Although most people think of visiting the Pacific Northwest during the summertime for the gorgeous weather, there are some of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. From gorgeous mountain retreats to stunning cities full of Holiday cheer, you will not be sorry if you visit the area in the wintertime.
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Best Winter Destinations in the Pacific Northwest: Idaho
Boise, Idaho
Boise is one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. You will want to spend at least two days in Boise to take in the area. To get to Boise, you can fly into the main airport from most places in the United States.
During the wintertime, I would definitely recommend getting a rental car to get around so you can enjoy all of the winter activities. With a rental car, staying at the Springhill Suites Boise Park Center is a good option.
If you do not want to rent a car, the best place to stay is in Downtown Boise at the Hyatt Place Boise Downtown, the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown, or the Residence Inn Downtown.
Boise has a ton of fun things to do such as wine tasting, visiting the capital building, stopping at a museum like the Idaho State Museum, and checking out all of the murals in the area. Make sure not to miss eating at Bacon and trying out all of their delicious bacon flavors.
Visiting Boise in the winter is the best due to all of the winter sports you can partake in. I highly recommend spending time at Bogus Basin. Here you can ski and snowboard throughout the 82 different runs. Visitors can also snow tube, go nordic skiing, or snowshoeing. All of the activities are affordable.
Boise is a pretty affordable city. We spend three days and it cost about $300 per person, so it makes for a fun winter getaway!
McCall, Idaho
By CS Giner
McCall, Idaho is a hidden gem nestled in the Idaho backwoods. It is known to many Idaho residents and locals and is one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. You will need to get to McCall by driving about two hours north of Boise, Idaho, but the drive is worth it.
As you wind through the Idaho forest along the Payette River, you will find McCall, Idaho. When visiting McCall, you will want to spend about five days in the area to take advantage of what McCall has to offer.
During the winter, you will certainly enjoy the multiple ski resorts in the area. The Brundage Mountain Ski Resort is close to town, and it is a great backwoods ski area. Another great resort not too far from McCall, Idaho, is the Tamarack Ski Resort in Donnely, Idaho.
There are also lots of other great winter activities in McCall like visiting the local hot springs, sledding, snowmobiling, and visiting the annual McCall Winter Carnival.
McCall is small enough that it will not break the bank to visit. Hotel McCall is a great hotel in the heart of town, close to shopping, parks, beach, and the marina. You can stay for less than $300 a night in a condo with amenities like a full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
Unless you are flying into McCall and staying at one of the ski resorts, you will want a car to get around. It is a pretty small town but the ski resorts and other winter activities are outside of the downtown area.
McCall, Idaho has a wonderful backwoods feel in one of Idaho’s finest hidden gems, widely known to Idaho natives and new transplants.
Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
By Anwar of Beyond My Door
While Craters of the Moon National Monument is usually visited in the summer, it turns into a completely different feel during the winter months thus making it one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
The park is open during the winter, however, most of the roads through the park are actually closed, so for access to the park, you’ll have to go by alternative means or with a guided tour. The park is closed to motorized vehicles and instead open to folks traveling by snowshoe, cross country, telemark skiing, or even walking. They even set up the roads to differentiate where to go for each of the activities. They pack down part of the trail for those walking since the snow can be incredibly deep during winter as well.
Many folks will actually cross country ski throughout the park to the various different normal sites in the park such as devils orchard, splatter cones, and inferno cone. Visitors can even hike up many of the volcanic features of the park and ski back down, and trails along the snow are visible along the craters.
Even if you do not plan to ski, walking around the park is wonderful. The contrast of the black volcanic rock with fresh snowfalls is a unique experience that is viewable in a few places. If you want to go further, the Craters of the Moon bookstore does have snowshoes available to borrow (supplies limited).
The only hotels close to Craters of the Moon are in the town of Arco which range from $70-100. Camping in the park is free in winter, but there are no services or access for vehicles.
Tamarack, Idaho
By Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child
One of the most memorable winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest is Tamarack Resort in Tamarack, Idaho. Located over two hours north of Idaho’s capital city, Boise, Tamarack boasts 2,800 feet of vertical on 2,000 mountain acres for skiers and snowboarders alike. There are also a lot of Nordic and snowshoe trails to enjoy!
Tamarack Resort is a mid-budget winter destination and it is recommended that you spend at least three nights, four days, or more. The best way to get to Tamarack from Boise is by renting a car and driving to the resort. It’s best that you rent a vehicle with all-wheel drive or an SUV in the event there is snow and ice on the road. The roads are also narrow on the way to Tamarack!
