to date! Around 90 minutes east of Seattle is that of the beloved Stevens Pass ski resort. Roughly following the perimeter of the park, the loop winds through second-growth forest groves, open meadows and sandy bluffs overlooking the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Winter in the Pacific Northwest starts sometime in November and ends sometime in February or March, depending on exactly where you are. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Sign Up. ... As soon as … Bridge over the Cedar River. read more about how to get started snowshoeing here, best beginner snowshoe hikes near Seattle here, guide to snowshoeing Mt Rainier National Park here, Best winter hikes within two hours of Seattle, Best winter hikes in Olympic National Park, everything I bring with me on a day hike (winter and summer) here, Washington Trails Association’s trip reports, flat and incredibly scenic walks in Seattle, self guided brewery tour of nearby Ballard, Read more about how to hike to Twin Falls here, read all about your options for Oyster Dome here, read more about your Vashon hiking options here, Read all about your hiking options in the park and other things to do here, beaches and forest around Kalaloch and Lake Quinalt, Best Hiking Pants for Curvy and Plus Size Women, How to Drive to Alaska: Everything you need to Know. Location: The Marymere Falls Trail starts at the Storm King Ranger station along Lake Crescent, just... Quinalt Rainforest Trails. I highly recommend bringing food with you so you don’t have to drive around for hours trying to find something! During winter months, this makes an excellent beginner snowshoe trek to see a frozen, icicle-covered waterfall. Best Winter Hikes near Seattle -Olympic National Park Marymere Falls. Once a Catholic seminary, the park's rich history reflects in its grounds and architecture. It’s manageable to start in … And it happens to be on the easier side so people of all hiking abilities can check it out. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Try one of our suggestions below or share your local favorite in a trip report. Seattle has some wild refuges right in the city and plenty of nearby trails that can be hiked all year round. Another great thing about living here is being able to get out and play in the snow even though you rarely, if ever, have to shovel the driveway! Olympic National Park has a $30 entrance fee per vehicle (good for 7 days). The Evans Creek Preserve is an 179-acre old farmstead off the Redmond-Fall City Road with about two miles of trails creating several loops. Your starting point and traffic may make these 5 minutes or 40 minutes away. Waterfalls, views, old-growth forests thick with ferns — they're all right here. I’m a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. Difficulty: Challenging. Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula has some of the most wonderful winter hikes near Seattle! Curated by. Several trails criss-cross this forest, including the Animal Tracks Nature Trail (0.34 miles), the Ridge Trail (0.11 miles), the Middle Loop Trail (0.45 miles), and the Lower Loop Trail (0.53 miles). Scenic Hot Springs is my favorite winter hike in Washington, which is why it’s at the top of this... 2. The trail is perfect for families or for folks out walking their dogs (on a leash). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Hike to Franklin Falls Photo: Jason Horstman This hike is one the easiest and most popular of all the hikes listed... 2. Now you’ve got everything you need to plan some perfect winter hikes near Seattle! Zip Code. The generally well-maintained trail gains 1,400 feet over 5.2 miles. What could be more beautiful on a cold winter’s day than … At 7.4 miles, the climb up to this vista is plenty long enough to give your legs a workout. Seattle experiences big wind and rain storms periodically and during these times I recommend staying away from trails with big trees, which can fall during windstorms. Winter is a beautiful time in Washington, but it’s not always conducive to staying active. Trains passing daily … 17. One of the most fantastic things about living in Seattle is that you can hike all year long! Some wild creatures are more active in winter, and others are simply easier to spot among leafless branches. Baker Lake Trail. Check trail conditions and bring traction devices, like microspikes, if snow is present. We thought we’d start the guide with Green Mountain because it’s close enough to the city to make it a top choice. One of the best winter hikes near Seattle. It is one of those go at your own pace and just enjoy the scenery kind of hike (the bridge is … You don't have to scale Mount Si to get your hiking fix. ... Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. ... off Interstate 90, provides access to some of the best recreation in the country. Live like a Seattle local whenever, wherever Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events Email Address. Summer is still months away and many are feeling the effects of the Seattle gloom. This post focuses on winter hikes near Seattle in the lowlands that are generally free of snow unless there’s a significant Seattle area snowstorm, which can happen once or twice a winter for a few days. Camp Long is a hidden gem, a 68-acre enclave on the crest of West Seattle featuring old growth forest, wildlife, a variety of hiking trails, ropes courses and even camp ing. