Views of the entire eastern half of the Snoqualmie Pass area, including the sprawling blue waters of Keechelus Lake and the snow-covered summits of Mount Catherine and Tinkham Peak to the south, can be had from the upper reaches of this route. The lower section, though, is unremarkable. The flat roadway, parallel to noisy Interstate 90, is a great place for novice snowshoers to get a feel for hiking with the broad "foot boards," and it does serve as a good warm-up for the long climb ahead. The real treasures of the Mount Margaret trek are found beyond the second mile. Because this area is close to the metropolitan centers, a lot of skiers and snowshoers share the trail. That, combined with the closeness of the busy freeway, means the chances of seeing wildlife are pretty slim. Still, where people play in the woods, camp-robber jays look for handouts. This valley is also patrolled by many red-tailed hawks and ravens, so watch the skies for raptors and corvids, and look for the tiny tracks of their prey (mice, hares, and grouse) in the meadows.

The first 1.5 miles of the snowshoe hike follow the road southeast from the parking area, parallel to I-90. This leg of the journey is frequently used by cross-country skiers who are just learning their craft, and it makes a nice place to familiarize yourself with your snowshoes. The road curves around the base of Rampart Ridge, with just a few modest views west toward Mount Catherine and Roaring Ridge above the waters of Keechelus Lake.

After crossing Wolfe Creek, the road climbs gradually, switches back to recross the creek, and just a few hundred yards beyond the second crossing, switches back once more to start a long, traversing climb through intermittent forest and clearcuts to mile 2.5. Two more switchbacks are encountered in the next 0.5 mile, and at 3.2 miles, the road splits. The left fork continues to climb while the right stays at a level traverse before dropping toward the I-90 valley. Staying left, climb for another 0.5 mile to 3600 feet and a gate marking the Mount Margaret trailhead.

The trail is wide for a hiking path--it's actually an old jeep road--so it is very easy to follow even when deep in snow. The path zigzags steeply up the side of a ridge, through broad clearcut meadows. Save some travel time by angling east, still climbing steeply, to the eastern edge of a large meadow. Pause here to soak in the views of the Snoqualmie Pass area, Keechelus Lake, and the sprawling clearcut-pocked mountains of the South Cascades. On clear days, Mount Rainier and sometimes even Mount Adams are visible to the south.

Continue uphill toward the ridge crest (now heading north), following the road through a small forested area, another meadow, and finally a solid, respectable stand of trees. The last 0.5 mile is along a true hiking trail in deep forest. It climbs, weaving around trees, along the crest of the ridge to a high promontory below the craggy summit of Mount Margaret. Below, on the eastern side of the ridge, is tiny Margaret Lake. Reaching its shores, though, requires a steep descent along an avalanche-prone slope, so stay on the ridge and enjoy the wonderful views.

Author’s Rating: Easiest to More Difficult
Generally good trails for beginners, with moderate elevation change and minimal avalanche danger