During a winter ski trip to Tamarack Resort in Idaho, you must stay at the Lodge at Osprey Meadows, which is steps away from the slopes. At this cozy mountain lodge, you can enjoy the onsite spa, hot tub, sauna, fire pits, and fireplaces. Tamarack also boasts The Village, which are ski-in/ski-out chalet-style townhomes for you to reserve.
In addition to memorable winter activities, you can also enjoy great dining and shopping at The Village at Tamarack Resort. The best restaurant to eat at is The Reserve. You can savor everything from local fish to meats and pasta to sandwiches. There is also a convenience store, diner, taqueria, and pizza place to enjoy at the resort! In addition, have a blast making memories during après ski at the Biergarten.
Best Winter Destinations in the Pacific Northwest: Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon is a fun place to visit any time of the year, and one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. If you have the time, you can easily spend a week visiting all the sites in the area, but two to three days in Portland will get you to all the top sites.
Depending on what you want to do, a car may or may not be needed. I always like to get one as it is easier to get around, especially if you want to go wine tasting in the Willamette Valley and explore sites around Portland.
I always recommend staying in the Downtown area as it is convenient to a lot of really awesome cheap things to do in Portland. The Hilton Portland Downtown and the Moxy Portland Downtown are two good options.
One of the best things to do in Portland in the wintertime is to go on a food tour. Not only will you get to try a ton of different delicious food places, but it is also a good way to stay warm inside. The Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society Museum, and Powells Bookstore are other great indoor places to visit.
Make sure not to miss some of the best bars and distilleries in Portland such as the Multnomah Whiskey Library. You can easily spend about $300 per person for a weekend in Portland, making it a super affordable winter destination.
Bend, Oregon
By Nina and Garrett of Oregon is for Adventure
There are so many incredible things to do in Bend, no matter the time of the year you visit. You can go chasing waterfalls, float down the river, hike on hundreds of trails, or catch one of the many events.
Don’t worry, when winter rolls in the town are still just as lively. There are also some winter events and, of course, mountains to play on too thus making it one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
The Cascades run through here and are only about 30 minutes from town. You can go snow-shoeing, take on the slopes at Mount Bachelor or tackle cross-country trails at Hoodoo.
Visitors can stay a few days or a few weeks. There’s no shortage of activities. While it’s best to have a car to get around, in winter, there’s a shuttle from Bend to Mount Bachelor you can hitch a ride with.
Staying in Bend is going to be the most convenient area. You may want to try out the LOGE, it’s a really cute spot with a great location close to town but on the way to the mountain.
Overall you will need to bust out the wallet for a trip to Bend in winter. Doing most of the mountain activities will cost you as you will need access to the lift but there’s still plenty to do if you want to keep the costs down.
Mount Bachelor does have a free snowshoeing tour and you can grab some of your own gear and hop around some of the trails for some winter fun. If you avoid taking the lifts at Bachelor, you can keep costs down a lot more.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
By Jessica of Uprooted Traveller
While most people think of the Oregon Coast as a summer destination, it can be just as magical- if not more so- in the wintertime. Thanks to its location on the coastline, Cannon Beach enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the winter and, while it tends to be a bit more cloudy, this makes its craggy sea stacks and lush coastal forests look that much more dramatic.
Cannon Beach is located an hour and a half northwest of Portland. While you can get here via bus, it is much easier to get around the town and the surrounding coastline if you have a car or take a guided tour.
There are tons of things to do in Cannon Beach, so plan to spend at least a weekend exploring this charming town as it is one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
The main attraction here is, of course, Cannon Beach itself and the iconic Haystack Rock, jutting 235-feet out of the ocean. Visit during low tide to explore its incredible tidepools, stay to watch the epic sunset, and then enjoy a cozy campfire right on the beach.
Alternatively, there are tons of awesome hikes in the area. Head 10 minutes north to Ecola State Park. This park offers several awesome hiking trails, like Crescent Beach, which will take you to a secluded stretch of sand.
Alternatively, head south to Oswald West State Park, where you can hike the Cape Falcon trail. Along the way, you’ll hike along a ridgeline, providing a view down to Short Sands Beach- you may just spot some hearty surfers, who are brave enough to face the icy waves!
While Cannon Beach is generally not cheap, you will be able to snag more affordable accommodations in the winter, due to the lack of crowds. Check out the Hallmark Resort and Spa. Not only does it overlook the sands of Cannon Beach, but it offers free warm cookies at check-in.
Best Winter Destinations in the Pacific Northwest: Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle makes for one of the fun winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. You could easily spend a week exploring the city, but a weekend in Seattle makes for a good introduction.
