Franklin Falls is one of the best beginner-friendly winter hikes near Seattle. (Though, it should be noted that “beginner” is a relative term and weather dependent!)
In winter, it transforms from a short summer waterfall walk into a surprisingly magical snow hike or snowshoe: a dramatic cascade framed by snow and ice, tucked into a quiet forest, and still very approachable even if you’re new to winter travel.
This is one of the easiest ways to introduce someone to snow hiking or snowshoeing without committing to a long, exposed, or intimidating route.
Franklin Falls also appears in my broader decision guide:
Best Hikes in Washington by Season — a judgment-first overview of when hikes actually make sense
https://dangenda.com/2026/01/05/best-hikes-in-washington-by-season/
Why Franklin Falls Works So Well in Winter
Franklin Falls hits a sweet spot that many winter hikes don’t.
It’s short, but still feels like a real outing.
It’s beginner-friendly, but not boring.
And the payoff at the falls is genuinely memorable — especially when the waterfall is partially frozen and framed by snow and icicles.
Even though the hike sits close to I-90, the forest and riverside setting quickly mute the highway, and once you reach the falls, it feels like a proper winter escape.
This is one of my favorite winter date hikes, and one of the best “first snowshoe” routes near Snoqualmie Pass.
Winter Access: How This Hike Actually Works
In summer, Franklin Falls is a quick waterfall hike from the standard trailhead. In winter, things change.
The normal access roads are not plowed, which means most people approach the falls using alternate winter routes that take advantage of snowed-over forest roads near Snoqualmie Pass.
There are a couple of ways to do this depending on snow conditions, but there’s one approach I consistently prefer.
The Winter Route I Recommend
My preferred winter route is shorter, more efficient, and still feels like nature despite its proximity to the ski area.
The general idea:
- You park near Snoqualmie Summit West
- Walk under the I-90 overpass
- Turn left to follow a snowed-over forest road (NF-58)
- Connect back into the Franklin Falls trail system for the final approach
This route typically comes out to around 4.3 miles round trip in winter, depending on exactly where you park.
It avoids the long road walks that can make winter outings feel tedious, and it gets you into the forest quickly.
Parking Strategy (This Matters)
Winter parking around Snoqualmie Pass can be the trickiest part of this hike.
You generally have two options:
Paid resort parking:
Parking in the Summit West ski area lots may require payment or adherence to resort parking rules, which can change day to day.
Free roadside parking (my preference):
If you’re flexible, you can often find free roadside parking along SR-906 near the Snoqualmie Summit West exit across from the Summit West base area. From there, you walk under the freeway overpass to start the route.
One timing tip I like: instead of arriving early with the ski rush, aim for late morning or early afternoon. As early skiers leave, parking often becomes easier. I think of this as “second shifting,” and it works surprisingly well here.
Gear and Traction Judgment
Conditions vary a lot in winter, so choose your setup based on what’s actually on the ground.
- After fresh snowfall, snowshoes are a good idea.
- On heavily packed trails, waterproof hiking boots with traction (microspikes or similar) are often sufficient and more comfortable.
- Some people attempt this hike with no traction at all — that’s possible in very specific conditions, but generally not advisable.
The final stretch near the falls is slightly steeper and can be slick with snow or ice. Traction makes a big difference here.
Difficulty and Overall Feel
In winter, Franklin Falls feels like a comfortable intermediate adventure, even though it’s beginner-friendly:
- Not long
- Not grueling
- Plenty of quiet forest walking
- A strong, scenic destination payoff
Even if the entire outing may only take about two to three hours, it still feels like a real winter experience rather than a throwaway walk.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Franklin Falls checks a lot of boxes:
- Short but scenic
- Easy to reach from Seattle
- Romantic and memorable destination
- Accessible without specialized skills
- A true winter atmosphere without alpine exposure
For me, it’s one of the best ways to share winter hiking with someone new — whether that’s a friend, a partner, or someone who’s never worn traction before.
Quick Judgment Summary
- Best for: beginner snow hikers, first snowshoe outings, winter date hikes
- Distance (winter): ~4.3 miles round trip, depending on where you park
- Elevation gain: ~400 feet
- Difficulty: Beginner to moderate (conditions dependent)
- Gear: Waterproof boots + traction; snowshoes after fresh snow
- Season: Winter only (via alternate access routes)
Author: Dan
Experience: Winter (multiple visits)
Default lens: Winter
Last reviewed: January 2026
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