Looking to get outside? Here are the best winter hikes within an hour of Tacoma
As someone who moved to Tacoma in December, I don’t want to wait until the warmer months to put on my hiking shoes and explore our beautiful state.
Luckily, there seems to be a good number of hikes that are easily accessible during the winter.
I chatted with Joe Gonzalez, senior communications and marketing coordinator at the Washington Trails Association, and he gave me a few different places to check out.
Woodard Bay Conservation Area
- Runs through Olympia
- Directions to trailheads: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/woodard-bay-conservation-area
Woodard Bay has 3.5 miles of trails, and Gonzalez recommends the Loop Trail and the Overlook Trail.
Gonzalez said the Loop Trail “gives you just a little bit of everything in the park.” It might have some downed trees or brush this time of year though, given the rain and wind.
It’s also a good time of year to explore the Overlook Trail, since it’s closed during the spring and summer to protect nesting double-crested cormorants and great blue herons.
During your time at Woodard Bay, you might see bats and harbor seals. To protect the wildlife, dogs and bikes aren’t allowed on the trails.
Note that Woodard Bay requires visitors to have a Discover Pass, which is $10 per car for a day pass or $45 for an annual pass. You can buy Discover Passes online, by phone or in-person.
Little Mashel Falls
- Runs through Eatonville
- Directions to trailheads: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-mashel-falls
Despite the name, Little Mashel Falls is anything but little. Gonzalez recommends the Bud Blanchard Trail, spanning around 4.5 miles with views of towering waterfalls. The tallest waterfall plunges 90 feet, according to Gonzalez.
The trail is about 50 minutes away from Tacoma and has “more of a wilderness-y vibe,” Gonzalez said.
Since there’s a lot of water involved on the trail, Gonzalez said to make sure you dress appropriately in layers, with an insulating layer and hard-shell gear overtop.
Since Little Mashel Falls is near Mount Rainier, Gonzalez said you might encounter snow, so it’s a good idea to check avalanche conditions and snow depth, the latter of which is available on WTA’s online trail maps.
Scott Pierson Trail
- Runs through Gig Harbor and Tacoma
- Directions to trailheads: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/scott-pierson-trail
This paved trail spans 6.5 miles through a more urban area, running from 24th Street Northwest in Gig Harbor, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and into the Hilltop Neighborhood of Tacoma.
While this trail comes with a bit more traffic noise, the highlight is the view from the bridge. You can see Vashon Island, Fox Island, Ketron Island and Anderson Island, according to the WTA.
You can also catch lots of great wildlife on the trail, Gonzalez said, especially different types of birds, like bald eagles and ospreys.
There’s also a chance of spotting seals, sea lions or even whales in Puget Sound, Gonzalez said.
Sequalitchew Creek Trail
- Runs through DuPont
- Directions to trailheads: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dupont-sequalitchew-creek
This trail is 3 miles round trip and goes through the middle of DuPont, starting at the City Hall parking lot.
It’s a mix of urban and forest environments, and Gonzalez said it’s great for families, especially because kids can explore a pebbled beach at the end of the trail.
This trail also might have a few downed trees or brush because of recent rain and wind, Gonzalez said.
Things to know when hiking in winter
In the winter, Gonzalez said, it’s always a good idea to check the weather before you head out and always dress in layers.
In general, make sure to have a back-up plan, tell people where you’re headed that day and to know when to turn back.
“Don’t let your ego get ahead of you,” Gonzalez said.
This story was originally published February 7, 2026 at 5:00 AM.