Visitors do not need a car to get around Seattle because the bus runs all over the city. However, if you want to take some day trips, you will want a car. The Hampton Inn Seattle Downtown is a great place to stay as it is close to several areas and has free parking.
There are so many fun things to do in Seattle. There are great restaurants and food options, especially around Pike Place Market. Do not miss the Space Needle and the Chihuly Museum. You could also take a day trip to Bainbridge Island or Whidby Island or an underground walking tour of the city.
During the wintertime, you will want to warm up in one of the many coffee shops and bakeries. Bundle up and admire the Holiday decorations around town. If you are lucky, you may even see some snow.
Seattle hotels can be found for around $100/night, especially in the wintertime, so you can make an affordable vacation out of it.
Scenic Hot Springs, Washington
By Anna of Anna Tree
One of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest is Scenic Hot Springs in Washington. This privately owned natural hot spring in Steven’s Pass sits in the forest, with absolutely incredible views of the mountains. It is amazing year-round, but winter is especially magical because there’s nothing like soaking in a hot pool while being surrounded by snow!
To get to Scenic Hot Springs, you will need a car to take Highway 2 to the town of Scenic, and the parking area is just off the highway. In the winter, the parking area is covered in snow, but there’s another one just a quarter mile away that gets plowed!
From there, a hike is required to get to Scenic Hot Springs, which is a 4.4-mile out and back hike with 1100 feet of elevation gain. While this is not too long, it is pretty steep. In the winter, the hike is covered in snow, so snowshoes or microspikes are recommended. In the end, you will be rewarded with the gorgeous hot springs.
To visit the hot springs, a reservation is required – but it only costs $10 per person. If you want the whole place to yourself, you can also get private access for $150.
Though the hike to Scenic Hot Springs is just a day trip (camping is not allowed), you can stay in the area and turn this into a weekend getaway. There are lots of cute cabins to stay in!
Leavenworth, Washington
By Sierra and Yesenia of The Sisters Who Voyage
Visiting Leavenworth during the winter is the best time you can find yourself in this jolly, holly town full of holiday cheer. Thus, it is one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Leavenworth is a German-style town nestled in the cascade mountains of Washington that features adorable German-inspired houses, businesses, fixtures, and other note-worthy parts that come together to make you feel like you have stepped into another country. While this town may seem too small to spend a week at, it is a place you can visit for up to two days and feel like you got the most out of your visit.
Some of the best things to do while visiting are strolling through the town to marvel at the over-the-top Christmas display and a gigantic tree that is set up every year, kids can go skiing at the baby hill nearby, enjoy delicious german meals, partake in the various holiday activities that take place during the winter season.
If you only have a day to spend in Leavenworth, make time to scour the shops for unique gifts and souvenirs, grab a hot cup of Engelwein at the baroness cellar, and stay until after sunset so you can see the Christmas lights in all their glory.
When planning a trip to Leavenworth, you will want to allocate a budget of $50-$80 for spending money because the shops and restaurants have higher than typical prices. Accommodation in the area is at its peak due to the popularity of Christmas time. Thus, expect to spend roughly $120-$250 per night.
Regarding packing, you’ll want to make sure to not over-pack; a weekend bag packing style full of winter essentials is perfect for a trip to Leavenworth. Also, when commuting to Leavenworth, you’ll need an All-wheel drive car to make the journey from Seattle.
The travel time from Seattle to Leavenworth ranges from 2 and half hours to 3, depending on road conditions. If traveling from another state, you will want to leave early enough or the day before to make the commute as the roads get busy and parking fills up quickly around the surrounding area of the town.
Snohomish, Washington
By Tabatha of Travel Compositions
Snohomish, Washington is a historic town less than an hour’s drive from Seattle and is famous for its quaint antique stores and boutique shops. Visiting the old downtown strip in winter will put you into a festive mood even without the snow. The streets are dressed in winter decor and the shops have a competitive holiday window display contest.
Many events happen throughout the winter season. Catch the annual tree lighting ceremony and visit Santa on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A fun night out in December is the Sippin’ n’ Shoppin’ Holiday Wine Walk.
Similar to the wine walk, the Holiday Charm Walk lasts for two weeks and can be done at your own pace, bopping from shop to shop and collecting charms for a personal commemorative bracelet.
Thomas Family Farm hosts the Holly Jolly Holiday Market in their barn and it’s a big hit every year. Browse rows of booths made with handmade items, perfect for gift shopping.
For active people, Snohomish puts on a 5K & 10K Chase the Grinch Outta’ Sno-Who-mish Fun Run. People have fun dressing up and putting on their Seuss gear while they walk or run the Centennial Trail.
