Seattle's winter wonderland is calling, and if you're looking to trade your hiking boots for snowshoes, you're in luck! We've rounded up some of the best snowshoe hikes within easy reach of the city, perfect for exploring snow-covered trails and enjoying crisp mountain air.
Snoqualmie Region
This region is your go-to for classic Pacific Northwest winter scenery, with plenty of accessible snowshoe routes.
- Kendall Peak Lakes Snowshoe offers a fantastic introduction to snowshoeing with generally wide trails. A late March 2026 report indicated soft snow, suggesting snowshoes were necessary, while an earlier March report noted about 6 inches of snow where snowshoes were likely not essential.
- Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe provides a relatively flat and scenic loop, perfect for a relaxed outing. A March 2026 report mentioned a clear I-90 and some congestion on Lake Mardee Road, while a January 2026 report found the forest road near the trailhead to have crunchy snow but was otherwise clear.
- Granite Mountain can be a more challenging option, with reports indicating winter conditions can make the summer trail dangerous, especially the avalanche chute. A late March 2026 report mentioned following the regular summer trail to the pond before taking an alternate route to the summit, with intermittent snow below the treeline as of mid-January 2026.
- Snow Lake is a popular destination, and reports suggest it remains snow-covered and beautiful into the spring. A very recent May 2nd, 2026 report indicates the road to the trailhead might be accessible, but snow conditions further up the trail would need to be confirmed. An early February 2026 report mentioned stable weather and promising avalanche conditions for those looking to explore mountain trails.
- Franklin Falls - Winter is an easy and rewarding trail to a magnificent waterfall. Reports from February 2026 indicate the road to the Pratt Lake trailhead was clear with intermittent snow patches past Denny Creek campground, and parking was available with a Sno-Park pass.
- Annette Lake is known for its beautiful alpine lake destination. A New Year's Day 2026 report cautioned about the miserable road conditions with huge potholes and an icy trailhead parking lot, emphasizing the need for a snow park permit.
- Amabilis Mountain Snowshoe offers a less crowded experience with potential for beautiful views. A mid-April 2026 report noted the road was mostly snow-free to a pull-out, with microspikes useful for the lower sections before snowshoeing the rest of the way. An earlier March 2026 report found continuous snow cover after the first mile, with microspikes being sufficient and snowshoes hardly necessary due to softened snow.
- Mount Washington provides a good workout with summit potential. Reports from late February 2026 indicated snow starting about halfway up the mountain, while another report warned of a landslide closing the Olallie gravel trail west of the Mt. Washington turn-off.
- Gold Creek Pond, distinct from its snowshoe counterpart, is also a beautiful winter destination. A late March 2026 report described the trail as all snow, recommending water-resistant shoes but noting snowshoes weren't needed.
Central Cascades
Venture a bit further east for some truly expansive winter landscapes.
- Skyline Lake Snowshoe offers access to a lovely lake and the possibility of continuing to higher peaks. A March 2026 report noted packed and slick snow on the first half-mile, suggesting microspikes would be helpful, while snowshoes were used for the rest of the hike to the lake and beyond.
- Wenatchee Crest Snowshoe (Blewett Pass) provides impressive panoramic views. A March 2026 report described skiing the route on a sunny, warm day with excellent views of surrounding peaks, but also noted concerning limited snow cover. An earlier February 2026 report mentioned boots, gaiters, and a hiking pole were perfect for a beautiful sunny day hike.
- Frog Mountain is another option, though recent reports are limited. A late November 2025 report described a hike in good weather, and an early January 2025 report advised that a 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance was necessary for the road conditions.
Planning Tips for Your Snowshoe Trip:
- Check Sno-Park Permits: Most trailheads in these areas require a Washington State Parks Sno-Park permit. Ensure you have the correct permit for the date you plan to visit.
- Footwear is Key: While snowshoes are the star of the show, consider bringing microspikes or traction devices for icy sections, especially on steeper trails or at lower elevations as the season progresses.
- Conditions Change Rapidly: Winter weather in the Cascades is unpredictable. Always check recent trip reports for snow depth, trail conditions, and any road closures before you head out.
- Be Prepared for Snow: Even on a clear day, snow can accumulate quickly. Dress in layers, carry plenty of water, and be aware of your surroundings.