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It’s a wonderful park to visit year round and many hiking trails are located in the lowland forest areas or along the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as this park plays host to deer, 40 species of birds and even the occasional black bear. Make sure to read the road status report for the park, especially in winter. 6 Amazing Winter Hikes Within Two Hours Of Seattle 1. The transition from winter to spring is slow and unpredictable, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll say that winter is late November through February. The trail reports will tell you how accessible the road is as well as what the trail conditions are like. I love this trail because you don’t need crampons or snowshoes, and you can turn around anytime you like. Discovery Park is located in Magnolia in Seattle. (Be sure to double check routes and schedules. I recommend taking one each way to see more of this stunning part of the Cascades! The Olympic Peninsula is a wonderful winter weekend getaway, either checking out the beaches and forest around Kalaloch and Lake Quinalt or on the north side of the park around Port Angeles. You can stroll, hike or run for miles on this tree-lined, bus-accessible trail, which has multiple access points from Lake Washington to Maple Valley. The backbone of the trail system is the wide, flat Pipeline Trail. Tags: Seattle Hikes, Seattle Winter, Winter hikes near Seattle. Sign … In winter, they focus their lowland hikes around the accessible Interstate 90 corridor from Cougar Mountain to Rattlesnake Lake. Looking for hikes near Seattle winter? With a system of 12 miles of trails running through 600 acres of forest and wetland in this park, every kind of trail user, from families out for a stroll to trail runners in training can create their own perfect loop. Hike to Scenic Hot Springs, Washington. Discover your wild side. Then boy do I have you covered. This is one of the most popular hikes in the area, so arrive early to get a parking spot. 10 Best Snowshoe Hikes in Western Washington Trails look a little different in winter, but with the right footwear there's no reason to stay inside. The border is currently closed between the United States and Canada, and many US states and Canadian provinces and territories have additional restrictions. Since it’s such a long drive, consider making a weekend out of it and fitting in multiple winter hikes. On the south side of the lower grassy area, a trail ascends the bluff offering outlooks over the Sound and the North Beach residential area. 9 Picturesque Trails In Washington That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking. I’m so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! Start there, and head off the beaten track when you feel like exploring. Is it really a 30-minute drive? Most Popular. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Being a part of the fabulous Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), this hike starts with a moderate challenge amidst an old growth forest that gradually alters into difficult, owing to its highly narrow ridge. A modest climb along a ridgeline leads to a broad summit with a vantage of Mount Olympus and the Pacific Ocean. November hikes near Seattle are pretty great with many local hikes that can be enjoyed in the wet months too. Plenty of rain, for starters — our temperate rain forests come to life when the sun is tucked away. Location: Between Kirkland and KenmoreLength: 3.0 miles, round tripElevation Gain: 400 ft.Public Transit: Yes. A local favorite, Poo-Poo Point on Tiger Mountain offers up stunning views of the area, including Lake Sammamish and Mount Rainier. Need ideas for getting outside while social distancing? History, waterfalls, views of Mount Rainier and many add-on trail options in the extensive trail system on Cougar Mountain make this area a nice new option for your hiking regular list. ... Best Spring Hikes in the Seattle Area for Kids and Families. I've been a tour guide in both Alaska and Washington and I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. There are plenty of waterfall hikes near Seattle, and the winter is one of the best times to visit them. