Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council
If you are unable to snowshoe on ungroomed routes, the above photo is an example of how to share and preserve the groomed trail for all uses. Please snowshoe to the far side.
Below photo is an example of both a skate skier in the skate lane and a classic skier in the set tracks.
snowshoe options
There are snow drifts of reasons that snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter non-motorized activity. Navigating forests and viewing wildlife is easier than with skis, perfect for the explorer in all of us, from kids to grandparents.
Go Prepared!
This season REI will have snowshoe rental out of Hyak Sno-Park, next to the restrooms. NOTE, THIS OPERATION IS NOW CLOSED!
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Operating Hours: Fri, Sat, Sun 8:00am – 4:30pm
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Snowshoes + trekking poles and sleds.
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Rental Pricing:
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Snowshoes, 4 Hours ($19), 7 hours $29
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Sleds, hourly ($10/hr)
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Cross country skis, Including boots and poles (adult, $29 / 4 hours, $39 / 7 hours)
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Open starting Dec. 20th
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Fri-Sun: 9am-4pm
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Open Christmas Eve Dec. 24: 9am-4pm
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Open New Year's Eve Jan. 31: 9am-4pm
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If folks are just picking up gear a Sno-Park pass is not needed. If recreating on-site you will need a Sno-Park pass.
Guided Snowshoe Opportunities:
Forest Service - Join one of many ranger-led interpretive programs by visiting the Snoqualmie Pass Forest Service Information and Education Center located at the new "Firehouse". Link to left.
Easton Reload Sno-Park - They might have drop in available on Fridays and Mondays, call 509-856-4121
Mountaineers have dozens of classes and tours - button on left, or at the top on mobiles.
REI shut down their opportunities for snowshoe outings - see button at side.
Sno-Parks with snowshoeing options:
Franklin Falls Sno-Park
Annette Lake Sno-Park
Gold Creek - Kendall Peak Lakes Rd, Gold Creek Pond.
Crystal Springs / Erling Stordahl - There are snowshoe routes winding through the ski area. Please stay off the ski grooming.
Cabin Creek - South Loop - the South Loop trail is great for beginners and reached from the far parking lot, occasionally groomed for multi-use. Mt. Amabilis is a very popular ski area, and very crowded, you may want to snowshoe elsewhere where you can get away from the crowds. You also need the special grooming sticker to park here.
Lake Easton State Park - Relaxed atmosphere, snowshoe through the campgrounds or along the lake shore next to the groomed snowmobile trail (lightly used) to the outside of the groomed trail. In this area, the forest is open enough to go explore. You might even see wintering swans on the lake.
Easton Reload - a trail may be marked.
French Cabin Creek pullout - small area for easy snowshoeing
Salmon la Sac - Winter wonderland exploring shared with snow machines. This can be an excellent area to venture off the groomed as it is a bit more open and very scenic. Try the voluntary non-motorized areas.
Swauk Campground and Pipe Creek - Winter wonderland exploring. Pipe Creek non-motorized area has marked touring routes for skiers and snowshoers.
Blewett Pass - Pretty much anywhere. Please do not snowshoe on tracks made by skiers. Blaze your own trail.
And remember - Please DO NOT snowshoe down the middle of the grooming (packed area which is the skate platform), nor on the set tracks. Please snowshoe off to the outside of the set tracks.
