Winter Wildlife Hikes
Lots of animals hunker down for hibernation during the winter months, including humans! Late sunrise and early sunsets can make it hard to get out of your own den, but with fewer leaves on trees and shrubs, you may stand a chance of seeing more wildlife in winter than in summer. So get outside, stretch your legs and get your blood pumping in search of some wonderful Washington wildlife. We've got a list of good starting spots for wildlife visible in the skies and snow.
Heading out in winter has some special considerations:
- Those early sunsets and cold winter temperatures require a few extra essentials in your bag, and a few other things to stay safe on trail.
- And, while it can be tempting to get up close and personal with the cute creatures you find on trail, it is very important to give wild animals their space, and never feed them. Instead, snap some pictures of your memorable wildlife encounter using these useful tips.
Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary
Location: Puget Sound and Islands — Seattle-Tacoma Area
Mileage: 2.0 miles of trail
Elevation Gain: minimal
Enjoy natural beauty without going too far at the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary. Photo by Surviving Urban.
For a short and sweet winter nature hike in the city of Everett, check out the Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary. The Boardwalk Trail will take you right through the sanctuary itself. Keep an eye out for birds, their nests, and even trees that have been downed by beavers to make their dams.
> Plan your trip to Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary using WTA's Hiking Guide
Sequalitchew Creek
Location: Puget Sound and Islands — Seattle-Tacoma Area
Mileage: 2.0 miles of trail
Elevation Gain: minimal
Enjoy both the beach and the forest on the Sequalitchew Creek trial. Photo by Bobbi Jean.
Take a sweet city hike on the Sequalitchew Creek trail in DuPont. The lovely forested trail takes you to a stunning pebbled beach complete with old wooden rail lines. This short jaunt is an excellent way to stretch your legs and see some wildlife this winter.
> Plan your trip to Sequalitchew Creek using WTA's Hiking Guide
wElts-Samish Restoration Site
Location: Puget Sound and Islands — Bellingham Area
Mileage: 0.75 miles, weather dependent
Elevation Gain: 30 feet
The evening waterfowl feeding flights are an exclusive winter experience at the Welts-Samish Restoration Site. Photo by Mukul Soman.
Discover for yourself why the Welts-Samish Restoration Site is considered one of the best places in the Northwest to see shorebirds, falcons and short-eared owls. Known by bird-enthusiasts as “the West 90,” this restoration site is a popular place to see raptors in the Samish Flats. While fantastic all year round, visiting the site in the winter provides the unique opportunity to see the remarkable evening waterfowl feeding flights.
> Plan your trip to Welts-Samish Restoration Site using WTA's Hiking Guide
Indian Island county Park
Location: Olympic Peninsula — Hood Canal
Mileage: 3.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 70 feet
Take a winter walk on the beach at the Indian Island County Park. Photo by Lucy.
While summer is the typical time to go to the beach, visiting the coastline during the winter season can make for a fun adventure without the crowds! Take a walk during low tide at the Indian Island County Park, keeping an eye out for jellyfish or other marine wildlife.
Be sure to keep your eye on the sky as well. A wide variety of bird species, like heron, kingfisher, pintails and more, call the beach home. There are special considerations for taking kids tidepooling. Read up before you go!
> Plan your trip to Indian Island County Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Leadbetter Point State Park - Dune Forest Loop
Location: Southwest Washington — Long Beach Area
Mileage: 2.9 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 60 feet
Both bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy Leadbetter Point State Park. Photo by Jon Stier.
Leadbetter Point State Park is a delightful natural area full of winter opportunities to see some incredible wildlife. You'll enjoy a variety of landscapes, and might even spot river otters or blue herons on the 2.9 mile Dune Forest Loop. A visit to the Martha Jordan Birding Trail is a terrific way to extend your trip and do some winter bird watching.
> Plan your trip to Leadbetter Point State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Meadowbrook Farm
Location: Snoqualmie Region — North Bend Area
Mileage: 1.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Plan an exciting winter adventure at the Meadowbrook Farm Interpretive Center and loop trails. Photo by schemerica79.
Have some fun outside with the kids at Meadowbrook Farm! With its variety of loop trails and Interpretive Center, Meadowbrook Farm is perfect for a quick visit or full day adventure.
The 1.5 mile roundtrip trail from the Interpretive Center to Centennial Field Park is a stroller friendly option, so little ones can enjoy the fresh air too. Find views of Mount Si, winter birds and maybe even a few elk at this charming winter destination.
