Local naturalists lead the tours which are about winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow and more. Tours last 90 to minutes. For dates and times check out the Methow Trails website. Methow Trails has some shared-use trails, and many that are open exclusively to snowshoers. Check out the winter maps for full details on the exclusive and shared-use snowshoe trails from each trailhead.
A ski pass will also grant access to snowshoe trails. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! Our scenic, peaceful snowshoe trails wind their way throughout the entire trail network, with the highest concentration of trails out of the Sun Mountain area. The Methow Valley Trails Association hosts family-friendly snowshoe tours every Saturday throughout the winter. Local volunteers lead tours which focus on winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow science and more.
Tour size is limited to 10 people. Reservations are not required; space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call Methow Trails at or email events methowtrails. Email News. We carry for trail runners, hikers, backpackers and skiers in Winthrop Washington. We are an authorized dealer for Rossignol cross country skis, both skate and classic. Series of switchbacks through an old-growth forest make for a fun climb with beautiful views. The avalanche chutes are stunning and make sure to always check the surroundings and take a minute to listen before crossing.
In the winter months, hikers suggest bringing special equipment such as spikes or waterproof shoes. The alpine lake can be almost entirely frozen over and very charming, with a mountain backdrop. Though snow on the trail is compacted by foot traffic, stick to it as snow is a couple of feet high on the sides most of the way and can be dangerous. The gradual elevation gain makes for a great hike through the Snoqualmie pass. Mount Pilchuck Trail. Mount Pilchuck Trail is a challenging hike to an old fire lookout tower at the top of the mountain that offers panoramic views.
The hiking trail itself is in Mount Pilchuck State Park. The terrain can be rough and requires a good sense of balance to navigate the rocky pathway. This popular hike is one of the busiest trails in the area so expect to see others. Arrive at the trailhead early to secure a parking spot. The final stretch of road leading to the trailhead is in very rough shape. Dress accordingly and be prepared to cross plenty of mud and snow as late as mid-summer.
Hidden Lake Lookout. Simply spectacular! Hidden Lake Lookout is of the finest hikes in Mt. Sprawling meadows bursting with wildflowers, granite slabs and boulders laced with heather, glistening snowfields birthing tumbling waters, alpine nooks providing.
Please note before heading out: the road leading up to the trailhead may not accommodate all vehicles. After starting in a clear-cut area, the trail soon enters the forest where it begins to climb steeply. At about 1 mile leave the forested canopy behind for an avalanche chute filled with alder.
Cross East Fork Sibley Creek and recommence climbing. While you're traversing the steep side slope that's often brushy and overgrown, showy flowers give some consolation as you slog.
Biting flies, however, may diminish the blossom bonus. Stop to admire Mt. Baker hovering in the western sky. Now across heather slopes punctuated with shiny granite slabs funneling cascading snowmelt, enjoy increasing views and an alpine wonderland intensifying in beauty. At 3 miles, a potential hazard may exist. Early season, or some years all summer, a treacherously steep snow gully may be present. Extremely dangerous to cross without ice ax and appropriate skills, it may be necessary to call it quits, taking solace in prudence and a decent hike even to this point.
If the coast is clear, proceed, enjoying heather meadows, glacier lily fields, snowfields dyed red thanks to an algae , unhindered Cascade mountain views west and south, and territorial views of Hidden Lake Peaks to the east. Hidden Lake is just below, a glorious backcountry body of water, its azure waters shimmering in the sun. It's a rough-and-tumble drop of feet through talus to reach it. Instead, enjoy its beauty from above and the framing backdrop of impressive North Cascades summits- Eldorado, Forbidden, and Boston among them.
To reach the lookout, follow the trail right for 0. Drink in views from Mount Rainier to Mount Baker and every peak, valley, and ridge between. Take time to appreciate the lookout too. Built in , it was restored by Fred T.
Darvill of the Skagit Alpine Club back in Users may need to bring snowshoes to be able to navigate this trail in winter and spring conditions. The trail up to the summit of Bendera Mountain is a great escape from Seattle as it crests into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of the Mount Baker Snoqualmie national forest.
