We’re pretty lucky that we get to experience all four seasons here in Washington. That being said, there are definitely some spots in the state that see less snow than others, and those places are ideal for the best winter hikes in Washington. Enjoying crisp temps, clear skies, and pristine PNW views without trudging through knee-deep snow sounds pretty great to us! If you’re heading to the San Juan Islands anytime soon, we highly recommend checking out the Iceberg Point Trail on Lopez Island. Not only is it a beautiful hike in any season, but it’s great for all skill levels.
Iceberg Point is located on the southwest tip of Lopez Island.
Todd Stevens/AllTrails Lopez Island is the third largest of the San Juan Islands, but it’s also one of the most sparsely populated. You’ll never have to worry about crowds here.
The Iceberg Point Trail is an easy, scenic three-mile loop that both beginning and seasoned hikers alike can enjoy.
Michael Boston / alltrails.com The path is well-marked, mostly flat, and easy to navigate.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities at this local landmark, and it’s easy to see why.
Kristen Schmimeier/AllTrails The views begin the moment you step onto the trail and continue throughout the hike.
The nature trail is largely waterfront, and it’s not uncommon to see marine mammals in the water along the way.
Annie Mitchell/AllTrails The San Juan Islands are well known for their whale watching spots. But Iceberg Point is also a great place to watch some wild and unruly waves crashing in the distance.
On a clear day, you’ll catch view of the Olympic Peninsula from the jagged rock cliffs.
Anisa Anne Manion / alltrails.com And while this is a perfect winter hiking spot, it’s also worth exploring in the summer - the wildflowers here are unreal.
Iceberg Point was once a reef net site. Locals could drive right up to the site and get fish off the boats right offshore.
Anisa Anne Manion / alltrails.com In 2013, this was area declared a national monument by President Obama. Since the land contains many rare plants and important cultural sites, it’s awesome that it’s now protected.
The Iceberg Point Trail is great for families, offering scenic rewards without the intense climb. Leashed dogs are also welcome.
luxia wen/AllTrails This is a perfect place to enjoy nature and see a side of Washington not many get to experience!
And catching a chilly coastal sunset here? Unreal.
Julie Paynter/AllTrails
Have you ever visited Iceberg Point on Lopez Island? How about in winter?
Todd Stevens/AllTrails
Lopez Island is the third largest of the San Juan Islands, but it’s also one of the most sparsely populated. You’ll never have to worry about crowds here.
Michael Boston / alltrails.com
The path is well-marked, mostly flat, and easy to navigate.
Kristen Schmimeier/AllTrails
The views begin the moment you step onto the trail and continue throughout the hike.
Annie Mitchell/AllTrails
The San Juan Islands are well known for their whale watching spots. But Iceberg Point is also a great place to watch some wild and unruly waves crashing in the distance.
Anisa Anne Manion / alltrails.com
And while this is a perfect winter hiking spot, it’s also worth exploring in the summer - the wildflowers here are unreal.
In 2013, this was area declared a national monument by President Obama. Since the land contains many rare plants and important cultural sites, it’s awesome that it’s now protected.
luxia wen/AllTrails
This is a perfect place to enjoy nature and see a side of Washington not many get to experience!
Julie Paynter/AllTrails
We love exploring our stunning state in every season, but the off-season is an especially wonderful time to get outside, escape the crowds, and truly experience Washington’s stunning surroundings at their most idyllic. If you have any other favorite winter hikes in Washington, let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
Once you’ve conquered Iceberg Point, check out some of our other favorite winter destinations in Washington.
