Wanna try something new this winter? Snowshoeing has become one of my favorite winter activities. It’s a great way to get outdoors and get my body moving while it’s cold outside. 🥶
Washington State is a winter wonderland, with stunning scenery and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. One of the best ways to experience the winter beauty of Washington is by snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is a great way to get exercise and explore the backcountry without having to ski or snowboard. It’s also a relatively easy activity to learn, making it a great option for people of all ages and experience levels.
Read this post What You Should Wear on a Winter Hike before you go snowshoeing in Washington!
Renting Snowshoes
Your best bet if you’re visiting is to rent snowshoes at an REI store. There are locations all over the state. Another option is to find a local outdoor shop near the location and rent from them. Snowshoe rentals average from $20-25 USD a day and typically include poles. Also, note that you’ll need to leave a card on file for a $100 deposit.
Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Amidst the majestic Cascade Mountains, the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest transforms into a winter wonderland, beckoning snowshoeing enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating escape. With over 20 miles of groomed trails and an expansive backcountry, Snoqualmie Pass caters to snowshoers of all skill levels.
Beginners can start on the well-maintained trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. As you get more comfortable, you can venture off the groomed trails and explore the backcountry. There are hidden glades, untouched forests, and secluded powder stashes waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a seasoned snowshoer seeking an adrenaline rush or a novice eager to experience the tranquility of winter, this is the perfect winter wonderland to explore. Popular snowshoeing trails in Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest include:
Gold Creek Snowshoe Trail
An easy 2.2-mile out-and-back trail within the scenic Gold Creek Basin near Snoqualmie Pass. This enchanting trail unveils breathtaking views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains, including Kendall Peak and Rampart Ridge. With an elevation gain of approximately 600 feet, the trail is suitable for beginners and families with a basic level of fitness.
Snow Lake Trail
A challenging 6.7-mile out-and-back trail within the picturesque Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Snoqualmie Pass. This enchanting trail leads you to the shores of Snow Lake, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and breathtaking alpine meadows. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,700 feet, the trail is for experienced hikers and snowshoers.
Big Four Ice Caves Trail
An easy 2.4-mile out-and-back trail for snowshoers of all levels. You’ll catch glimpses of frozen waterfalls and snow-laden evergreens before you approach the towering rock face of Big Four Mountain. Its icy crags are adorned with sparkling icicles and you’ll be able to view icy caves nestled beneath the towering cliff. The caves are inaccessible due to avalanche risk but worth the stunning and unique views.
Artist Point
This 4-mile roundtrip trail, ranging from moderate to challenging depending on snow conditions, promises an unforgettable panorama of snowy peaks, untouched wilderness, and the iconic Mount Baker itself. At Artist Point, a designated viewpoint perched at 5,100 feet, the world feels like it stretches out endlessly below you. Take a moment to soak in the panoramic views and fresh winter mountain air.
Twin Lakes via Lake Lillian Trailhead
This moderately challenging 3.9-mile out-and-back trail is within the scenic Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This trail takes you to Twin Lakes, where you’ll find two stunning alpine lakes surrounded by alpine meadows and towering peaks. With an elevation gain of 1,115 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers with a moderate level of fitness and experience.
Leavenworth
Rent snowshoes locally from Der Sportsmann in downtown Leavenworth for your adventures!
Skyline Lake Trail
Skyline Lake Trail at Stevens Pass is 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that packs a punch with moderate elevation gain. The scenery alone will leave you breathless. Skyline Lake is perched at 4,600 feet and in the winter is often completely frozen over.
Icicle River Trails
IIcicle River Trails near Leavenworth offers groomed and ungroomed paths that carve through forests, meadows, and alongside the meandering Icicle Creek, promising an enchanting adventure for snowshoers of all levels.
Beginners can meander along the gentle loops near the Nordic center, soaking in the serene beauty of the snow-laden valley. For a moderate challenge, venture deeper into the woods to secluded meadows. Experienced snowshoers can tackle the Icicle Ridge Trail, a 5-mile trek that rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding peaks and the valley.
Ski Hill
Located just two miles from Leavenworth, Ski Hill, offers a dedicated family-friendly snowshoe trail. The trail gently ascends, offering panoramic views of Leavenworth nestled in the valley below.
Lake Wenatchee
Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park
With over 20 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails to explore, Lake Wenatchee caters to snowshoers of all levels. Beginners can make their way along the gentle South Shore Trail, following the frozen shoreline and soaking in panoramic views of the lake. For a moderate challenge, venture into the Nason Ridge trails, where towering pines and hidden meadows paint a picturesque wintery scene. Experienced snowshoers can tackle the Wenatchee Ridge, a 5-mile trek that rewards you with breathtaking vistas from 4,000 feet above the lake.