As Snohomish is the “Antique Capital of the Northwest”, you are sure to find many nostalgic items for sale, bringing you back to Christmas at Grandma’s house as a child.
Take a break from holiday shopping by cozying up with a peppermint mocha at Looking Glass Coffee or warming up with a holiday beer at Spada Brewery.
You can also use Snohomish as a base camp for a day in the mountains by heading into the North Cascades off Hwy 2 for snowshoe hiking or skiing.
There is so much that makes Snohomish one of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. If you need a place to stay, the Snohomish Inn is within walking distance of all the festivities downtown, and room rates are lower in the winter months at only $129/night.
Mount Rainer National Park, Washington
By Michelle of The Wandering Queen
One of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest is Mount Rainier National Park. This park is a winter lovers’ paradise. It has glorious views of the beautiful Mount Rainier and is a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy a snow day.
It is recommended to visit this area for at least a day. You need a car to get to the park, and the most popular spot is the Paradise area. Most of the other entrances in the park are closed in the winter. The best place to stay is at the Paradise Inn, located on Paradise Road on the way to the Paradise area.
You should visit in the winter because the crowds are lower, you get immense beautiful views of the whole area blanketed with snow, and children love playing in the snow play area.
One of the best things to do is to snowshoe around the area. Some of the best hikes are Glacier Vista, Mazama Ridge, and Narada Falls. Make sure to ask the ranger for a map of where you can snowshoe to avoid avalanche danger. Going snowshoeing around Mount Rainier National Park is an underrated activity that every adventure lover should try.
Long Beach Peninsula, Washington
By Noel of The Mature Traveler
One of the best winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest is the Long Beach Peninsula. Those wanting to get in touch with nature and how this area of the Southwestern part of Washington, a peninsula that juts out parallel to the mainland portion feels otherworldly. Even better during the winter season when no one visits and you have the whole area to enjoy and explore without crowds.
A visit to the amazing state parks, fantastic hiking venues, and really small and charming towns that you can drive and explore casually. Even the beaches and cliff areas are impressive and Long Beach, the large expansive beach that fronts the Pacific Ocean is wild and rugged, but you can actually drive on the beach and enjoy a bonfire or watch the sunset right on the horizon.
Seafood lovers will really enjoy the many restaurants and specialty food shops that cater to foodies and those that love real local style food and ingredients, it is an amazing place to enjoy the many delicious seafood and places that serve all types of local specialties in the area.
Plan to stay a weekend or longer if you want to do more of a getaway to relax and explore. The best place to stay here in the peninsula would be in the Long Beach city area where there are more hotel choices to book your stay.
A car is needed to explore the entire peninsula area and come and go as you please. Plant to spend at least $200 a day on hotels and meals.
San Juan Islands, Washington
By Lina of Bucket List Places
While the weather in much of the Pacific Northwest coast gets rainy and cold, the positioning of the San Juan Islands creates some respite with far less rain than the surrounding areas. In fact, the islands are located in a rain shadow getting half of the rain from the surrounding areas.
Orcas Island stands out as one of the best places to visit in the San Juan Islands for the variety of things to do on the island and this makes Orcas one of the top winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The island has many delicious restaurants and shops to explore in its idyllic downtown, Eastsound village which makes it a great place to explore.
For those who love to hike, head over to Moran State Park, one of the biggest state parks in all of Washington. Here you can find the tallest peak in the San Juans, Mt. Constitution. The mountain can be hiked or there is a road that goes to the top. Once at the top there is an observation tower with stunning views of the surrounding island landscapes and PNW mountains.
We recommend at least a weekend to spend exploring Orcas Island. It is highly recommended to either rent a car when you arrive on the island or to bring over your vehicle on the ferry. The island is pretty spread out and there is so much to do and see that having your own car is important.
The best area to stay on Orcas is near Eastsound as that is where you will find most of the stores and restaurants on the island. While there are not a lot of hotels on the island, there are a number of vacation rentals to choose from that fit all sizes.
For a resort experience, stay at Rosario Resort (although it is located quite a ways from Eastsound) and for a larger group, Orcas Rest is a lovely property near Eastsound that sleeps up to 9.
Final Thoughts on the Best Winter Destinations in the Pacific Northwest
There are many amazing winter destinations in the Pacific Northwest to visit. If you have more time, you can take a road trip around Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Other fun winter destinations in the PNW include Lake Quilinat, Mount Hood, and North Cascades National Park. No matter what, there are a ton of adventures to be had in the PNW.
