8 Scenic Hikes to Get Everyone Outside This Winter

The skies are gray. The days are short. But adventures abound year-round in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, winter is the perfect time for families to bundle up, go outside and take a hike.

Important note: Hiking in the winter can come with some hazards. Check trail reports before you venture out and always pack the 10 essentials in your pack. Washington Trails Association offers ample resources for hikers at every level.

I’ve rounded up hikes for all ages and skill levels — ones that are only a stone’s throw away from Seattle and don’t require trudging through heavy snow. Whether you are looking for meandering trails through towering old-growth trees, babbling brooks and rushing waterfalls, or sprawling meadows and wetlands, these short and easy hikes are guaranteed to ignite your wanderlust — no long road trip required.

All it takes is the right gear and a can-do attitude to get the kids out to explore these places.

Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is one of my favorite places to go with my kids, even when its flowers aren’t in bloom. It is open year-round, and the grounds in the wintertime are perfect for little ones looking for a short hike with lots of adventure. The garden’s main attraction — the Ravine Experience — is a 150-foot suspension bridge that stretches over a ravine, hence the name. If your kids like bridges, put this destination on your list.

The Ravine Experience and Bird Loop are only a quarter-mile long, but visitors can rack up some steps by weaving through the garden and exploring other areas of interest, such as the Rock Garden or the Yao Garden. But even without the added mileage, taking part in the Find It Challenge or the children’s self-guided tour is enough to motivate even the most skeptical toddler when getting out of the house is a priority for the day.

Details: Restrooms are located near the entrance, adjacent to the store. Dogs are not allowed. The garden is open from dawn until dusk. Admission is free.

Getting there: Near bustling downtown Bellevue, the botanical garden has a large parking lot and is located at 12001 Main St.

Meadowdale Beach Park, Edmonds

This scenic stroll through the forest is one of my favorite hikes to do when I’m pressed for time but still want to get outside with my kiddos. Located just north of Seattle in Edmonds, this easy trail checks all the boxes: beautiful forests, water views and beach access.

From the parking lot, the trail descends into a beautiful, forested gulch. The hike down to the beach is (as you may have guessed) all downhill — so save some energy for the hike back up. You will descend a staircase and continue through the forest.

My kids love exploring the large tree stumps that parallel the babbling creek. Moss and ferns are abundant, lining the trail in lush greenery.

When you get to the mile mark, follow the trail across a bridge to a large open space before the tunnel that leads to the beach. There are picnic tables, restrooms and a shelter available for families.

Just on the other side of the tunnel is the beach. Pack boots, beach toys and a picnic, and spend some time combing the rocky shores. Be aware of tides and check the tide schedule before you go to ensure the best beach exploration experience for your little ones.

Details: No pass is required. The parking lot fits around 30 cars, and a toilet is available at the trailhead. The hike is around 2.5 miles and is only about 500 feet in elevation gain.

Getting there: Meadowdale Beach Park is located at 6026 156th St. S.W. in Edmonds.

Evans Creek Preserve, Redmond

Located in Redmond, Evans Creek Preserve is a wonderful place for toddlers because the routes are tame and the views are beautiful. The 213-acre park is vast, both in size and habitats to explore. With miles of walkable trails, hikers can weave their way through meadows, trudge across the boardwalks and bridges over wetlands, and hike up wooded hillsides. One of my favorite things about the park is the wayfinding signs posted throughout the preserve, reminiscent of a treasure map. They help hikers choose viewpoints and looping trails that are just the right distance, while unlocking imaginative play for kids.

Visitors can either embark on an adventure that starts with switchbacks descending through thick forests and ferns or begin with a more mellow grade through winding meadow trails, depending on which adventure you choose.

Don’t let the signs posted at the trailheads scare you off. Black bears have been seen, but you can use the signs as a reason to talk about preparedness. I like to practice with my kids what we would do if we encountered a black bear. It’s unlikely to happen, but you should always have a plan. We know not to run — and we practice getting big.

Details: The preserve has 3.5 miles of pedestrian-only trails, with 325-foot elevation gain. Restrooms are located at the trailhead.

Getting there: Evans Creek Preserve is located at 4001 224th Ave. N.E. in Redmond. The lower lot on 224th Avenue Northeast is best for lower-elevation wanderers. The upper parking area is located off Sahalee Way.

Coal Creek Trail, Bellevue

Let your child’s imagination take flight while exploring this unique natural area. Coal Creek Trail is home to historical artifacts that will bring to life the railroad and coal mining activities that once took place in the area. You can pretend to be a coal miner for a day as you hike along the large path, passing old relics along the way.

Hikers can break up the daunting 6-mile hike into smaller, more manageable pieces. Coal Creek is perfect for families with little ones in tow. The trail is steady, with minimal elevation gain. The popular out-and-back hike takes visitors through lush forests and foliage, and the creek’s rushing water makes for calming company along the trail. Some of the most beautiful vantage points on the hike include the waterfalls and wooden bridges. In the winter, the falls are gorgeous.