> Plan your trip to Meadowbrook Farm using WTA's Hiking Guide
Longmire to Cougar Rock Campground Snowshoe
Location: Mount Rainier Area — SW - Longmire/Paradise
Mileage: 7.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet
The Longmire to Cougar Rock Campground Snowshoe is a great way to experience the Wonderland Trail in a different way. Photo by Wendy W.
Enjoy the Wonderland Trail in a new way this winter with the Longmire to Cougar Rock Campground Snowshoe. This moderate snowshoeing experience is relatively safe, but it is always a good idea to lookout for signs of avalanche danger. Observant visitors may be able to spot a few animals or find their tracks in the fresh snow, as the woods are home to deer and other winter wildlife.
> Plan your trip to Longmire to Cougar Rock using WTA's Hiking Guide
Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trail
Location: Central Washington — Potholes Region
Mileage: 3.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Look for elk and wildlife track at on the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trail. Photo by Loren Drummond.
Experience both flora and fauna on the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trail. This short, paved trail is full of fascinating mineralized specimens. During the winter months, elk and wildlife tracks can be found at this unique location.
> Plan your trip to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Whistler Canyon Trail
Location: Eastern Washington — Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range
Mileage: 24 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3000 feet
Bighorn sheep can be found along Whistler Canyon Trail in the winter. Photo by staziemom.
With a roundtrip of up to 24 miles to explore, the Whistler Canyon Trail is perfect for a long or short winter hike. Mule deer, mountain goats and other wildlife have all been spotted from the Whistler Canyon Trail. During the winter, bighorn sheep have even been seen in the area.
> Plan your trip to the Whistler Canyon Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Iller Creek
Location: Eastern Washington — Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
Mileage: 5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Be prepared for snow, ice and a rewarding experience on the Iller Creek trail. Photo by Koranul.
Bring sturdy shoes with strong traction to the Iller Creek trail. This hike can be slippery and a little trickier to navigate in the winter. However, those who choose to give it a try could be treated to some marvelous wildlife viewing. Moose activity has been reported on this trail during the winter months.
> Plan your trip to Iller Creek using WTA's Hiking Guide
Beaver Loop
Location: North Cascades — Methow/Sawtooth
Mileage: 1.65 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: none
Beaver Loop provides a tranquil winter experience. Photo by austineats.
Warm drinks and draft beers are only five miles down the road from Beaver Loop, so warming up after a day in the snow is a breeze. Footprints and other evidence of beavers can be found along the Early Winters Creek. This quiet trail has no elevation gain and snowshoe markers along the way make it easier to follow the path.
> Plan your trip to Beaver Loop using WTA's Hiking Guide
BEebe Creek Wildlife Area
Location: Central Cascades — Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
Mileage: 2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Evidence of beaver activity, like felled trees and tracks, can be found at the Beebe Creek Wildlife Area. Photo by austineats.
Birds, beavers, bighorn sheep, raccoons and more have all been spotted at the Beebe Creek Wildlife Area. The ADA-accessible trail has benches along the way so visitors can pause to watch migrating birds. In the winter, keep an eye out for tracks and other evidence of animal activity along the way.
> Plan your trip to Beebe Creek Wildlife Area using WTA's Hiking Guide
Tieton River Meadows Snowshoe
Location: South Cascades — Goat Rocks
Mileage: 10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Try snowshoeing and search for wildlife on the Tieton River Meadows Snowshoe. Photo by mytho-man.
Snowshoeing is a fabulous way to get yourself outside during the sleepy winter season. The Tieton River Meadows Snowshoe fun for the whole family, as it is an easier snowshoe experience and even allows leashed dogs. Those new to snowshoeing can choose from a variety of loops in the area to fit their comfort level. Elk, martens, foxes and other wildlife can all be spotted in this area, so be sure to bring a camera along with plenty of layers to keep you warm.
> Plan your trip to Tieton River Meadows using WTA's Hiking Guide
Seaquest State Park - Silver Lake
Location: South Cascades — Mount St. Helens
Mileage: 3.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
The flat trail and boardwalk at Seaquest State Park – Silver Lake are ADA-accessible. Photo by Bob and Barb.
There is lots to see and explore in the winter at the Seaquest State Park. The barrier-free loop trail consists of a boardwalk and raised trail through Silver Lake. The graveled trail is almost completely flat, so it is great for wheelchairs and strollers. Even during winter, plenty of wildlife can be spotted from the trail at the Seaquest State Park.
> Plan your trip to Seaquest State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide