Having grown up in the Inland Northwest, I learned long ago that to make friends with winter I’d need to get outside. Counterintuitive? Maybe a bit. But I find myself resenting the cold, the sleet, the early darkness, and the wind when I stay in the house all day, feeling stuck. As an outdoorsy person who doesn’t ski or snowboard, I feel I miss out on all the winter “stoke” when the snow piles up. The solution I’ve found is winter hiking. Luckily, our area has some awesome hikes that stay accessible during the winter months. Pack your gear, dress warmly, and explore our beautiful area while it’s transformed by a winter palette. 

Palisades Park 

Distance: One to seven miles

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Type: Gravel road or singletrack options

Location: West Spokane

No pass or fee required

In any season, I choose Palisades Park for the view. With a panoramic glimpse of downtown Spokane, this is where I take friends who are new to town to see the city from the trail. Hikers will also get a view of Mount Spokane with its snow-covered peak this time of year. This park is great for winter and socially-distant walks because it features a wide, flat gravel road with the aforementioned view of downtown from the start, so you don’t have to walk far for a great experience. 

Within this seven-mile park, there’s also a web of marked singletrack trail. Wander through small meadows, brush, and scattered pine trees. By keeping the position of the gravel road in mind, you can make small loops or out-and-back ventures to add variety to the hike. The open view to the east of this plateau is particularly beautiful with the frost of winter—you’ll see hillsides of glistening pine trees, steam billowing up from buildings downtown, and sometimes a mix of fog and winter sunlight that’s downright Bob Ross-ian. Admire the happy little trees as you walk.

Bowl and Pitcher (Riverside State Park)

Distance: One to twenty-plus miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Type: Singletrack with Centennial Trail connection

Location: West Spokane

Discover Pass Required

This hike will begin with crossing the iconic swinging bridge at the Bowl and Pitcher recreation area. Typically a busy section of the park, I find there are fewer people on the trail this time of year. The river, so full, loud, and feisty in spring as it slams through this whitewater section of the Spokane River, is low, clear, and slow in winter.

The great thing about Riverside State Park is that it’s huge. With fifty-five miles of trail, you can choose to hike along the river, through the trees, or up to the Centennial Trail and follow its course through the park. Trails are marked with trail numbers, but the bridge start is an easy place for the navigationally challenged, as you can hike out and back and just follow the river. (This is me admitting to being both outdoorsy and navigationally challenged; the first rule here is to own your shortcomings.) Nevertheless, it’s always best to have a map, especially in winter. Find one of Riverside State Park at the Washington State Parks website. 

Trails in Riverside can become difficult to walk due to packed snow or ice, as much of the park stays shaded from tree coverage. Wear hiking boots or shoes with deep tread and bring hiking poles for balance. Your effort will be rewarded with beautiful ponderosa-lined pathways and rocky bluffs that provide a view of the river. There are many offshoots that provide a private place to meditate and work on that appreciation of what feels like the longest season. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or tea and watch the river flow. 

Saltese Uplands

Distance: Three to seven miles, roundtrip

Difficulty: Intermediate

Trail Type: Singletrack

Location: Southwest of Liberty Lake, off Exit 293

This area might be better known as mountain biker turf, but the open, flowy, singletrack of the Saltese Uplands also makes for a great hike. This area is largely treeless, and the park boundary is fenced, so it’s a great spot to go when heavy snow makes it challenging to follow trails—you can wander the hillsides and use landmarks to navigate. 

Enjoy open-sky views in this area that’s a mix of suburb and countryside. Wildlife, such as rabbit and quail, make their winter homes in this park, flushed with native brush. It’s also populated by white-tailed deer, coyotes, hawks, and eagles. Explore over seven miles of hilly trail and climb ridges for views of Liberty Lake, Mount Spokane, and Saltese Flats. If you hike on a winter day with wind, be prepared for extra chill since this area is so exposed. 

James T. Slavin Conservation Area

Distance: Three-mile loop with add-on options

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Type: Singletrack/Meadow

Location: West Plains, southwest Spokane (Exit U.S. 195 South onto Washington Road)

No pass or fee required

This area is the best of both worlds, both meadowy and treed, with a water feature to boot. A small five-acre lake with a grassy shoreline creates a haven for winter birds. The area is on a waterfowl migratory route, so it’s great for bird-watching, if you’re into that sort of thing. Here you’ll find big-sky views as you tromp through the wetland and meadows, with a more secluded feel as you walk through pine and fir forests. Because of the openness, this flat conservation area stays pretty accessible even in heavy snow and also makes for good snowshoeing. I find when there are other cars at the trailhead there’s still enough space to wander a peaceful path all your own. 

The Bluff

Distance: Twenty-plus miles of trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Type: Singletrack

Location: High Drive Bluff, south Spokane

No pass or fee required

While the Bluff is a popular walking area, it’s worth a mention as a good winter hike because it receives a lot of sun on its west-facing slope. I’ve found that trails here free up from ice or light snow faster than other heavily treed areas, such as Bowl and Pitcher. You’ll also have the amenities of the restaurants and shops on the South Hill if you’d like to pick up a hot coffee to-go before walking or grab a bite to eat directly after. I’m always surprised at how peaceful this interlacing singletrack feels with its proximity to the bustle of the South Hill. Visit friendsofthebluff.org for more.