It’s tempting to cozy up at home and hibernate all winter… but if you do that, you’ll miss out on some serious seasonal beauty here in Washington. The Evergreen State looks amazing sitting dusted with snow under the glow of the winter sun. Here are some of our favorite destinations for winter recreation in Washington; we challenge you to visit as many of these winter destinations in Washington state before spring and see for yourself!

1. Leavenworth
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Visit Leavenworth WA Facebook
We all know that our favorite Bavarian village in Washington is especially incredible during winter. But most people don't know that the beautiful holiday lights stay up until Valentine's Day, meaning you don't have to brave the tree lighting crowds to see them.
2. ZooLights, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407, USA
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Facebook
This is truly the most wonderful time of the year at Tacoma's zoo, when ZooLights illuminates the night through New Year's Day. There are several amazing light shows in Washington, but this one is an absolute must-see. No worries if you miss the event; this winter attraction in WA is amazing to visit all winter long, and you'll probably see some cold-weather creatures, too!
3. Palouse Falls
Palouse Falls, Washington 99143, USA
Richard "Dick" Morgan / Flickr
If you've ever seen this beautiful waterfall in the winter, you know how amazing it looks in its frozen state. Palouse Falls is a place that was made for winter recreation in Washington!
4. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Mead
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021, USA
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park Facebook
Even if you're not into skiing, the out-of-this-world snow tubing hill in Washington here makes this park well worth visiting! Bundle up!

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5. Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan, Washington, USA
Lake Chelan Winterfest Facebook
Washington's most popular lakeside town is as gorgeous in the wintertime as it is in the summer; in our opinion, it's the very best winter town in Washington! Come see why we fell in love with it... once you get here, it's pretty obvious.
6. Beacon Rock State Park
Beacon Rock Trail, Washington 98648, USA
Lindsay Reynolds / alltrails.com
We've previously mentioned that this is one of the best places to go for a Washington winter hike. When cabin fever kicks in, just bundle up and head to the Columbia River Gorge for the most breathtaking winter scenery ever!
7. Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue
Bellevue Botanical Garden Trails, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA
Garden d'Lights Facebook
Every year, the Bellevue Botanical Garden hosts this dazzling display of over half a million lights. If you miss out on the holiday fun, don't despair; Bellevue Botanical Garden is an amazing place to visit all year long - and admission is always free!
8. The Methow Valley
Methow River, Washington 98846, USA
jaisril / Flickr
The Methow Valley isn't the easiest place to reach in the wintertime thanks to unpredictable weather and road closures. But if you make it, you'll be amazed by how serene and beautiful everything looks! Plus, you'll probably be one of the only folks there.

We love the way Washington celebrates winter. But now we want to hear from you: what’s your favorite winter recreation in Washington? Did we miss it on the list? If so, be sure to nominate your favorite spots to be featured in an upcoming Only In Washington article!

And while you’re in the mood for all things snow and cold, plan a fun day trip to one of these charming small towns in Washington that become winter wonderlands each year!

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More to Explore

Winter Destinations in Washington State

Sarah | November 23, 2022
  1. What are some bucket list winter destinations in Washington state?  

There are numerous wonderful options when it comes to bucket list winter destinations in Washington state, including gems like:  

 

2. Where should I go for my Washington winter vacation? 

Planning a Washington winter vacation? There are loads of amazing places to consider when planning a winter vacation in Washington state, like:  

 

3. What are some fun things to do in WA during the winter?  

We've all done bumper cars, and gone ice skating, but have you ever tried ice bumper cars? Washington’s Ice Bumper Cars are one of the most delightful wintertime activities in Washington, and you won’t want to miss this exhilarating activity -- especially with the addition of Ice Lights! This activity is for both children and kids at heart, and you'll see people of all ages enjoying them. You'll be able to simply roll around the ice using the two joysticks on either side, competitively bump into each other, or you can add a ball and some hockey nets and host a game on the ice. This is easily the most fun you'll have all winter here in Washington!

 

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