5 Best Places To Go Near Seattle In Winter
Winter is a great time to be in the PNW. The beautiful Cascade Mountains are a short car ride that is just bursting with new experiences when the snow is falling. Here a couple of winter adventure that are waiting for you around Seattle when you get tired to sitting in front of fire.
1. Stevens Pass
If you are snowboarder, skier, or professional lodge lounger this is the playground for you. Not only is the pass just a couple hours away from Seattle, the slopes are dappled with trials, freestyle terrain, and a giant lodge for those of you looking to stay indoors when in the mountains. Stevens pass offers snowboarding and skiing if you are looking with great beginner slopes for those not looking to shred quiet yet.
2. Leavenworth
This town was built for the snow. Literally, there are so many activities that you can find in Leavenworth, from sleigh rides to snowmobile rentals. The town is built to resemble the Bavarian style, which will make you feel like you are wandering a small German village. This will probably have you craving a good pint of beer, which you are in luck because there are so many local breweries that are just begging for you to try them out. Make sure to check out all the festivals happening in the small town, from Marlin Handbell Ringers (yeah, they play the handbells) to the inner tubing. You will never be bored if you are doing Leavenworth right.
3. Snowshoeing
Grab yours off the shelf or go to a local sports store and see if you can’t grab some snowshoes. This is one of the best winter activities because it lets you enjoy the winter wonderland that is all around you as well as giving you an awesome work out. Remember the dress in easy to take off layers and bring something warm in a thermos. There are so many hikes to choose from around the seattle area, but the Wenatchee Crest trail is great for all level of snowshoers with a 6 mile round trip trail. This trail is farther away from Seattle then some, but make a day of it and enjoy the great winter scenery and wildlife.
4. Dog Sledding
Yeah, you thought that was only in the dark tundra of Alaska, hu? Outside of Cle Elum is Northwest Dogsled Adventures. Your team of dogs will take you up on Fish lake and Lake Wenatchee trail head and deep into the wintry forests for an hour long ride. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time and early in the season, cause they fill up fast. If you wanna mix it up and have an adventure of a lifetime and get in touch with your inner musher, check these guys out!
5. Snowflake Lane
Right across the bridge from Seattle, Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane does not mess around when it comes to the child wonderment of winterland. With a nightly parade starting from November to Christmas, you can wander up the lane and enjoy the characters and Christmas decoration. Don’t forget to check out their Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the 23 of November. This will get you right in the mood for the Holidays!
