Coming up to the Cascades during the cold months? You’re in luck! We thrive in the snow up here, and the mountains are the place to be during fresh snowfall. With options of winter sports, cozy relaxation, exploration, and activities in-between, you’ll never have a dull moment during your stay near Stevens Pass!
Sports
If you’re looking to get active during your getaway, you’ll want to make your way up to Stevens Pass. With cabins as close as 15 minutes away but nestled in the lowlands, a drive up to the Pass will be snowy and best tackled with an AWD/4WD vehicle prepared with backup chains… just in case!
Skiing: There are hills for all skill levels – experts and beginners alike can find areas fit best for them on the map posted both onsite and online. The Pass also offers night skiing and classes, if you’re lucky enough to get in before enrollment closes!
Snowboarding: Stevens Pass is best known for their snowboarding! Don’t forget to get your Epic Pass on the Stevens Pass site to enjoy the slopes. Hours of operation for the snowboarding areas can be found online. If you’re needing rentals or new gear, check out the Stevens Pass Snowboard Shop, just a block from the Tree Line Rentals office in Gold Bar!
Sledding: The Nordic Center at Stevens Pass welcomes sledding this season! Groomed hills will offer opportunity for sledding and snow play near the Pass. The Nordic Center sledding and snow play hills are completely free, with free parking as well! Perfect for kids, families, and those looking for a lower-octane activity in the snowy wonderland. All hikes below can be found on the Washington Trails Association site with plenty more information, trail reports, and weather reports.
Exploration
Snow doesn’t mean we shut down the wilds out here! There are plenty of options for winter hikes and ventures into the wilderness for all skill levels. Below we’ve detailed a few choice winter hikes and snowshoeing opportunities… and some additional activities!
Heybrook Ridge: An easy hike in the summertime becomes a moderate workout in the winter at Heybrook Ridge. Take kids and on-leash dogs along for the 3+ mile hike with beautiful views of Bridal Veil Falls, Mt. Index, and the whole of Skykomish Valley.
Skyline Lake: During winter snowfall, Skyline Lake will be steep, but short. The hike is only 3 miles, but is recommended for snowshoers with experience hiking winter trails. After the trek, you’ll be rewarded with views of alpine lakes and the wilderness surrounding Stevens Pass.
Lake Valhalla – Winter route: With nearly 13 miles of trail and 4800 feet at the peak elevation, Lake Valhalla in the winter is a beast for snowshoers to conquer.
Scenic Hot Springs: These difficult to get to hot springs are for the more adventurous and hardy of the bunch. Past Skykomish, there is a off-trail hike leading up the mountains to three reservable hot spring soaking tubs. Though the hike may be testing, the reward is a soak in a tub with the best view of the valley possible. Reserve a time through the link above with a $10 per person donation.
Relaxation
When looking for lodging in the wintertime, you’ll want something cozy, accessible, clean, and with all the right amenities. Maybe a family member or friend needs to work from home, the furbabies are coming along on vacation, or you’d just really like to be close to the Pass without giving up the luxuries of home! Whatever your needs (and budget) may be, we’ll have the perfect cabin to complete your ski-cation.
Wild Cascadia: This brand new cabin is fitted with modern amenities and is perfect for staying in and enjoying the snowfall from the hot tub or strapping on skis and heading 15 minutes up to Stevens Pass. A wood stove in the living room and central heating throughout will keep you warm, while a fully-stocked kitchen will ensure meals are as filling and fitted to your taste as you’d desire. And for those who can’t get away from work – they’ll enjoy high-speed connection with Starlink!
Mountain Play Chalet: Just down the road from the ski hill, a little A-Frame with plenty of character will welcome you warmly! Though the cabin has central heating, the wood stove will provide a fun activity and plenty of rustic warmth to a snowy night. Unwind after a day of hitting the slopes in the cute hot tub steps from the covered porch. Stream your favorite services or work remotely with high-speed Ziply fiber throughout the cabin!
Hadley’s Hideaway: Right in the heart of Skykomish, Hadley’s Hideaway is the ideal spot for pet lovers at the Pass! A fenced yard will make your furry friends happy while the covered hot tub in the backyard will please the people of the party. This cozy home greets small groups with a warm wood stove and plenty of character inside the home, and is easily kept to the desired temperature with additional wall heaters. A movie marathon or office work are easily tackled with high-speed Ziply fiber. And, with such close proximity, you can enjoy a stroll around historic Skykomish, grab a bite to eat, and marvel at the mountains while being just minutes to your own cabin!
Onemish Lodge: If you’re looking to house a large group, this lodge in the middle of Skykomish is perfect. Cozy, historical, and within walking distance to everything Skykomish has to offer – and only 15 minutes from the Pass. If time off work isn’t possible, high-speed Ziply Fiber is installed and separate rooms make a quiet workday easy. Lounge in the hot tub after a long day and still be only steps to your private lodge, hosting up to 15!
In-between
Not everyone wants a day on the slopes, or maybe you just need a break from the shred – some wintertime vacationers would like to find other activities to fill their holidays away from home, and we get that! Not to worry, the Central Cascades have other options that are family friendly, fun, or might just be the perfect choice to round out a getaway.
Leavenworth: An hour east over Stevens Pass lies the historic, whimsical town of Leavenworth. Enjoy unique shopping (including a year-round Christmas store), German-inspired dining, festive lighting, and winery/cider house tours. This is the perfect day trip for those who enjoy scenic drives and all things Bavaria!
Espresso Chalet: Views of Bridal Veil Falls and the Skykomish Valley can be seen from the viewing platform of this Sasquatch-themed coffee stand alongside Highway 2. Slightly east of Index, you can pick up some coffee and a snack while stretching your legs. For those movie buffs – this sweet spot was a filming location for the 1987 film “Harry and the Hendersons”!
North Fork Kitchen: A new spot located in the restored Bush House Inn in the little town of Index, this restaurant has drinks and finer dining combined in a peaceful atmosphere. Late brunch and early dinner are their specialties.
Whistling Post Saloon: Within walking distance of our Skykomish properties and just 15 minutes down the west side of the ski hill, the Whistling Post Saloon is a great place for 21+ to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat to unwind. A cozy atmosphere and friendly service rounds out the whole experience.
If you’re coming out to the Central Cascades, you’ll want to make the most of your trip. Whatever that means for you, there’s plenty of options to patchwork the ideal winter getaway in this list and beyond. And of course – we’re always happy to help you plan the perfect vacation!