Winter Snowshoe Program at Snoqualmie Pass

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Winter Snowshoe Program at Snoqualmie Pass
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By checking this box, you agree to Covid Safety Guidelines for wearing a face covering, and understand your donation is used solely to support this program and is not a fee-for-service. Donations cannot be refunded. All snowshoe trips are subject to cancellation due to insufficient snow and/or snow or road conditions. In this case, we will make every effort to secure you a space on another trip. If you need to cancel your reservation for any reason, please call the number below as soon as possible so that the space can be made available for others. Thank you!
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Product Details

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is excited to host the Snoqualmie Pass Snowshoe Program this winter! All are welcome, whether it’s your first time in the snow, you are a returning guest or a seasoned snowshoer. There’s something for everyone! Prior to your snowshoe adventure, check the weather forecast here and the road conditions here.

Programs offered:
  • Grand Discovery Snowshoe Walk; approximately 2 hours traveling about 2 miles, rolling terrain
  • Extended Snowshoe Walk; approximately 4-5 hours traveling about 4-5 miles with 800 feet elevation gain
  • Avalanche Awareness Snowshoe Walk; approximately 4-5 hours traveling about 3-4 miles with some elevation gain
  • Winter Photography Snowshoe Walk; approximately 4-5 hours traveling about 3-4 miles with some elevation gain
  • Kids in Snow Walk; approximately 1.5-2 hours traveling about 1-2 mile at a kid-friendly pace
Snowshoes are provided for all walks. Check out this instructional video to learn how to wear snowshoes!

PLEASE NOTE: No dogs allowed on our Snowshoe walks.

Scroll down for more information and details about each walk.

COVID Safety Guidelines
To meet our program’s COVID-19 safety guidelines, we follow USDA COVID and King County requirements. Essentially if King County Covid Community Levels CDC/Covid Community Levels are High we ask that you carry a mask and be prepared to wear it in the lobby at check in. If Covid Community Levels are Low or Medium masks are optional indoors. For the health and safety of others, we ask that if you have symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with Covid-19, that you call and reschedule your walk for another time.

By registering for this program, you agree to the guidelines outlined above for wearing face coverings indoors.

Location Details
Before each snowshoe walk, we will meet at the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center, which is in the lobby of the Firehouse Building on SR 906 across from Summit West. This is the same building as evo, Pass Life, and Laconia Market. When you arrive, the US Forest Service desk will be straight ahead when you enter the lobby. You will check in there and be issued snowshoes and any other relevant gear for your particular walk. You will then be directed to meet your group and Rangers outside.

The address for the Firehouse Building is:
69802 SR 906
Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068

For map directions, please click here.

For more information, cancellations, or to make changes regarding your reservation, please email . Starting December 22nd through the end of March, visitors may call the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center Thursdays-Sundays at (425)-434-6111 with questions.

Snowshoe Program Descriptions

Grand Discovery Snowshoe Walk
This snowshoe walk takes about 2 hours and travels about two miles over rolling terrain and winding through rich old-growth forest. Elevated up on the snowpack, you'll experience the impressive middle-canopy of the trees. You’ll have the opportunity to look for signs of wildlife, like snowshoe hare tracks in the snow or birds in tree dwellings. Each discovery tells us a new story in this vibrant mountain habitat. We'll guide you through this winter walk at a moderate pace featuring winter ecology facts that you can share with your friends and family. We find that children second grade and up do best for this walk. We recommend the “Kids in Snow Walk” for younger children as we are more able to adjust pace and length on that walk.

  • Suggested donation: Adults $20/person, youth 16 and under $10/person
  • Group capacity: 20
  • Dates: 10:00 AM & 12:30 PM on Saturday & Sunday, January 7 & 8, 2023
    • 10:00 AM Saturday, January 14 & 21, 2023
    • 10:00 AM & 12:30 PM Sunday, January 15 & 22, 2023
    • 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM Saturdays; 10:00 AM / 11:30 AM / 1:00 PM Sundays, January 28-March 26

Extended Snowshoe Walk
This snowshoe walk takes about 4-5 hours and travels about 5 miles. This snowshoe will take you into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape that is rich with snowshoe routes and winter life. Snowshoe hares, ground squirrels, marten, and bobcat all travel through this area, sometimes leaving tracks on the fresh snow. We'll travel at a moderate pace climbing into Commonwealth Basin. An Avalanche Safety Kit (including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel) will be checked out to you for the snowshoe walk. We will enjoy a lunch break boasting scenery you'll be craving for the rest of the winter. Bring a backpack with the 10 essentials including 32-64 ounces (1-2 liters) or more of water, a hearty snack and lunch. Dress in layers of synthetic or wool clothing; a waterproof outer layer (jacket, pants, boots) is required for the ever-changing mountain weather.

