Winter Snowshoe Program at Snoqualmie Pass

Snowshoes are provided for all walks. For how to put on snowshoes, check out our instructional video.

For directions to Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center, please read these instructions. For mapped directions, please click here or use this address: NF-9041, Snoqualmie Pass 98068.

For directions to Wenatchee Ridge or Swauk Campground please read these instructions.

A Washington State Sno-Park Pass is required for each vehicle at Swauk Campground and Wenatchee Ridge. Please click here for locations you can purchase your WA State Sno-Park permit prior to your arrival.

For more information about the program, or to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, please email USForestService_SnoqualmiePass (at) discovernw.org. Starting Thursday, January 2, 2020, visitors may call the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center at (425)-434-6111 with questions and/or reservation requests.

90 Minute Trek. Join this one mile loop that winds through opulent old-growth forest. Elevated up on the snow-pack, you'll experience the impressive middle-canopy of the trees. Look for signs of wildlife such as tracks in the snow or in tree dwellings. Each discovery tells a bit of a story in this vibrant mountain habitat. We'll guide you through this winter hike at a moderate pace and with interesting winter ecology facts that will impress your friends and family.

• Suggested donation: Adults $15, youth 16 and under $10
• Dates: Saturdays 10 AM & 11:30 AM; Sundays 10 AM, 11:30 AM, & 1 PM, January 4 through March 29
• Group capacity: 20

Extended Hike.This winter trek will take you into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape that is rich with snowshoe routes and interesting winter life. Marten, ground squirrel, bobcat and wolverine all travel through this area, sometimes leaving evidence on the fresh snow. Depending on snow and weather conditions, we'll travel approximately 3 - 5 miles at a moderate pace climbing into the Basin. We will enjoy a lunch break boasting scenery you'll be craving for the rest of the winter. Bring a well-stocked backpack including 32-64 ounces (1-2 liters) or more of water, a hearty snack and lunch. Dress in layers for the ever-changing mountain weather. We'll be out between 3 - 5 hours. The route is subject to change dependent on conditions.

• Suggested donation: $25 per person
• Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays 9 AM, January 3 through March 29. (On the following Saturdays, we will have two Extended Walks, one at 9 AM and another at 9:30 AM: January 11, February 8 & 22, March 7 & 21)
• Group Capacity: 10

Winter Photography Outing. Photography enthusiasts from expert to novice will enjoy photographic opportunities along Commonwealth Creek, including animal tracks, ice falls, and the swirling dark waters of midwinter. Learn about use of light, composition, exposure and how to change a snapshot into fine art. Participants bring their own film or digital camera plus a well-stocked backpack including 32-64 ounces (1-2 liters) or more of water, a hearty snack and lunch. Dress in layers for the ever-changing mountain weather and plenty of photo-worthy stops along our route. We'll be out for about 4-5 hours. For more information about this tour, please refer to Alpine Scenes.

• Suggested donation: $25 per person
• Dates: January 4 & 18; February 1, 15, & 29; March 14 & 28; 9:30 AM for all dates
• Group capacity: 10

Kids in the Snow! Enjoy a variety of fun activities including hunting for animal tracks and guessing who made them, learning about subnivean life and other winter adaptations, examining snow crystals, measuring depth of the snowpack, and of course, fitting in some snow play at the end of our journey! We have a fleet of snowshoes for big and little (and everything in between) feet. Families follow along with kids on this snowy adventure. Kids of all ages are welcome to join this 90 minute, kid-paced outing.

• Suggested donation: Adults $15, youth 16 and under $10
• Dates: Saturdays 1 PM, January 4 through March 28
• Group capacity: 20

Avalanche Awareness Walk. Join the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) and the Forest Service for snowshoe walks where the focus is entirely Avalanche & Safety Awareness. Professionals from NWAC will be leading and presenting on these walks with topics including weather; field observation of terrain, recent signs of avalanches, and temperature; snowpack; travel techniques and how to avoid avalanches; emergency equipment and a demonstration on how to find a buried beacon. Please bring a well-stocked backpack with lunch, snacks and water; dress in layers for discussion stops as we learn how to stay safe in this mountain winter environment. We'll be out for 4-5 hours.

• Suggested donation: $25 per person
• Dates: Sundays 9:30 AM, January 5 through March 29
• Group capacity: 10

Swauk Campground Walk. This moderately paced 2 1/2 hour adventure begins in Swauk Campground, crosses Swauk Creek then climbs steadily, gaining 300 feet through majestic trees and small meadows before reaching its highpoint at an interesting sandstone outcrop with views of the surrounding forest. Along the way we will stop to discuss winter in the forest, what plants and animals live in the area and how they adapt to winter. We will listen to water flowing under the snow, look for tracks and watch for birds that call this area home. Beginners and experts will find this trip enjoyable and educational; join us and learn something new about winter in the forest while experiencing the majesty of the forest.

Dress for the weather in layers. Wear sturdy, waterproof boots. Bring a day pack with snacks and plenty of water. No snowshoe experience is necessary.

Washington State Sno-Park Pass is required for each vehicle. Please click here for locations you can purchase your WA State Sno-Park permit prior to your arrival.

• Suggested donation: $15 per person
• Dates: January 25, February 08, and March 14, 2020
• Group capacity: 20

Wenatchee Ridge Walk. This 2 1/2 hour trip meanders along Wenatchee Ridge, through mixed conifer forest with several open areas that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including on a clear day, glimpses of Mt. Rainier and full on views of Mt. Stuart. With only 400 feet of elevation gain this trip is perfect for those trying snowshoes for the first time, or the seasoned veteran. On this journey we will discuss winter in the forest and look for signs of who lives here in the winter and how they adapt to survive in this harsh yet beautiful environment.

NOTE: Restrooms are not available at Blewett Pass. Please plan accordingly.

Washington State Sno-Park Pass is required for each vehicle. Parking is limited, large groups are encouraged to carpool. Please click here for locations you can purchase your WA State Sno-Park permit prior to your arrival.

• Suggested donation: $15 per person
• Dates: February 22 and March 28 2020
• Group capacity: 20

What to bring on the shorter walks (90 minute, Kids in Snow):

• 16 ounces (0.5 liters) or more of water
• Clothing: Please dress appropriately for the weather by layering clothes that can insulate you when wet, such as wool or synthetics, and that you can remove easily as you heat up.
• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots
• Optional: Snacks, Camera

Additional items recommended on the longer walks (Extended, Photography, Avalanche Awareness):

• 32-64 ounces (1-2 liters) or more of water, high energy snacks and lunch
• Gear: Poles (pairs available to borrow at Visitor Center), sunglasses, backpack with the Ten Essentials, including extra clothing. See Dressing for the Wilderness video.
• Footwear: Sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support
• Optional: Camera, GPS, avalanche beacon, probe, avalanche shovel and map.