If you’re looking for snow near Seattle this winter, you don’t have to travel far. While the city rarely sees heavy snowfall, the nearby Cascade Mountains offer plenty of snowy landscapes just a short drive away. Within about two hours, you’ll find popular ski areas and snow-play destinations perfect for quick winter day trips, scenic views, and outdoor adventures.
Below are 10 of the best places to see snow near Seattle, whether you want to sled, snowshoe, ski, or simply enjoy a winter wonderland.
1. Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass
Distance from Seattle: ~50 minutes
One of the easiest places to find snow near Seattle is Snoqualmie Pass. Located along Interstate 90, it’s a favorite winter destination for locals because of its accessibility and variety of snow activities.
Here you’ll find snowshoe trails, sledding hills, and ski slopes, including the popular The Summit at Snoqualmie. The resort is only about 50 miles from downtown Seattle and offers terrain for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
2. Mount Rainier National Park
Distance from Seattle: ~2 hours
This iconic national park transforms into a winter paradise during snowy months. Areas like Paradise and Sunrise often receive heavy snowfall, making them ideal for snowshoeing, sledding, and winter photography.
The park also offers designated snow-play areas and winter recreation trails managed by the National Park Service.
3. Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain Resort
Distance from Seattle: ~2 hours
Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington, offering more than 2,600 acres of ski terrain and incredible views of Mount Rainier.
Even if you’re not skiing, the scenic gondola ride provides breathtaking winter views of the surrounding peaks.
4. Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass
Distance from Seattle: ~1.5–2 hours
Located along Highway 2, Stevens Pass is another fantastic destination for snow lovers. The resort is known for consistent snowfall and a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
It’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and even night skiing during peak winter season.
5. Leavenworth
Leavenworth
Distance from Seattle: ~2 hours
This Bavarian-style village is magical in winter. Snow blankets the surrounding mountains, creating postcard-worthy scenery.
Nearby parks offer snowshoeing, tubing, and cross-country skiing, while the town itself hosts winter festivals and cozy cafés.
6. Gold Creek Pond
Gold Creek Pond
Distance from Seattle: ~1 hour
Gold Creek Pond is one of the most scenic winter walks near Snoqualmie Pass. The flat loop trail around a mountain lake makes it ideal for beginners trying snowshoeing.
Expect beautiful reflections of snowy peaks and quiet forest views.
7. Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls
Distance from Seattle: ~1 hour
This short hike leads to a 135-foot waterfall surrounded by snow-covered forest in winter. The trail is relatively easy, making it a great choice for first-time snow hikers.
8. Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls
Distance from Seattle: ~40 minutes
One of Washington’s most famous natural attractions, Snoqualmie Falls drops about 268 feet and attracts more than a million visitors each year.
During winter, snow and mist create dramatic views that are perfect for photography.
9. Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Distance from Seattle: ~2 hours
Located near Leavenworth, this park is a popular snow-play destination with tubing hills, snowshoe trails, and cross-country skiing routes.
10. Big Four Mountain Ice Caves Area
Big Four Mountain
Distance from Seattle: ~1.5 hours
Located along the scenic Mountain Loop Highway, Big Four Mountain is known for its dramatic snowy slopes and avalanche-formed snowfields that can linger well into summer.
It’s a stunning winter destination for photography and scenic hikes.