Mount Rainier National Park
Home to some of the most beautiful and challenging snowshoeing trails in Washington state. Mount Rainier has over 35 miles of designated snowshoeing routes. From gentle beginner paths to exhilarating alpine ascents, the park caters to snowshoers of all skill levels.
For those new to snowshoeing, the park offers gentle introductory trails that provide stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Range. Experienced snowshoers may choose to challenge themselves on trails that lead to a breathtaking overlook of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys.
Regardless of your chosen trail, snowshoeing at Mount Rainier National Park is an unforgettable experience that allows you to appreciate the park’s natural beauty in a unique way. Popular snowshoeing trails in Mount Rainier National Park include:
Nisqually Vista Trail
An easy 1.2-mile loop trail unveils stunning views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the surrounding valleys. With an elevation gain of 180 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers of all levels.
Mazama Ridge Trail
This moderately challenging 5.3-mile out-and-back trail takes you through snow-laden meadows, alpine vistas, and panoramic views of Mount Rainier. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,328 feet, the trail requires a moderate level of fitness and experience.
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls via Lower Lakes Trail
A moderately challenging 3.5-mile out-and-back trail located within Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise area. This enchanting trail leads you to the shores of two pristine alpine lakes, offering breathtaking reflections of Mount Rainier and the surrounding peaks. With an elevation gain of approximately 948 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers with a moderate level of fitness and experience. There are seasonal road closures which means you may need to snowshoe to the trailhead.
Paradise Valley Snowshoe Loop
This moderately challenging 2.5-mile loop trail is nestled within Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise area. This scenic trail unveils breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range, and the surrounding alpine landscape. With an elevation gain of approximately 700 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers with a moderate level of fitness and experience.
Olympic National Park
Another great place to go snowshoeing in Washington state is Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a diverse landscape of rugged mountain peaks and lush rainforests and in the winter months, it’s covered in fresh snow. With over 60 miles of groomed trails, Olympic National Park caters to snowshoers of all skill levels.
Beginners can embark on well-maintained trails with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. As you progress, venture into the heart of the park and explore the enchanting trails of the Hoh Rainforests. Here you’ll find towering trees and cascading waterfalls create a mesmerizing winter wonderland.
For experienced snowshoers seeking an adrenaline rush, Olympic National Park offers a vast expanse of backcountry terrain. Traverse snow-laden meadows, ascend pristine peaks, and discover hidden valleys, all while immersed in the tranquility of the untouched wilderness.
Whether you’re seeking a gentle introduction to snowshoeing or an exhilarating backcountry adventure, Olympic National Park has something for you. Popular snowshoeing trails in Olympic National Park include:
Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe Loop
This moderately challenging 2.5-mile loop trail is located within Olympic National Park. This scenic trail unveils breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the surrounding alpine landscape. With an elevation gain of approximately 500 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers with a moderate level of fitness and experience.
Hurricane Ridge to Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
A moderately challenging 1.3-mile out-and-back trail nestled within Olympic National Park. This scenic trail unveils breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains, the Elwha Valley, and the surrounding alpine landscape. With an elevation gain of approximately 130 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers of all levels.
Marymere Falls Snowshoe Trail
This easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trail is nestled within Olympic National Park’s Lake Crescent area. This enchanting trail leads you to the base of Marymere Falls. It’s a cascading waterfall oftentimes frozen in the winter and surrounded by lush old-growth forest. With an elevation gain of approximately 298 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers of all levels
North Cascades National Park
A more remote and challenging destination for snowshoeing, the North Cascades beckon those seeking an adventure. With over 30 miles of backcountry trails winding through untouched wilderness, North Cascade National Park rewards intrepid snowshoers with breathtaking scenery and unparalleled solitude. Popular snowshoeing trails in North Cascades National Park include:
Diablo Lake Trail
This moderately challenging 7.6-mile out-and-back trail is nestled within North Cascades National Park’s Ross Lake area. This scenic trail unveils breathtaking views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding peaks of the North Cascades. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,500 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers with a moderate level of fitness and experience.
Cascade Pass
A moderately challenging 7-mile out-and-back trail nestled within North Cascades National Park’s Cascade River Road area. This scenic trail unveils breathtaking views of the North Cascades, including Eldorado Peak, Johannesburg Mountain, and Magic Mountain. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,700 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers with a moderate level of fitness and experience.
Heather Lake Trail
This moderate 4.6-mile out-and-back trail is nestled within North Cascades National Park’s Mountain Loop Highway area. This scenic trail unveils breathtaking views of Heather Lake, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and forests. With an elevation gain of approximately 1,200 feet, the trail is suitable for snowshoers with a moderate level of fitness and experience.
Don’t forget to read this post What You Should Wear on a Winter Hike before you go snowshoeing in Washington!