Details: It’s about a 5-mile hike with 500-foot elevation gain. Restrooms at the trailhead.

Getting there: The trail can be accessed from the east at the Red Town trailhead parking lot or from the west at the Coal Creek Parkway parking lot. A map is recommended when navigating the intricate trails. For a quick jaunt to North Fork Falls, start at the Cinder Mine trailhead.

Teneriffe Falls, North Bend

Teneriffe Falls is spectacular and worth the effort you’ll put in trekking up the switchbacks. This hike is considered moderate, but I promise when you get to the falls, you’ll barely feel that burn in your quads — the view is beautiful. Along the trail, you will be guided by a well-maintained trail that ambles through forests, along boulders and up, up, up (especially at the last little pitch) toward the falls.

Keep little ones close when you arrive, as the rocks can be slippery. You can either do a loop or make the trail an out-and-back, descending from the same way you came.

Details: It’s a 5.6-mile hike round trip, with around 1,500 feet in elevation gain. A Discover Pass is required to park here. Restrooms are available at the trailhead and there is ample parking in the large parking lot. Dogs on leash are allowed.

Getting there: Take I-90 toward North Bend. Take exit 32 and go to Southeast North Bend Way. You’ll go past signs for Mt. Si and Little Si trailheads, which are also popular hikes for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Twin Falls, North Bend

This hike is the farthest east, but still only about an hour away from Seattle. Just east of North Bend, Twin Falls is a great hike for families with small kids. The trail is only 2.6 miles, and the views are stupendous. We love hikes with payoffs, and this one has just that — a large, rushing waterfall that will enthrall your kiddos.

Follow the trail along the riverbank and gradually gain elevation by following a series of switchbacks to get views of the falls. You can stop at different viewpoints along the way; don’t worry if you don’t complete the trail. Once you get to the falls, you can take the steps down to the lower falls (watch your footing) or keep ascending to the wooden bridge suspended just above the falls. As you may have guessed by the name, there are multiple waterfalls to enjoy.

My kids love taking a break for food at the bridge, and throwing rocks into the river is a must when we trek on this trail. Dress accordingly, though; you will need sturdy shoes (the wood on the bridge and stairs is slippery) and layers for cold days.

Details: There are restrooms at the trailhead. A Discover Pass is required.

Getting there: Take Interstate 90 toward North Bend to exit 34. Take 468th Avenue Southeast to 159th Street and look for signs for Twin Falls Trail. The parking lot fills up quickly, so arrive early.

Grand Ridge Park, Issaquah

When exploring the many miles of trails in Grand Ridge Park, it’s easy to forget just how close to the city you are. With more than 1,100 acres of forest to explore and considerably more elevation gain than other hikes we’ve included, this one is best reserved for when you’ve got the time and energy to tackle it as a family. Once out on the trails, you will immediately be engulfed in the serenity of towering trees and lush ferns, and you will most likely encounter a few mountain bikers or horses along the multi-use trails.

The out-and-back trail features a 600-foot boardwalk across the marsh and a 40-foot bridge. It is also home to a vast array of wildlife, including owls and cougars. Like many of the hikes listed here, it can be accessed from many directions. Remember that the trail is not a loop, so plan a reasonable halfway point to turn around or you’ll be carrying the kids back to the car.

Details: There are 12 miles of trails. Restrooms are located near Duthie Hill Park and Central Park entrances.

Getting there: When we hiked Grand Ridge Park, we accessed the trails by parking at Duthie Hill Park, but the park can also be accessed from the East Fork trailhead.

Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, North Bend

Our family recently found out about this trail, and it’s become one of our favorite places to explore. The trail weaves in and out of the lush forest. Moss covers the ground like a beautiful green blanket. The path snakes alongside the river, offering calming sounds of flowing water as you snake through the trees, cross bridges, and enjoy waterfalls.

I enjoy this hike because you can hike for miles or minutes. The trail itself goes on and on, so turn back whenever little legs want to call it a day. The trail starts by crossing a large bridge across the river. It’s an enchanting way to begin, and you’re immediately transported into quiet, thick forests that feel wild. You can go right or left. Check the trail maps ahead of your outing to pick a route. There is no cell service, so I recommend downloading the map ahead of time.

Insider tip: If you hike out near North Bend, plan to stop at South Fork after you’ve spent the day adventuring. It’s our favorite restaurant in the area and is a great place for kids. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is cozy, and they have a large patio area (and sandpit) kids will enjoy.

Details: There is a bathroom at the trailhead and a large parking lot. You will find ample picnic tables at the trailhead as well, so pack a lunch and have a picnic by the river. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. 

Getting there: The trailhead is a little more than an hour-long drive from Seattle. Take I-90 toward North Bend. Get off at exit 34. Turn left onto 468th Avenue Southeast and then turn onto Middle Fork Road. You will pass lots of trailheads for other popular trails. There is also a sign that notes where you’ll lose cell reception.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in October 2023 and was updated by the writer in December 2024 with new winter hikes for Seattle-area families.