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. As COVID-19 continues to impact travel, make sure to CHECK and FOLLOW all federal, state, provincial and local closures and public health guidelines. Location: Issaquah Alps - King County ParksLength: 12 miles of trailsHighest Point: 500'Public Transportation: Not easily. So, here are 10 gorgeous winter hikes near Seattle to check out this year. Kendall Katwalk could undeniably be one of the best choices. Read all the details here about exactly what I wear for a day hike in both winter and summer! There are lots of gorgeous, mellow walks in Seattle parks perfect for winter beaches and urban strolls, but if you want to get out of town here are your best November hikes near Seattle. Finding that perfect winter hike can be a challenging task but getting out during the colder months can be endlessly rewarding. It would be easy to gather a list of 30 excellent dog friendly hiking locations near Seattle. Keep that in mind if you’re wanting to climb the rockface at the end. ... For an early season dose of snow, look no further than Stevens Pass, which is often the first area near Seattle to get quality powder. But instead I’m sharing my all-time favorites for year-round adventures. Miss being out and connecting to nature? Location: Issaquah Alps -- Cougar MountainLength: 4 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 350 ft.Public Transit Access: Yes, with an extra mile road walk. Sure, we have dark, short days and lots of cloudy days and rain, but you can still get outside and enjoy winter hikes near Seattle! In Seattle, November can be more like fall earlier in the month but is generally winter by the end. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Olympic National Park is much wetter than Seattle and being prepared for rain and mud is crucial. Travel. Scenic Hot Springs. Outside of Port Angeles, the food options are extremely limited near Olympic National Park in winter. 3 Breathtaking Washington Hikes Near Olympia & Seattle. From toddlers to trail runners, this urban hike has something for everyone. Hike to Lake 22 Photo: Jason Horstman With relatively easy access and stunning views, this popular summer hike is... 3. Located in the Issaquah Alps, the 3,100-acre Cougar Mountain park has a network of 36 miles of dog friendly hiking trails, just 15 miles from downtown Seattle. ... One of the best hikes near … While the spit is a popular summer hike, not as many trekkers make their way here in the winter since the hike is pretty open to the weather. Discover Pass required. ... the hike begins near the rope tows that turn this national park viewpoint into a mini ski area in winter. Many hikes are actually in their prime right now, says Kindra Ramos, director of communications and outreach for Washington Trails Association. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Take one of Seattle’s most popular hikes, add a little snow, subtract the crowds, and bam you have one of the best winter adventures Seattle has to offer. The camellias bloom throughout February and March, though we can still have big wind and rainstorms at least through mid February. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Winter walks. Washington Trails Association ... More Seattle Adventures: The best campgrounds near … Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. Not sure where to start? This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Melina Coogan. Why hike in winter? Lime Kiln Trail. The best winter hikes near Seattle include beaches in the city, remote beaches, old growth forest, big mountain and water views and crashing waterfalls. I have a post specifically about hiking in November since it’s such a transition month. Location: Approximately 40 miles north-northwest of Olympia ... but you’re close enough to Mount Constitution’s snow—a lot of the hikes require snowshoes during the winter,” Lipman says. And if you're taking a bus, it may take quite a bit longer to reach the trailhead. Return again and again through the seasons to watch the foliage change, to catch paragliders in action or the western sun sinking over the water. Explore the north trail, search for fall and winter fungus or play along the undeveloped lakeshore, habitat to a wide variety of birds and sea life, as well as plenty of native flora. You cross several little streams, and hike near some small natural forest ponds. ... 3 Magical Winter Waterfall Hikes near Seattle. Whether it's for snow sports in the winter or hiking throughout the warmer months, people from Seattle and beyond always flock to this adventure destination. Best Washington Winter Hikes NEAR SEATTLE Frozen Franklin Falls. WTA believes nature should always be in reach. These cookies do not store any personal information. Also, during the winter the trail can be almost completely covered in snow. Olympic National Park is a 3-5 hour drive from Seattle, depending on exactly where you go. Learn how we're working to make that a reality, share your local favorite in a trip report. Get Outside & Explore Seattle, WA View all 86 experiences. Frequent heavy rain and windstorms can bring down trees which can temporarily close roads that are normally open in winter. They are listed in order of travel time from downtown Seattle. Saint Edward State Park is a 316-acre park with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. Rattlesnake Ledge is most likely the most popular hike close to Seattle. ... Make sure you check for closures before planning your hike here! A few pieces of gear that are extra important for winter hikes near Seattle are: The Washington Trails Association’s trip reports are a wonderful resource for hiking across Washington state year round and are especially important to read in winter! Just a short 55 minute drive from Seattle lies a beautiful winter wonderland that is perfect for the... Franklin falls. ... It’s best to this hike over two nights. Location: Issaquah Alps -- Tiger MountainLength: 7.2 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 1858 ft.Public Transit Access: Yes, with an extra mile road walk. Raised trails follow wooded pathways out to the salt-water beach. ... A Quick and Dirty Guide to the Best Whitewater Paddling in Asheville. Made Possible by. Plus, many trails offer solitude during the off-season. 