
A uncommon snow day at Gasworks Park.
Why is it so onerous to go sledding in Seattle. Because of the mountains, we nearly at all times have snow close by, and this isn’t a flat a part of the world—all of the substances for an excellent sled day are right here. However the place, precisely?
Most ski resorts ban sledding, so regardless of the dozen ski areas throughout Washington, there are few accessible spots for a toboggan set. The starvation for snow play is so robust, you generally see impromptu sled hills on the Exit 42 onramp on I-90 (do not do that).
It does not imply there are no choices, although; here is the place to sled.

Who wants skis anyway?
Snoqualmie Cross
It is not precisely conventional sledding, however Summit at Snoqualmie has its personal tubing hill with 20 lanes and a lined elevate, however no private sleds are allowed. Tickets should be bought upfront however weekend days have been promoting out upfront—even with tickets priced at $45–52 for taller youngsters and adults.
Close by Hyak Sno-Park is a state-run space devoted to snow play: a groomed slope (generally) and heated bogs, however no supervision. Parking is $25 per day (or $50 for annual passes) and the world, given its proximity to the ski space, can get crowded. Franklin Falls Sno-Park is just a few miles nearer to Seattle and in addition has a sledding space.
Keep in mind that many of the state’s Sno-Parks will not be notably meant for sledding; they is probably not close to hills, and routes are sometimes designated for nordic skiers, snowmobilers, and even canine sledders. When stopping, take care to wander the other way from the ski tracks, canine groups, and brrrrrppping snowmobiles.
Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee
A full two hours from town, choices increase close to Leavenworth. The south part of Lake Wenatchee State Park has a 150-foot sled hill, with the identical parking charges as Hyak—however snow ranges can range, so it is price calling the park to verify for ample protection. The Leavenworth Winter Sports activities Membership provides two separate slopes: a tubing hill with a rope tow and 100-foot drop (tickets price $37 for six runs), and a separate walk-up sledding hill with a $13 price (no traditional metallic runner sleds, however leases of accepted sleds can be found onsite).
Mount Rainier and Olympic Nationwide Parks
Our nationwide parks include a few of the snowiest terrain within the state and are often a strong wager; nonetheless, the snow play space in Mount Rainier Nationwide Park would not at all times open. In 2025, the park will as soon as once more shutter the official sled runs at Paradise, and sledding in different areas of the park is prohibited as a result of risks of tree wells, avalanches, and different hazards. Snow, if not huge slopes, can reliably be discovered exterior the park at Silver Springs Sno-Park close to Crystal Mountain Resort, and White Cross has a tubing hill.
However, Hurricane Ridge at Olympic Nationwide Park—which will get a mean of 400 inches of snow yearly—provides a tubing hill ($24 for 10 runs, together with tube, plus park entry charges) and a free sledding hill for teenagers eight and underneath.
Stevens Cross
Although for a short while the Stevens Cross Ski Space’s Nordic Middle banned the observe, sledding is once more allowed. The cross-country ski space is about six miles east of the chairlifts and lodges that make up the ski mountain, although parking right here does replenish with downhillers on busy days. Stroll-up sledding on the groomed slope is free and the Cascade Depot snack bar has heat drinks.
Your Personal Secret Spot
The place to seek out solitude in your traditional Crimson Ryder? The state is filled with snowy slopes; forest roads at excessive elevations result in quiet corners of the forest, and as chances are you’ll bear in mind out of your summer time mountain climbing, hardly any a part of the Cascades is really flat.
Watch out on snowy roads—park earlier than the snow will get deep, not after—and do not anticipate to have cell service in case you get caught. Avalanche hazard is rife on steep terrain, particularly chutes; take a free digital class from the Northwest Avalanche Middle to discover ways to keep away from probably the most dangerous areas.
In fact, you may merely look ahead to the uncommon metropolis snowfall to sled down Denny. However in case you do discover that coveted personal, pure sledding hill deep within the woods, be at liberty to maintain it a secret—or maybe turn into the hero of your neighborhood play group.