Hiking Guide

WTA's hiking guide is the most comprehensive database of hikes in Washington, and comprises content written by local hiking experts and user submitted information. All data is vetted by WTA staff. This resource is made possible by the donations of WTA members.

We respectfully acknowledge the lands we are visiting are the homelands of Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, some of whom have reserved rights on these lands. Tribes continue to rely on and share in the management of these lands today. Please tread gently and treat these places with respect.

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Wheelchair friendly Whether a trail is wheelchair-friendly depends on a variety of factors, including trail width, grade, cross-slope, what materials the trail is made of, and whether land managers have designated it accessible. This designation is made when trails are under optimal maintenance conditions, so seasonal changes or deferred maintenance may change how wheelchair-friendly a trail is. Indicating a trail is wheelchair-friendly does not mean it meets ADA standards.

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33 Hikes

Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Length: 7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Highest Point: 1,800 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.90

(10 votes)

Mountain views
Old growth
Dogs allowed on leash
Rivers

Never go into or climb on top of the Ice Caves.

The trail and road to trailhead will be closed May 15 through June 30 for trail work.

While this is a popular location to snowshoe in wintertime, there is high risk in winter from avalanches off the mountain that feeds these caves. Keep to the main trail, and do not venture onto the snowfields at the end of the route.

Cedar Falls Snowshoe

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Length: 9.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
Highest Point: 3,570 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.50

(4 votes)

Old growth
Rivers
Wildlife
Waterfalls

The more strenuous winter version of this easy summer hike leads to the overlook of Cedar Falls. In winter, the falls are a snow-topped mound of ice with a flowing creek base.

Silver Star View Snowshoe

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Length: 8.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Highest Point: 4,250 feet
Rating: Average rating:
2.50

(2 votes)

Mountain views
Dogs allowed on leash

A quiet snowshoe trip to views of Silver Star Mountain awaits the mid-week traveler in late fall and early spring. This road walk parallels the Early Winters Trail, the old route from Mazama to Washington Pass.

Mallardy Ridge Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Length: 10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet
Highest Point: 3,200 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.00

(4 votes)

Mountain views
Dogs allowed on leash
Ridges/passes

On a clear day, some of the area’s most notable peaks are visible from the crest of Mallardy Ridge, reached by snowshoeing along an easy-to-follow route.

Segelsen Ridge Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Length: 6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Highest Point: 4,516 feet
Rating: Average rating:
2.00

(4 votes)

Mountain views
Dogs not allowed

Those new to snowshoeing will appreciate the easy access and groomed trails found at Segelsen Creek Sno-Park, along with the mountain views and options for extended exploration.

Schriebers Meadow Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 11.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Highest Point: 5,200 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.33

(3 votes)

Mountain views
Established campsites

On the flanks of Mount Baker’s south side, Schriebers Meadow makes for a delightful snowshoe excursion, either for a daytrip or an overnight experience.

Coal Pass Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet
Highest Point: 4,500 feet
Rating: Average rating:
2.50

(2 votes)

Mountain views
Ridges/passes

The road to this trailhead is washed out. Closure is anticipated to last until January 2023

Following a series of winding, snow-covered forest roads, the route to Coal Pass culminates in sweeping views of Mount Baker’s glaciated northwest flank.

Coal Creek Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Rating: Average rating:
1.50

(2 votes)

This snowshoe route is no longer a viable option due to the roads being quite overgrown with several washouts.

Huntoon Point Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Highest Point: 5,200 feet
Rating: Average rating:
5.00

(5 votes)

Mountain views
Ridges/passes

With a starting elevation of 4,300, this tour is your best guarantee of good snow, even in a lean year.

Artist Point Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Highest Point: 5,100 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.50

(24 votes)

Mountain views
Dogs allowed on leash
Good for kids
Ridges/passes

Artist Point is the top competitor for best viewpoint in the state. The beautifully shaped Mount Shuksan is the star of the area, with a gorgeous summit pyramid and several impressive glaciers. This relatively easy snowshoe is an excellent winter destination with a virtual guarantee of good snow coverage.

Sun Mountain Snowshoe Loop

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Length: 2.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 686 feet
Highest Point: 2,877 feet
Rating: Average rating:
0.00

(0 votes)

Mountain views

This well-marked snowshoe route near Sun Mountain Lodge offers outstanding views, a variety of terrain, and more solitude than you might expect.

Bear Lake Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Length: 11.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Highest Point: 2,800 feet
Rating: Average rating:
2.50

(2 votes)

Mountain views
Dogs allowed on leash
Lakes

Bear Lake snowshoe is a road walk along the Mountain Loop Highway ending with a short trail to the lake.

