Feeling the winter Pacific Northwest blues? Well, it’s time to shake off that rainy season fog and enjoy some fabulous winter activities. The coastal beaches, mountains and islands of the Pacific Coast are some of the best places to explore and have fun— yes, even in the winter. So grab your whole family and pick an adventure below that’s fun for everyone!
1. Mountain Bike & Hike on Orcas Island
Even in winter, the quaint towns and stunning state parks of the San Juan Islands make fantastic destinations for day and weekend adventures. Check out Moran State Park on Orcas Island, where (only in the winter) you can mountain bike the wide, weaving trails through an old-growth cedar forest. If hiking is more your speed, the four-mile trail around Mountain Lake is a tranquil way to spend a morning.
2. Bring the kids sledding at Mount Baker
Looking for a kid-friendly winter snow adventure that doesn’t break the bank? Make the drive up to Mount Baker for some epic sledding in fresh powder. Take Mount Baker Highway towards Mt. Baker Ski Area and, the higher you climb, the more places there are to play in the snow! One of the most popular sledding destinations is at Picture Lake. A spectacular spot to see mountain reflections in the summer, it turns into a haven for kiddos in the winter months. And don’t forget to end the day with a well-deserved cup of hot chocolate (or two) at the ski area lodge.
3. Enjoy winter storms on San Juan Island
Aside from the stunning historic lighthouse, a key characteristic of Lime Kiln Point State Park is the jagged rocky coastline which, in the winter, features large, high-spraying waves. Enjoy an incredible view of winter weather against the backdrop of the Haro Strait or take a walk through the beautiful surrounding woodlands. The park is widely considered to be a world-class whale watching spot, so make sure to keep your eyes on the horizon for a chance to see a beautiful southern resident killer whale.
4. Take a guided walk at the Bald Eagle Interpretive Center
Though the Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center itself is closed due to the pandemic in 2021, they are still offering guided nature walks through the valley. Located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, the center is in an ideal location to educate visitors on the Skagit River ecosystem, specifically the winter migration patterns of eagles and salmon. Guided walks are currently taking place on Saturdays and Sundays, and are limited to 5 people. Sign up today at skagiteagle.org.
