Cabin fever setting in? Luckily, you’re in the PNW, where enjoying the great outdoors and getting fresh air is kinda our thing.
Once that pesky fog lifts soon, consider some of these easy day hike ideas for playing in the forest — or the snow.
Winter hiking tips
Okay, we’ll get to the good stuff here in a second, but your safety always comes first.
- Always pack the 10 winter essentials before a trip anywhere.
- Check the Northwest Avalanche Center for any warnings or advisories before your trip.
- Snowshoeing? Here’s some basic tips and where to grab gear.
Snow stomping
Feeling like frolicking through a winter wonderland? Snowshoeing is where it’s at.
❄️ Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe | 142 Gold Creek, Cle Elum | 1+ hour drive | 2.8 miles roundtrip hike | 10 ft elevation gain | Sno-Parks Permit needed
A great hike for beginner snowshoers (or kids) with little elevation gain and those magical landscape vibes.
❄️ Annette Lake | Ashael Curtis Rd. | 1+ hour drive | 7.5 miles roundtrip hike | 1,400 ft in elevation gain | Northwest Forest Pass needed
A moderate-to-hard snowshoe hike with lake views along an old logging road.
Forest romping
How ‘bout a brisk walk + some sweet views for the ‘gram? These spots should fit the bill.
🥾 Heybrook Ridge | 50606 Index-Galena Rd, Index | 1+ hour drive | 3.3 miles roundtrip hike | 775 ft in elevation gain | No park pass needed
A low elevation hike (so less snow) without any sacrifice towards the stunning views.
🥾 Wallace Falls State Park | 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar | 1+ hour drive | 5.6 miles roundtrip hike | 1,300 ft in elevation gain | Discover Pass needed
A trail is accompanied by lush vegetation, nine waterfalls, two lakes, and less foot traffic during the winter months.
