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.

Download our informational brochures for Snoqualmie Pass and Swauk Sno-Park.

For more information about the program, or to cancel or make changes to an existing reservation, please contact Kim Larned at: USForestService_SnoqualmiePass (at) discovernw.org
425-434-6111.

90 Minute walk. Join this 1 mile loop that winds through opulent old-growth forest. Elevated up on the snow-pack, you'll enjoy experiencing the middle-canopy of the trees. You'll see normally hidden lichens, fungus, winter birds and mammals. Discover what critters made those mysterious tracks and what exactly are all those tiny of black insects flipping around on the snow! We'll guide you through this winter hike at a moderate pace and with interesting winter ecology facts you can impress your friends and family with.
Suggested donation: Adults $15, youth 16 and under $10

Extended walk. 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, wolverine all travel through this area, sometimes leaving evidence on the fresh snow. We'll travel about 5 miles at a moderate pace climbing into the basin, including a lunch break boasting scenery you'll be craving the rest of the winter. Bring a well-stocked backpack, lunch and dress for the ever-changing mountain weather for this one; we'll be out for about 4-5 hours.
Suggested donation: $25 per person

Photography walk. Photography enthusiasts from expert to novice will enjoy the opportunities for winter inspired photos. Catch a radiating dendrite or possibly some magnificent hoar frost. Commonwealth Creek offers many unique photographic interests: ice falls, cool vapors and the swirling dark waters of mid winter. Your guide will inspire discussions about light, composition and exposure. Participants are encouraged to bring their own film or digital cameras. In order to reduce your own exposure, please carry a well-stocked backpack with lunch. This trip usually lasts about 4 to 5 hours. For more information on this tour, please refer to Alpine Scenes.
Suggested donation: $25 per person

Kids in Snow! Kids of all ages enjoy this 90 minute outing that jump starts participants on their way to earn a Jr. Snow Ranger badge. Identify tracks, learn about exploring nature in winter, and climb into our igloo (snowpack permitting). Discover which animals live nearby that turn white in winter, sleep the winter away, burrow and live entirely under the snow and those that can freeze themselves nearly solid right through until the spring melt. Kids control the speed of this walk, and we have a fleet of snowshoes, just for little feet. Adults can follow along with the kids; we have snowshoes for you too!
Suggested donation: Adults $15, youth 16 and under $10

Avalanche Awareness Walk. Join the Northwest Avalanche Center and the Forest Service for snowshoe walks where the focus is entirely Avalanche Awareness. Professionals from the Northwest Avalanche Center will be leading and presenting on these walks. This trip usually lasts about 4 to 5 hours.

What you'll need on the 90 minute walk:

• Water
• Clothing: Appropriate for the weather that day. Dress in layers you can remove easily as you heat up.
• Footwear: Preferably boots (hiking, winter, snowboard).
• Optional Stuff: Snacks, Camera.

What you'll need on the extended walk:

• Gear: Poles, sunglasses, backpack with the 10 essentials, extra clothing food and water is recommended.
• Water: More than you'd think, snowshoeing makes you thirst! Something warm in a thermos is nice too.
• Clothing: Extra change of clothes, "dress for success".
• Footwear: Sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support.
• Lunch/Snacks: High energy snacks, we'll break for lunch.
• Optional stuff: Camera, GPS, avalanche beacon, probe, avalanche shovel, map.

For more information, contact the Snoqualmie Visitor Center at 425-434-6111.