  • Suggested donation: $30/person
  • Group Capacity: 10
  • Dates: 9:00 AM Friday/Saturday/Sunday, January 6-March 26, 2023.

Winter Photography Snowshoe Walk
This snowshoe walk takes about 4-5 hours and travels about 3-4 miles. Photography enthusiasts from novices to experts will enjoy opportunities to document animal tracks, ice falls, and the swirling dark waters of midwinter along Commonwealth Creek. Learn how to utilize light, composition, and exposure in a snowy outdoor setting. You can transform a snapshot into fine art. Participants should bring their own film or digital camera plus a backpack with the 10 essentials including 32-64 ounces (1-2 liters) or more of water, a hearty snack and lunch. Dress in layers of synthetic or wool clothing; a waterproof outer layer is required (jacket, pants, boots) for the ever-changing mountain weather and plenty of photo-worthy stops along our route. See examples of Winter Photography from the tour leader at Alpine Scenes.

  • Suggested donation: $30/person
  • Group capacity: 10
  • Dates: 9:30 AM on the following Saturdays: January 21, February 4 & 18 and March 4 & 18

Kids in Snow! Snowshoe Walk
This snowshoe walk takes about 1.5-2 hours. Enjoy a variety of fun activities including hunting for animal tracks and guessing who made them. Learn about life under the snow and other ways animals adapt in the winter. You’ll have the opportunity to examine snow crystals, measure the snowpack depth, and of course, fit some snow play in at the end of our journey! We have a fleet of snowshoes for all sizes. Parents follow along with kids on this snowy adventure. Kids of all ages are welcome to join this kid-paced outing.

  • Suggested donation: Adults $20/person, youth 16 and under $10/person
  • Group capacity: 20
  • Dates: 12:30 PM Saturdays, January 14 & 21
    • 1:00 PM Every Saturday, January 28-March 25 except February 4, 11 & 25
    • 1:00 PM Sunday, February 5

Please note that these walks are already full for this year although we do sometimes have spaces open due to cancellations.

Avalanche Awareness Snowshoe Walk
Join the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) and the Forest Service for 4-5 hours on snowshoe walks where we focus entirely on Avalanche & Safety Awareness. A NWAC professional will be leading these snowshoe walks addressing topics like weather, snow conditions, terrain observations, avalanche signs, and winter travel techniques in the backcountry. We will introduce you to what Avalanche Safety Equipment looks like and give a brief demonstration of how an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel are utilized. Please bring a backpack with the 10 essentials including lunch, snacks, and water. Make sure to dress in layers of synthetic or wool clothing. A waterproof outer layer will be required (jacket, pants, boots). Be prepared to stop and go as we discuss how to stay safe in mountain winter environments.

  • Suggested donation: $30/person
  • Group capacity: 10
  • Dates: 9:30 AM on the following Sundays: January 22, 29; February 5, 19, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26

What to bring on the shorter snowshoe walks (Grand Discovery, Kids in Snow!):

  • 16 ounces (0.5 liters) or more of water
  • Appropriate clothing: Please dress appropriately for the weather and check the weather forecast ahead of time! Make sure to layer with clothing that can insulate you when wet, such as wool or synthetics, and that are easily removable as you heat up. Consider an extra pair of gloves for the kids!
  • Footwear: sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support are best
  • Optional: snacks, camera

Recommended items to bring for snowshoe 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), sunglasses, backpack with the 10 essentials, including extra clothing. See Dressing for the Wilderness video.
  • Appropriate clothing: Please dress appropriately for the weather and check the weather forecast ahead of time! Make sure to layer with clothing that can insulate you when wet, such as wool or synthetics, and that are easily removable as you heat up. A waterproof outer layer is required (jacket, pants, boots).
  • Footwear: sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support are best
  • Optional: camera, GPS, map