In a place as beautiful as the Pacific Northwest, day trips and scenic getaways aren’t limited to the warmer months. In fact, Seattle makes a perfect hub as a winter alternative for short escapes, with mountains, islands, and charming towns just a short drive away.
Whether you live in Seattle year-round or are visiting for the holidays, add one (or all five!) of these day trips to your winter plans to make the most of the season.
Day Trip 1: Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is a gem among the natural beauties of the Pacific Northwest. Just 80 miles from Seattle, you feel worlds away from the city in less than two hours.
Approach the park along the National Park Highway towards the southwest Nisqually Entrance, which is open year-round (weather permitting). This scenic drive follows the Nisqually River and serene Alder Lake through rolling hills and towering evergreen forests.
Inside, a world of adventure awaits. A challenging (but rewarding) hike will lead you to one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. Climb for 1.8 miles along Van Trump Creek through snowy forests, open meadows, and smaller waterfalls. Your path will open on Comet Falls, a 300’+ water cascade over a dramatic cliff into the steep canyon below. Bring microspikes to wear over your hiking boots for better traction in snow and ice.
Take a ranger-guided snowshoe excursion along the Edith Creek Basin. This two-hour trip offers fantastic views of the Tatoosh Range and Mount Rainier on an approachable and family-friendly route.
There’s no ski lift on Mount Rainier, but winter sports enthusiasts can go backcountry skiing and snowboarding on the mountain. Hike 4,600 vertical feet up to Camp Muir and hurtle down the open Muir Snowfield back to the visitor center. There are also higher climbs and more challenging runs for experienced thrill seekers.
After your winter excursion, warm up with a visit to the Longmire Museum. Inside the 1916 lodge, you’ll learn about the park’s early days and spot specimens of the animals and birds native to the park, like a hoary marmot and a river otter. You can also get permits here in winter when the main Wilderness Information Center is closed.
Conditions in the park can change quickly, so check the official website for daily updates on road status and possible closures!
Day Trip 2: A Snowy Day in Cle Elum
The small town of Cle Elum is a winter paradise just 84 miles from Seattle. With a charming historic downtown and panoramic mountain views, a day trip here feels like an excursion to another world.
Wrap up warm for a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride with Three Peaks Outfitters. You’ll traverse a wooded trail through the snow, accompanied by the jingle of sleigh bells. Or spend an afternoon snowshoeing the Jack Creek Road. This serene path is excellent for beginners, starting out flat before beginning a moderate incline. Breathe fresh air and enjoy the quiet among the frosted trees and open glens.
After your outdoor adventure, thaw out by the impressive stone fireplace at Swiftwater Cellars, a vineyard on the site of a former coal mine. Sip a delicate pinot noir or a robust malbec from their red wine flight with vintages made from Pacific Northwest grapes.
Before leaving town, visit Italian favorite MaMa Vallone’s Steak House & Inn. This family-owned restaurant brings Old World flavors and thick-cut prime rib to Cle Elum. They’re famous for the Bagna Cauda (“hot bath”) appetizer—an Italian hot pot of fresh veggies and meats that you’ll cook in your own cast iron skillet of olive oil, butter, garlic, and anchovy.
Day Trip 3: Embrace Christmas Magic in Leavenworth
For a day trip with an international flair, visit the charming Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth, 130 miles from Seattle.
During the holidays, the half-timbered buildings and festive Front Street Park transform into Christmastown. From late November until Christmas Eve, you can marvel at thousands of twinkling lights, listen to live holiday music at the gazebo and inspect the entries into the annual Gingerbread Contest. Sip a sweet hot cocoa while you take it all in. Plus, visit with Santa and see Santa costumes from around the world!
Shop Leavenworth’s unique German boutiques to get holiday gifts for everyone on your list. You may even bump into roaming Christmas carolers along the way. At Village Alps, pick up treats for your favorite foodie, like unusual hot sauces (CaJohn’s Wild Mushroom? Marie Sharp’s Grapefruit Pulp & Habanero?) and over 80 flavors of salt water taffy. And at Kris Kringl, browse seasonal decor and beautiful holiday ornaments. Have them personalized for a one-of-a-kind gift!
Before you leave town, visit the Nutcracker Museum. The collection houses over 9,000 nutcrackers made from wood, bone, ivory, and even gold. Look for traditional German nutcrackers, a menagerie of animals, and even pop culture pieces like R2-D2 and Yosemite Sam.
Day Trip 4: Sip and Sightsee on the Snoqualmie Falls & Winery Tour
If you want to get out of town—but don’t want to drive—the Snoqualmie Falls & Seattle Winery Tour is the answer.
Your day will start when you’re picked up from your Seattle hotel and whisked away for sips and sights just 30 minutes outside of the city. Pass over Lake Washington on the longest floating bridge in the world and head to beautiful Woodinville. Here, you’ll stop at two or three tasting rooms and wineries, including Good Ridge Estate, to sample premium wines made from their local grapes.
Next, you’ll head to Snoqualmie Falls, a magnificent 268’ waterfall. Stop by the Salish Lodge overlooking the falls—you may recognize it as a setting from David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. Or stop by the Snoqualmie Falls Gift Shop & Visitor Center to learn about the Snoqualmie Tribe and get a hot coffee to warm you up.
If there’s time, you may also stop in the town of Issaquah for a sweet, chocolaty treat like hand-dripped truffles from one of the many candy stores. Along the way, your tour guide will regale you with local history and fascinating trivia from this beautiful area.
Day Trip 5: A Ferry to Whidbey Island
Puget Sound’s Whidbey Island combines a rugged natural landscape, historic sites, and artsy coastal towns—just 35 miles from Seattle and a 15-minute ferry ride from Mukilteo. By visiting in the winter, you’ll face shorter ferry lines and fewer tourists!
At Fort Casey State Park, climb to the top of the Admiralty Head Lighthouse, an Italianate Revival-style tower built in 1903 with spectacular views across the Admiralty Inlet. Then, wander the concrete bunkers and batteries of Fort Casey, built at the turn of the 20th century. Four historic guns are still on display, including two that saw battle in the Philippines during World War II.
History buffs can also stop by the Island County Historical Museum to learn about local Native American history, early settlers, and 20th-century life. The area’s first switchboard is still preserved here—communication on the island was a challenge before cell phones and Wi-Fi! At the Langley Whale Center, you can discover local Puget Sound marine life, including orcas and gray whales. Explore interactive displays like the Ocean Listening Exhibit and get the latest news on local whale sightings.
Nearby, explore some of Langley’s creative art galleries. At Callahan’s Firehouse Studio, a historic fire station was refreshed as a glassblowing studio and gallery. Browse the colorful glass art or book a “blow-your-own-glass” experience.
Before heading back to the mainland, visit Sweet Mona’s for handmade chocolates, caramels, cookies, and fudge. Enjoy your treats right away, or bring them back with you for a sweet souvenir.