Salmon Ridge Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 5.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Highest Point: 2,400 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(2 votes)

Wildlife
Good for kids
Dogs allowed on leash
Rivers

With gentle terrain, easy river access and views of snow-laden peaks, this narrow river valley is an inviting snowshoe destination, especially for beginners.

Paul Mountain Snowshoe

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Length: 9.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,280 feet
Highest Point: 3,383 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.50

(2 votes)

Mountain views
Established campsites
Rivers

A few inches of new snow prior to a mid-week snowshoe outing transform this trip into a tranquil walk into the Eightmile Creek valley. Extending the trip with a climb out of the valley leads to viewpoints along the road.

Middle Fork Nooksack River Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,850 feet
Highest Point: 4,850 feet
Rating: Average rating:
2.00

(3 votes)

Mountain views
Old growth
Wildlife
Dogs allowed on leash
Rivers

This snowshoe route follows Forest Road 38 at the end of the Middle Fork Nooksack Valley.

Lookout Mountain Snowshoe - Methow

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Length: 11.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,140 feet
Highest Point: 5,515 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(2 votes)

Mountain views
Summits

Lookout Mountain is a strenuous snowshoe trip with few places to park your car. but once you hit the summit, you'll enjoy grand views from a lonely peak.

Patterson Lake and Rader Creek Snowshoe Loop

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Length: 7.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 360 feet
Highest Point: 2,650 feet
Rating: Average rating:
0.00

(0 votes)

Wildlife
Lakes

This lollipop hike follows the shoreline of Patterson Lake then turns up the steep-walled Rader Creek. Keep your eyes open since wildlife frequents this riparian zone.

Huckleberry Snowshoe Route

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Rating: Average rating:
0.00

(0 votes)

A long, meandering snowshoe route just off the Mount Baker Highway.

Coleman Glacier Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 9.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Highest Point: 6,000 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.50

(2 votes)

The route on the Coleman Glacier involves advanced snow travel. Those hoping to traverse Coleman Glacier should have the appropriate gear and a plan, and need to consult a map and identify their route before attempting.

Buck Mountain Snowshoe

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Length: 11.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,635 feet
Highest Point: 6,135 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(3 votes)

Mountain views
Wildlife
Summits

A strenuous snowshoe trip leads to Buck Mountain Lookout with contrasting views of forest and fire. Whether the views are worth the effort is up to the traveler!

Baker Lake - Horseshoe Cove Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Highest Point: 920 feet
Rating: Average rating:
0.00

(0 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Lakes

This seasonal snowshoe route to the shore of Baker Lake is dependent on the snow accumulation at the time of your trip. With the right amount of snow this becomes a 2-mile walk along a snowy road to the lake.

Bagley Lakes Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 5.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,152 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.50

(2 votes)

Mountain views
Ridges/passes

In winter, the Bagley Lakes Loop and Chain Lakes trail creates an intermediate snowshoeing opportunity near the schussing skiers in the Mount Baker Ski Area.

Oakes Peak Snowshoe

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20

Length: 18.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
Highest Point: 4,400 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(1 vote)

Mountain views
Old growth
Summits
Ridges/passes

If you are looking for a walk through deep snow in the winter that will take you into the North Cascades, Oakes Peak is the snowshoe trip for you. Walk along a Forest Service road toward the National Park boundary or up toward Oakes Peak.

White Salmon Road Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Length: 5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 485 feet
Highest Point: 3,500 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(5 votes)

Mountain views
Old growth
Good for kids
Wildlife
Dogs allowed on leash

Snowshoe or cross-country ski on this road just below the Mount Baker Ski Area.

Rat Trap Pass Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Rating: Average rating:
3.00

(2 votes)

This snowshoe route follows Forest Road 27 northwest from the Meadow Mountain Trailhead to Rat Trap Pass.

Lake Kelcema Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Length: 10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Highest Point: 3,182 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.60

(5 votes)

Mountain views
Wildlife
Lakes

For a more strenuous snowshoe, head out to Deer Creek and the Lake Kelcema trail. From the parking area, the route proceeds up Deer Creek Road (Road 4052). Watch out for tubers and sledders on the lower portion.

Iron Mountain Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Rating: Average rating:
2.50

(2 votes)

This route is largely on private property and closed to the public.

Boardman Lake Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Length: 11.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Highest Point: 3,000 feet
Rating: Average rating:
1.50

(2 votes)

Mountain views
Good for kids
Lakes

The winter route to Boardman Lake involves several miles of road walking from the Mountain Loop Highway followed by a short stretch on the actual Boardman Lake Trail.