Six Great Snowshoe Excursions in Washington
Courtesy of Earth Share of Washington organization Washington Trails Association
This time of year, cabin fever gets the best of many of us hiker types. We find ourselves staying at home, leafing through hiking guides, longing for June to come so we can go outside and play in the mountains. We need not wait until June! Washington State abounds with snowshoe opportunities, and snowshoeing is fast becoming a favorite winter recreational activity for Washington hikers.
Where to go, you ask? Below is a short list of Washington Trails Association's favorite routes.
Look for more information on snowshoe equipment and rentals, avalanche awareness and safety, and even more great snowshoe route ideas in the January/February issue of Washington Trails magazine.
- Marten Creek (Mountain Loop Highway out of Verlot)
This is one of the finest and most reliable snowshoe trips along the Mountain Loop Highway. The trail climbs steeply before leveling off and heading through the Marten Creek valley. Even when there is little snow at the trailhead, you’ll often find deep powder to explore far back into a valley with relatively low avalanche danger. For current conditions, call the Verlot Ranger district at (360) 691-7791. Northwest Forest Pass required. - Gold Creek (east of Snoqualmie Pass)
Just outside the Sno-Park at exit 54 east of Snoqualmie Pass, you'll find lots of great, easy snowshoeing. This is an area popular with cross-country skiers, and you may spot beaver dams and other winter wildlife. Sno Park pass required. For another trip to consider if you've never put on snowshoes, try the ranger-led walks from Snoqualmie Pass. The Forest Service guides trips for a $10 suggested donation, including snowshoes. Trips start from the Snoqualmie Pass visitor information center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekends and run January 8 through March 27. Reservations are required; call (425) 434-6111. - Sherman Pass Loop (Kettle Range off Hwy 20 at Sherman Pass)
This is reportedly the highest Sno-Park in the state (5,575 feet). You'll find a nice loop route with superb snowshoe opportunities to the south of the pass just off Highway 20 in the Northeast corner of the state. For info, visit the Colville National Forest website or call (509)738-7700 (avalanche conditions have been bad here recently, so call before heading out). Sno-Park pass required. - Tronsen Ridge (east of Blewett Pass)
Accessible from the Blewett Pass Sno-Park area, this area is open to snowmobiles, but you'll quickly get away from the noise on a series of lovely trails amid the pines, firs, and larches. For info, call the Wenatchee River Ranger District at )509)548-6977. Sno Park pass required. - Mazama Ridge (Mount Rainier National Park)
This trip is incredibly popular with snowshoers, and for good reason. It starts at the Paradise visitor center, following the Stevens Canyon Road--and if you're lucky enough to have a clear day, views of the mountain are stupendous. Other areas in the park worth a try are Rampart Ridge from the Longmire Inn, and Pinnacle Peak south of Reflection Lake. For current conditions, visit www.nps.gov/mora/ or call (360) 569-2211. - Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park)
One of the park's most popular destinations in summer is much quieter in winter. The park service leads free snowshoe tours from the visitor center (shoes are available for rent at a minimal fee). Or head out on your own and look for snowshoe hares while enjoying views into the Olympics. For info, visit www.nps.gov/olym/ or call (360) 565-3131.