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Address: Iceberg Point, Lopez Island, WA 98261, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hikes in Washington December 29, 2021 Beth C. What is the snowiest place in Washington? If you’re someone who appreciates winter weather, Washington is a great place to visit or live. The Evergreen State is no stranger to snow, although it largely depends on what region you happen to be visiting. The snowiest places in Washington also happen to be among the snowiest places in the entire United States. This title belongs to both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker, which receive upwards of 645 inches of snowfall each year! The snowiest towns in the Evergreen State include Mead, Airway Heights, Fairwood, and Spokane. Which attractions in Washington should I visit during the wintertime? Many visitors are surprised to learn that some of Washington’s most popular attractions are just as memorable during the wintertime. You might even argue that they’re more fun to experience during the cold-weather season. That’s certainly the case with the following destinations: Heather Lake Trail near Granite Falls, Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park, Waterfront Park in Leavenworth, Beacon Rock State Park near Vancouver, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Green Lake Park in Seattle, Ozette Triangle in Olympic National Park, Riverside State Park in Spokane, Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano, and Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park. For more information about these places, check out our previous article: Here Are 10 Spots In Washington You Must Explore This Winter. What are some of the best winter trails in Washington? Hiking in Washington is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round. Some of our favorite winter hiking destinations include Padilla Bay, Thunder Creek, Beacon Rock Trail, Crab Creek Wildlife Area, Cowiche Canyon, Ozette Triangle Trail, Lord Hill Regional Park Trail, Fort Ebey State Park, and Icicle Gorge Loop. Learn more about these awesome winter hikes in Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Winter Hikes in Washington
December 29, 2021
Beth C.
What is the snowiest place in Washington? If you’re someone who appreciates winter weather, Washington is a great place to visit or live. The Evergreen State is no stranger to snow, although it largely depends on what region you happen to be visiting. The snowiest places in Washington also happen to be among the snowiest places in the entire United States. This title belongs to both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker, which receive upwards of 645 inches of snowfall each year! The snowiest towns in the Evergreen State include Mead, Airway Heights, Fairwood, and Spokane. Which attractions in Washington should I visit during the wintertime? Many visitors are surprised to learn that some of Washington’s most popular attractions are just as memorable during the wintertime. You might even argue that they’re more fun to experience during the cold-weather season. That’s certainly the case with the following destinations: Heather Lake Trail near Granite Falls, Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park, Waterfront Park in Leavenworth, Beacon Rock State Park near Vancouver, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Green Lake Park in Seattle, Ozette Triangle in Olympic National Park, Riverside State Park in Spokane, Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano, and Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park. For more information about these places, check out our previous article: Here Are 10 Spots In Washington You Must Explore This Winter. What are some of the best winter trails in Washington? Hiking in Washington is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round. Some of our favorite winter hiking destinations include Padilla Bay, Thunder Creek, Beacon Rock Trail, Crab Creek Wildlife Area, Cowiche Canyon, Ozette Triangle Trail, Lord Hill Regional Park Trail, Fort Ebey State Park, and Icicle Gorge Loop. Learn more about these awesome winter hikes in Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re someone who appreciates winter weather, Washington is a great place to visit or live. The Evergreen State is no stranger to snow, although it largely depends on what region you happen to be visiting. The snowiest places in Washington also happen to be among the snowiest places in the entire United States. This title belongs to both Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker, which receive upwards of 645 inches of snowfall each year! The snowiest towns in the Evergreen State include Mead, Airway Heights, Fairwood, and Spokane.
Which attractions in Washington should I visit during the wintertime?
Many visitors are surprised to learn that some of Washington’s most popular attractions are just as memorable during the wintertime. You might even argue that they’re more fun to experience during the cold-weather season. That’s certainly the case with the following destinations: Heather Lake Trail near Granite Falls, Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park, Waterfront Park in Leavenworth, Beacon Rock State Park near Vancouver, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Green Lake Park in Seattle, Ozette Triangle in Olympic National Park, Riverside State Park in Spokane, Lake Sylvia State Park in Montesano, and Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park. For more information about these places, check out our previous article: Here Are 10 Spots In Washington You Must Explore This Winter.
What are some of the best winter trails in Washington?
Hiking in Washington is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round. Some of our favorite winter hiking destinations include Padilla Bay, Thunder Creek, Beacon Rock Trail, Crab Creek Wildlife Area, Cowiche Canyon, Ozette Triangle Trail, Lord Hill Regional Park Trail, Fort Ebey State Park, and Icicle Gorge Loop. Learn more about these awesome winter hikes in Washington.
