Great Washington State Parks to Visit in Winter

Washington's state park system is one of the largest in the nation, with each park offering something unique and seasonal. Grab your Discover Pass, pack your lunch and check out some of our favorite state parks to visit in winter.

Winter is a great opportunity to visit your favorite places, but with an interesting twist. Look no further than Washington State Parks. The Washington state park system is one of the largest in the nation, with each park offering seasonal attractions — from birding, to snowshoeing — across the state.

Plan ahead

Check availability. Read the Washington State Parks winter schedule to ensure your destination is available before making plans. Check out WTA’s Hiking Guide before you go to make the most of your visit.
Know the forecast. Plan ahead for weather and avalanche conditions, drive times and vehicle accessibility to be sure you can make it to and from the park safely.
Bring the right equipment. Make sure to bring proper traction devices and extra clothes for your drive or your adventure(clean, dry socks go a long way). Extra food doesn’t hurt during the winter either. Be sure to remember your Discover Pass, which grants you access to all state parks (or visit on a fee-free day).

North Cascades

Pearrygin Lake State Park

The sun glows from behind clouds as they sweep over a snow-laden landscape.
Pearrygin State Park. Photo by Ash99.

Length: 3 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: Varies
Why it's great in winter: It offers opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even fat-biking!
Bonus: Keep an eye out for mule deer as you traverse the frozen shrub-steppe!

> Plan your visit to Pearrygin Lake State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Rockport State Park

A hiker walks among the old-growth forest of Rockport State Park. Trees tower above them and ferns clutter the forest floor.
Rockport State Park. Photo by Kim Brown.

Length: 3 miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 750 feet.
Why it's great in winter: Rockport State Park offers yearround access. The park’s Discovery Center and picnic area are perfect for a day trip!
Bonus: Want to camp? Visit nearby Rasar State Park.

> Plan your visit to Rockport State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Eastern Washington

Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site

Snowy slopes, blown by the wind, cover the landscape as far as the view goes.
Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site. Photo by RichP

Length: 168-acres of day-use land
Elevation Gain: Varies
Why it's great in winter: There’s plenty of land to snowshoe or cross country ski across at this park — just make sure your vehicle has proper traction for your trip to the trailhead.
Bonus: Climb the butte to get great views from above the Palouse Hills, and enjoy quartzite butte, which is some of the oldest rock in the Pacific Northwest!

> Plan your visit to Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site using WTA's Hiking Guide

Mount Spokane State Park

A string of climbers toil up the snowy slope of Mount Spokane. Frost-encrusted trees dot the landscape.
Mount Spokane State Park on the Summit Route.

Length: 4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,328 feet
Why it's great in winter: The winter route up Mount Spokane is a classic hike in Eastern Washington. Besides snowshoeing, visitors can cross-country ski, splitboard and even bring their dogs.
Bonus: Warm-up near the summit at the Vista House, and in the shoulder season, keep an eye open for moose closer to tree line!

> Plan your visit to Mount Spokane State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Central Washington

Wenatchee Confluence State Park - Horan Natural Area

An interpretive board and bench sit on a boardwalk among a riparian area. Water sits below, with leafless trees surrounding from above.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park - Horan Natural Area. Photo by ThayneT.

Length: 2.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: None
Why it's great in winter: The seasonal progression of Central Washington is on full display in winter at the riparian Wenatchee Confluence State Park. Water in this area is a bastion for life.
Bonus: This area is great for birding resident and migratory species alike!

> Plan your visit to Wenatchee Confluence State Park - Horan Natural Area using WTA's Hiking Guide

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Snowy skies and snow-covered rocks are reflected in the frozen, serene water of Lake Wenatchee.
Snowy rocks at Lake Wenatchee State Park. Photo by Amanda Fisher.

Length: 4 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: 75 feet
Why it's great in winter: Snowshoeing and tracking animal prints are treats during winter at the quiet Lake Wenatchee State Park.
Bonus: Visiting in winter allows access to snow-packed paths, some of which aren’t even accessible in the summer!

> Plan your visit to Lake Wenatchee State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Two hikers look out on the Columbia River from high atop a frost encrusted rockface.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. Photo by mytho-man.

Length: 5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Why it's great in winter: This low-elevation, dry park sees less moisture than other areas in Washington. Spend less time worrying about snow, and more time having fun on trail!
Bonus: This area offers unique flora and fauna not found in other areas in the state. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep!

> Plan your visit to Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Central Cascades

Wallace Falls State Park

A boardwalk with stairs cuts through thick vegetation and over a rushing creek.
Wallace Falls State Park. Photo by Just Starting.