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. Are you feeling the winter slump? (4.1 miles round-trip, 1,200 feet elevation gain, Seattle Public Utilities) Camp Long is a hidden gem, a 68-acre enclave on the crest of West Seattle featuring old growth forest, wildlife, a variety of hiking trails, ropes courses and even camping. Location: City of SammamishLength: 2.0 miles, roundtripElevation Gain: 325 ft.Public Transportation: Not easily. The wetlands flow through the center of the preserve and necessitated fourteen short bridges and one impressive, long boardwalk -- handcrafted by WTA volunteers. Put this on your own list of Best Hikes Near Seattle. For winter hikes near Seattle, it’s particularly important to wear: You can read everything I bring with me on a day hike (winter and summer) here. PC: Wikimedia Commons . Kendall Katwalk - great winter hiking spot near Seattle. And for good reason! At This Remote School Getaway Nature Is the … 1. These volunteer-built trails run through and skirt a variety of habitats, including wetlands, meadow and forest. The trail climbs gradually for about 1 miles, then forks--the main trail goes left and the horse trail goes right. Cougar Mountain. 5 of the best winter hikes to do this weekend near Seattle Gold creek pond. I'm Jennie. At more than 500 acres, the park is expansive enough for a good, long hike, but the most elevation gain you’ll face is right around 300 feet, but it’s gradual and approachable for most. Learn more. Hi! See Also. The easy access to Little Si and Mount Si make them two of the highly-trafficked day hikes in the Seattle area. RootsRated brings you 3 of the best. Best Hotels in Seattle; ... During the winter many trees stand in pools of water. Avoid the crowds, see familiar landscapes through new eyes and shake off the winter doldrums during one of the hikes we've selected below. This former railroad is great for a family outing, a long hike to catch up with your best buddies or for a long after-work run to burn off the stress of the week. Details: This hike is 7.2 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2000 ft. To get there, from Seattle, drive Hwy 20 through the town of Marblemount and on towards North Cascades National Park. Home > Seattle > Best Hikes for Kids Near Seattle Updated: December 14, 2018. Rattlesnake Ledge, located in North Bend, makes a lovely winter sunrise hike when summer crowds are scarce and the Cascade foothills are dusted in snow. There are lots of reasons to get out and enjoy a winter hike, including the mental and physical health benefits so it’s worth the effort to bundle up and learn where to go. Discovery Park Loop, Discovery Park. >> Read the Hiking Guide for more information, Location: Renton-Maple Valley Length: Up to 34 miles roundtripElevation Gain: 820 ft.Public Transit Access: Yes. 1. Stroll under a canopy of alder, birch, maple, Douglas fir, sitka spruce, and cedar. I only recommend products I fully believe in and heartily recommend. By mid February, Seattle is starting to have crocuses come up and other bulb flowers! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. by Leah DeAngelis; Seattle, WA; February 18, 2016 Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Send via Email. ), Location: Seattle - Magnolia neighborhoodLength: 2.8 miles, round tripElevation Gain: 140 ft.Public Transit: Yes. During those times, I’d recommend taking a walk in a Seattle park instead! It’s accessible year round (usually no snow), low mileage, and has awesome views! While this hike usually stays snow and ice free, make sure to check trip reports on WTA beforehand, because you’ll definitely want some spikes if it’s at all icy! Very steep incline for such a short distance. Seattle, WA 98104. Drive time: 55 minutes from downtown Seattle to the trailhead 8. Green Mountain. When it's snowing in the high country, this low elevation hike delivers a fine fern-filled retreat. Best for Fall & Winter Camping Near the Beach. The Discovery Park Loop Trail offers an enjoyable outing without having to leave the Seattle city limits. Photo by Wafflesnfalafel. Hike to Metlako & Punchbowl Falls, Oregon. But head out on a clear day with calm weather and you’ll be rewarded with a paradise. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. ... Near the start it splits for about 3 miles so you can take either the Upper Elliot Trail or Lower Elliot Trail.
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