As you work your way up the mountainside make sure to stop and take in the gorgeous views of Mount Rainier. The last 1. As difficult as this last leg is, the view at the top, and the feeling of accomplishment, is not to be denied. With all the elevation gain behind you, take a rest and snack break at the beautiful Mason Lake.
There is backcountry camping and a toilet facility near Mason Creek. Myrtle Falls Viewpoint via Skyline Trail. Length: 1. Artist Point is already a summer and fall favorite at the end of state Route , with Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker jockeying for competition in a feast for the eyes. Cover the whole scene in a blanket of pure white and you have a recipe for the ultimate winter wonderland — provided the weather cooperates and you can actually see the mountains, given how frequent snowstorms sock in this area.
Keep the rope line delineating the ski area boundary to your left. A short, steep climb brings you through avalanche terrain to Austin Pass, then a more gradual ascent takes you up to Artist Point. Familiar landmarks like the highway and the Artist Point parking lot and restroom will be buried under feet of snow. At this point, you are in alpine terrain. In whiteout conditions, you will struggle to retrace your steps without strong navigation skills and GPS.
If the public lands access parking at Heather Meadows is full, retreat down state Route for 7 miles to the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park, where the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club maintains a trail network suitable for snowshoeing.
Salmon La Sac is just about the deepest you can drive into the Cascades on a plowed winter road away from a ski area, which makes this Sno-Park a special destination somewhat far from the madding crowd. While snowmobilers are regulars in this area, they mostly cruise up the Cle Elum River drainage to the northeast. The thinner tree canopy east of the Cascade crest also makes for a change of scenery from the old-growth routes on the west side as you follow along the gushing Cooper River.
Press on to the lake if you like, which is easily reached by forest roads, and the Owhi Campground. Round-trip trail lengths: 1 to 5 miles. Parking: Check Crystal Mountain resort website for updated information about parking. New last season, Crystal Mountain has blazed and signed six different snowshoe routes. While perhaps not a destination in and of themselves for dedicated snowshoers, they make for a great option on a day when your party has a mix of skiers and snowshoers — while some ride chairlifts, others explore on foot.
Two trailheads serve Lot C and the base area, respectively. They both converge on an information sign, one of three along the trail network with natural history and environmental science about the area, from watersheds to wildfires. Expect to encounter skiers returning from the backcountry on this trail, especially if you go in the afternoon. While you have the right of way if you are traveling uphill, stay alert, as skiers come fast.
If you stay on the marked snowshoe trails, there is no avalanche danger. Beyond the trail network on routes that backcountry skiers take, avalanche hazard begins quickly. Angeles Road, Port Angeles. The snow-capped peaks you admire across Puget Sound from Seattle now surround you up close and personal.
And elusive Mount Olympus — the tallest peak in the range but one hidden from view across the Sound — basks you in all its majesty. But enough staring, you should at least stretch your legs while enjoying alpine scenery to rival anywhere in the world.
Head west from the visitor center which will be closed this winter due to the pandemic along snow-covered Hurricane Ridge Road and through stretches of forest with valley views below. After 1. Turn around here, or for more advanced snowshoers, continue westward along the ridgeline and past two avalanche chutes to the top of Hurricane Hill.
Trying on your snowshoes for the first time or taking out young kids? This 2-mile loop up to and around Gold Creek Pond is the ideal introduction. The terrain is flat and the trail is easy to follow, with zero avalanche hazard. Paved in the summer and snow-covered in winter, you might think of this as the pass-level counterpart to Green Lake. While the 1-mile trail itself is likely to be packed flat all winter long given the amount of foot traffic that strolls the loop for views of Kendall Peak and Rampart Ridge, you can stomp around off-trail to get more comfortable with deeper snow.
Getting your vehicle stuck on the snow-covered road is a rookie mistake you will want to avoid. At the Gold Creek Sno-Park proper, a switchbacking, 4. A short northerly jaunt through the woods — likely to be packed out given the popularity of this destination, but check your GPS if breaking trail — brings you to the first of two accessible bodies of water, almost certainly frozen and snow-covered, known as the Kendall Peak Lakes.
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