Length: 5.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Why it's great in winter: These waterfalls flow year-round, but are at their highest volume in winter and early spring. Visit after fresh rainfall to enjoy them at their maximum spray-zone!
Bonus: Wallace Falls State Park is one of the most popular destinations for Washington hikers, but for good reasons. Nine waterfalls cascade along the trail year round, with camping, biking, fishing and climbing opportunities close by.

> Plan your visit to Wallace Falls State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Puget Sound and Islands

Saint Edward State Park

The old seminary building at Saint Edward State Park. Photo by Taum Sauk.

Length: 3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Why it's great in winter: Saint Edward State Park is accessible year-round and offers a number of outdoor activities for hikers in King County. Besides its historic Saint Edward Seminary building, it contains picnic tables (reservations encouraged if you gave a gathering), play fields, mountain bike trails and a playground.
Bonus: Considering picking up a fishing permit and angling in the water!

> Plan your visit to Saint Edward State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Saltwater State Park

Water laps at a rugged shoreline with large stones and felled logs.
Saltwater State Park by jtmeow.

Length: 2 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: Varies
Why it's great in winter: Who needs blue skies and warm temperatures to have a beach day? This waterfront location is great for sea-life viewing and beachcombing.
Bonus: Enjoy the running water from nearby McSorely Creek, which bears salmon in the fall!

> Plan your visit to Saltwater State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Snoqualmie Region

Palouse to Cascades Trail

A high trestle bridge spans the gap between two mountain ridges.
Palouse to Cascades Trail by Tiffany Chou.

Length: 5.5+ miles
Elevation Gain: 1,077+ feet
Why it's great in winter: Whereas the entire Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (link) stretches 224 miles across the state, this section highlights the west side of the Cascades. It is the perfect section for hikers who want to get into the mountains but don’t want to deal with snowy passes or hazardous roads.
Bonus: Enjoy views of Mailbox Peak, old-growth trees and a few high trestle bridges. Keep an eye out for rock climbers, or enjoy lunch at the nearby picnic tables.

> Plan your visit to the Palouse to Cascades Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide

Lake Easton State Park

A trail leads through a tunnel in a hillside, beset on either end by vegetation.
Lake Easton State Park tunnel. Photo by Chris Burke.

Length: 5.2 miles, round trip
Elevation Gain: 451 feet
Why it's great in winter: This urban park is a great break from the hustle and bustle of I-90. It offers tremendous views of the lake as well as opportunities to cross country ski and snowshoe. It’s far enough east to make it less popular than many snow-sport areas closer to the Cascades, making it a great place to learn the ropes or enjoy less crowds.
Bonus: Walk right into Easton for lunch mid-hike!

> Plan your visit to Lake Easton State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Olympic Peninsula

Fort Townsend Historical State Park

A trail sign at Fort Townsend Historical State Park shares different trails and directions.
Fort Townsend Historical State Park. Photo by Bob and Barb.

Length: 6.5 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: Varies
Why it's great in winter: Break a mental sweat and learn about Townsend Historical State Park’s rich military history while visiting its saltwater shoreline. While the original Fort Townsend was built in the 1850s, the area saw its fair share of changes until the 1950s, when it officially became a state park.
Bonus: After your hike, consider checking out Fort Townsend’s “Torpedo Tower” for a glimpse back into history.

> Plan your visit to Fort Townsend Historical State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Southwest Washington

Battle Ground Lake State Park

Trees surround a forested lake. Mud encrusts the shore from where the photo was taken.
Battle Ground Lake State Park by PNW_VGN_HKR.

Length: 1 mile, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 120 feet
Why it's great in winter: Battle Ground State Park’s trails are great for families and those looking to explore its geological features. This park is sometimes referred to as a “miniature” version of Crater Lake National Park due to its deep, clear lake.
Bonus: Boat, camp or picnic at this lesser-known gem!

> Plan your visit to Battle Ground Lake State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide

Cape Disappointment State Park

A boardwalk with stairs slices through a verdant forest.
Cape Disappointment State Park by Anna Roth.

Length: 1.8 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain: 420 feet
Why it's great in winter: With big trees and a rugged coastline, Cape Disappointment State Park offers the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience! Its North Head Lighthouse is an iconic destination for Pacific-dwelling Washingtonians and is a great place to chase storms in the winter months.
Bonus: Keep an eye out for the work WTA has done in the park in recent years on your way to the lighthouse!

> Plan your visit to Cape Disappointment State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide