Winter hiking can bring some of the best views in Washington! Be sure you have proper clothing, snacks and essentials - check out my hiking checklist here
Heybrook Lookout
Distance: 2.5 miles
Price: Free
Dog friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Moderate
Heybrook Lookout is a great hike for kids and beginner hikers, but it does get a little steep towards the lookout. It's also open year-round so you can add this to any of your low-key weekends.
The hike begins with an easy pathway through a fern and moss-covered forest with trees taller than you've ever seen. As you get to the lookout, the trail gets very steep, but it's definitely worth it. You will see Mount Persis and Mount Baring, make sure to climb the narrow staircase of 89 steps to the top of the lookout to get incredible views of the mountain peaks.
Parking is very limited, and there's not much of a lot; it's more of a shoulder off the highway that can hold roughly 10 vehicles.
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Nisqually Vista Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles
Price: America the Beautiful Annual Pass - $80 or a Day Pass for $30
Dog friendly: No
Difficulty: Easy
This easy paved trail is perfect for the whole family; if you're visiting in the summer, bring the stroller! On a clear day, you will have amazing views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier.
There is a short section of steps you will have to walk up, then veer left to begin your hike. If you bring a stroller, park at the upper Paradise parking lot with ramps to access the trail.
During the winter, snowdrifts often cover the trail, so be sure to bring crampons, trekking poles, or snowshoes.
Lake 22
Distance: 7 miles
Price: Northwest Forest Pass or a Day Pass
Dog friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Difficult
Located east of Granite Falls, this hike takes you through the overgrown forest ending with an amazing view of Mount Pilchuck.
About a mile into the hike, you will pass a large waterfall - once you reach the waterfall, the trail gets very steep, with several sharp rocks and a few creek crossings. Continue along the trail until you find yourself walking up to the lake - be sure to take the short loop around the lake because the views are remarkable.
The hike is rocky most of the way, so I suggest wearing hiking boots; we crossed several creek beds, so waterproof boots will be best. I would not recommend taking kids on this trail, not only because of the distance but the safety of the rocks you will be hiking up and down near the lake.
Gold Creek Pond
Distance: 2.8 miles
Price: Northwest Forest Pass or a Day Pass
Dog friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Just east of Snoqualmie Pass, this trail is relatively flat, making it the perfect spot to bring kids, push strollers, and practice snowshoeing with kids or beginners.
You'll see stunning views of the Central Cascades and Gold Creek Pond, but be sure not to walk on it; it rarely freezes completely. If not frozen, you'll see the crystal-clear blue water and views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to the north.
Murhut Falls
Distance: 1 mile
Price: Free
Dog friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
This 130ft waterfall is not as busy as many others in the area. The road is very well-maintained in the summer months but during winter, be sure to have an AWD or 4WD vehicle, weather can be unpredictable.
As you get closer to the falls, you will hear rushing water and have a slight descent into a ravine - be sure to keep an eye on the kids, the trail narrows, and one side has a steep dropoff. At the top of the falls, you can catch picturesque views of Mt. Jupiter and Jupiter Ridge.
Skyline Lake Trail
Distance: 3 miles
Price: Free
Dog friendly: Yes
Difficulty: Easy
Located on the north side of Stevens Pass, Skyline Lake is an awesome trail to snowshoe; with 1,100ft of elevation, you'll be sure to get a great workout in.
If you're lucky enough to venture out on a clear day, you'll have amazing views of Cowboy Mountain and Big Chief Mountain. While this trail is great for beginners, it's definitely more difficult than Gold Creek Pond; if you're looking for an easy, flat trail, stick to Gold Creek Pond.
The views at the lake are stunning but don't stop there; continue on where you'll find a gap on the ridge about 100ft higher. Here you will have breathtaking views of Glacier Peak, Mount McCausland, the impressive vertical rock of Lichtenberg, and more!
If you continue from the gap, follow the ridge where you'll find a rock garden with some boulders the size of a house.
Laura
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17 . Feb . 2023