Got cabin fever and ready to run away to the wilderness to enjoy some peace, quiet, and snowy winter wonderland hikes without having to drive 2-3 hours just to get there? Feeling like a stuffed turkey after those holiday meals and need to walk it off? We got a list of 5 of our favorite winter hikes near Seattle that are perfect for this holiday season!

Gold creek pond

Just a short 55 minute drive from Seattle lies a beautiful winter wonderland that is perfect for the whole family. An easy and low elevation loop around a picturesque frozen pond, surrounded by layer upon layer of evergreen mountains dusted with fresh snow that sits up in the mountains of Snoqualmie Pass. A relaxing trail that allows you to reconnect with nature. If we could do this one again, we would definitely rent and bring snowshoes since it’s known for that in the winter! But we did just fine with our hiking boots! Pack up your jet boil and a pocket blanket so you can sit by the lake and enjoy some hot cocoa or hot soup while you enjoy the view! Be sure to get there early since it is quite the popular spot for family hikes and snowshoeing adventures.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/gold-creek-pond-trail

Franklin falls

Renown for the perfect little red cabin tucked away along a river bank, Franklin Falls is a must-do during the winter time. This one is a perfectly easy hike to do if you’re new to hiking or want to bring along your kiddos. Last winter, Washington got some pretty crazy snow and ice storms – so be sure to check the trail conditions before you go. When we went, the road to the trail was closed due to snow and ice conditions, but that didn’t stop us (or a ton of other people) from slapping on some microspikes and hiking the extra mile and a half to the trailhead. Wind your way through a snowy forest alongside a babbling river until you reach franklin falls. This waterfall was looking extra epic on this day since the ice had almost completely taken over. Massive, jagged ice crystals adorned the falls, and there were even some bad asses ice climbing around the falls. Be sure to arrive early to ensure a parking spot since this is a very, very popular trail!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/franklin-falls-trail

Skyline lake trail

Bring your sled or skis for this one. No SERIOUSLY! We wish we saw a review that recommended this when before we went. But warning, be prepared to hike up a steep trail – since you have to climb 1050 ft in a mile. Phew! But man, I promise it will be worth it – especially if you BYOSled! As we were climbing this steep mountain (legs burning, crying on the inside) we were amused to find people squealing and screaming with joy riding down sleds on this steep trail. They would zoom by and hoot and holler, and it would definitely encourage us to keep climbing. As you make your way to the top, the views keep getting better and better – overlooking Stevens pass ski resort and the beautiful mountains and endless pine trees surrounding you. Once you make it to the top you’ll find a snowy lake (when we went it was completely snowed over and didn’t look like a lake at all). But all and all still so beautiful and another must-do winter hike near Seattle. And remember, BRING YO SLEDS!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/skyline-lake-trail

Heybrook lookOut

Heybrook lookout in Gold Bar, Washington is another great hike for beginners. We did this hike in the summer and brought our friends visiting on this trail and we also brought my parents on this trail (both beginner hikers). A steady incline up a dense forest packed full of ferns, pines, and moss (I call this one ET land) – you’ll make your way up to an epic fire lookout at the top! You can stop at the picnic table at the bottom and take a rest and grab a snack. Or you can keep climbing to the top of the lookout to catch the the incredible views of the mountains surrounding you. On that particular winter day, we were completely fogged in. But, if you go on a clear day- the view is insane!

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/heybrook-lookout-trail

Barclay lake trail

Another great trail for beginners, Barclay Lake Trail One of the best parts about hiking this trail in the winter is you might get the whole trail to yourself like we did. In the summer, it’s apparently a very popular trail and is extremely hard to find parking. Hike your way through a quiet, snow covered forest until you arrive at a frozen alpine lake and the majestic Baring Mountain. Find peace, quite and tranquility from the hustle and bustle of city and work life along this trail. Or just go hike off that holiday meal.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/barclay-lake-trail