7 Winter Wonderlands I Love to Hike (& Paint)
Winter in the Pacific Northwest has a reputation for being quiet, gray, or something to “get through.” But for me, winter is one of the most magical seasons to explore the mountains. The crowds thin out, the landscapes soften under snow, and familiar trails feel completely transformed. Winter invites us to slow down, layer up, and see places we love with fresh eyes.
As both a hiker and an artist, winter is when I feel most inspired. The muted palettes, dramatic light, and sense of stillness show up not only on the trail, but later in my studio. My latest Winter Wonderland painting series was inspired by seven mountain regions that continue to call me back year after year. These are places where I’ve hiked, paused, breathed deeply, and thought, I want to remember this forever.
Below are the seven winter wonderlands I love to explore, along with the most popular AllTrails hikes for each area if you feel inspired to experience them yourself.
1. Artist Point, Washington
📍 Mount Baker Area
🔗 AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/upper-lodge-to-artist-point-trail
Artist Point feels like it was named for people like me. In winter, this area becomes a high-alpine dreamscape with expansive views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and rolling snowfields that stretch into the horizon. The Upper Lodge to Artist Point route is one of the most traveled winter paths, often accessed by snowshoe or packed snow trail.
What I love most here is the openness. Winter clears away visual noise, leaving pure form, light, and shadow. My Artist Point painting captures that sense of wide-open calm — the kind you only get when the world feels quiet and immense at the same time.
2. The Enchantments, Washington
📍 Alpine Lakes Wilderness
🔗 AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail
The Enchantments are legendary for a reason. Granite peaks, alpine lakes, and dramatic elevation changes make this one of the most iconic mountain regions in Washington. While the full traverse is typically a summer or fall endeavor, winter and shoulder-season views from surrounding areas still carry that unmistakable magic.
In winter, the Enchantments feel otherworldly — softer, quieter, and almost surreal. Snow blankets the jagged rock, and the color palette becomes subtle and layered. My Enchantments painting focuses on that balance of strength and serenity, where harsh stone meets delicate light.
3. The Olympic Mountains, Washington
📍 Olympic National Park
🔗 AllTrails (Olympic NP Trails): https://www.alltrails.com/us/washington
The Olympic Mountains are unique in the PNW. Where else can you experience dense rainforest, rugged peaks, and coastal air all in one place? Winter adds another layer — mist clinging to ridgelines, snow dusting evergreen forests, and moody skies that feel cinematic.
While trails vary depending on conditions, areas like Hurricane Ridge offer accessible winter exploration and unforgettable views. My Olympic Mountains painting reflects the atmosphere here: a sense of mystery, depth, and softness that feels deeply grounding.
4. Mount Rainier, Washington
📍 Mount Rainier National Park
🔗 AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/the-wonderland-trail
Mount Rainier is iconic year-round, but winter brings a special kind of reverence. Snow transforms familiar meadows and trails into quiet corridors of white. Paradise, Longmire, and portions of the Wonderland Trail are especially beautiful in winter conditions.
There’s something humbling about standing beneath Rainier when everything is hushed. My Mount Rainier winter painting is about scale — how small we feel, and how peaceful that smallness can be when surrounded by something so enduring.
5. Mount Washington, Oregon
📍 Central Oregon Cascades
🔗 AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/mount-washington-via-pacific-crest-trail
Mount Washington stands sharp and dramatic against the Oregon sky. Accessed via the Pacific Crest Trail, this peak feels bold and rugged, especially in winter. Snow emphasizes its angular lines and volcanic presence, making it a striking subject both on the trail and on canvas.
This painting was inspired by the strength of winter landscapes — places that don’t soften completely, but instead stand firm and striking against the elements.
6. Black Tusk, British Columbia
📍 Garibaldi Provincial Park
🔗 AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/black-tusk-and-panorama-ridge
Black Tusk is one of the most dramatic mountain features in the Pacific Northwest. Rising like a sculptural monument above Garibaldi Lake, it feels powerful in any season, but winter heightens its presence.
Snow accentuates the contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the surrounding alpine terrain. My Black Tusk painting leans into that contrast — bold forms, deep shadows, and a sense of awe that stays with you long after you leave.
7. Maple Pass Loop, Washington
📍 North Cascades
🔗 AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/maple-pass-trail
Maple Pass Loop is beloved for good reason. While best known for fall color, winter and early snow season reveal a quieter, equally stunning version of this trail. Snow-dusted peaks, frozen lakes, and crisp mountain air make this area feel pristine and peaceful.
This painting is about transition — the moment when seasons overlap, when snow meets stone and evergreen, and the landscape feels balanced and alive.
Why Winter Is My Favorite Season to Explore the PNW
Winter invites us to move differently. To be intentional. To notice light, texture, and silence. It strips landscapes down to their essence, which is exactly what draws me both as a hiker and an artist.
These seven winter wonderlands have shaped my creative work and my understanding of the Pacific Northwest. Each painting in this series is a way of bringing that experience indoors — a reminder of the calm, beauty, and adventure waiting just beyond our doors.
If you’re someone who loves winter hiking, mountain landscapes, or mountain-inspired art, I hope this series encourages you to explore — whether that means lacing up your boots or hanging a piece of the mountains on your wall.
Winter is not a season to hide from. It’s a season to step into.
