Great Snowshoe Hikes

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.

Before you go, please check out the excellent resources in our Winter Safety Tips.

Where to go, you ask? Below is a short list of Washington Trails Association's favorite routes.

Snowshoeing on Hurricane Ridge by Ron Croft

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 Olympic National Park's website or call (360) 565-3131.

Marten Creek

Mountain Loop Highway

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.

The view from Mazama Ridge in Mt. Rainier National Park can't be beat on a clear day. Photo by 'Opus.'

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 Reflection & Louise Lakes and Mowich Lakes, both featured in WTA's Snowshoeing Mt. Rainier page. For current conditions, visit Mt. Rainier National Park or call (360) 569-2211.

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.

Gold Creek

East of Snoqualmie Pass

A group of happy snowshoers pose at Lake Mardeen, accessed off of Gold Creek Basin. Photo by 'WildCelticRose.'

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. In past years the Forest Service has hosted ranger-led walks from Snoqualmie Pass for a nominal fee. Check for these trips starting in January or call (425) 434-6111 for more information.

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 or call (509)738-7700. Sno-Park pass required.