
Whether you’re exploring WDFW-managed lands on a First Day Hike or fishing for trout in one of the hundreds of lowland lakes, winter offers something for everyone to connect with the outdoors in their own unique and personal way
Winter in Washington is full of outdoor opportunities for every interest and skill level. From waterfowl hunting and razor clam digging on the coast to wildlife viewing and winter steelhead fishing statewide, there’re no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors this season. Birders can spot migratory species taking refuge in estuaries and wetlands while hikers and wildlife watchers can experience the quiet beauty of snow-dusted trails and forests.
Whether you’re exploring WDFW-managed lands on a First Day Hike or fishing for trout in one of the hundreds of lowland lakes, winter offers something for everyone to connect with the outdoors in their own unique and personal way. Bundle up, head outside, and make the most of Washington’s wild spaces this season.
Discover more winter highlights in this edition of the Life Outdoors Report, including regional, seasonal activities and places to enjoy Washington’s outdoors. For additional news and stories, explore the WDFW newsroom, check out our Medium blog, or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, X, or Nextdoor. Get updates delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for WDFW mailing lists.
Looking for more frequent updates? Visit our regional webpages to stay informed about fishing, hunting, conservation, and recreation opportunities in your area.
Also read:
- Opinion: A year in review of news stories from a former sports guyClark County Today reporter Paul Valencia reflects on his evolving role, revisiting major news, community debates, sports moments, and human-interest stories that shaped Clark County in 2025.
- Names released of person killed and Vancouver officers involved in deadly force incidentState investigators have released the names of the Vancouver police officers involved in a deadly force incident, and the Clark County Medical Examiner has identified the man who was killed as 44-year-old Perry J. Sellars of Vancouver.
- These new laws and taxes take effect in Washington state on Jan. 1Several new laws and tax increases passed in 2025 take effect Jan. 1 in Washington, impacting unemployment benefits, business taxes, transportation fees, consumer costs and regulatory requirements.
- Opinion: Ready for another pay decrease from the state? It happens Jan. 1Elizabeth New (Hovde) argues that Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave payroll tax increase will further reduce workers’ take-home pay beginning Jan. 1.
- Vancouver rolls out new all-access community center membershipThe city of Vancouver is launching a new all-access membership in January that allows residents to use both Firstenburg and Marshall community centers.
- Four Western WA counties granted $6.6M in federal funds for road safety programsFour Western Washington counties will receive $6.6 million in federal funding for road safety projects, including an EMS pilot program in Clark County.
- Opinion: Justice for none – Court hands down a mandate without a dime to fund itNancy Churchill argues that a Washington Supreme Court ruling on public defense imposes costly mandates on local governments without providing funding to implement them.








