Winter Snowshoe Program at Snoqualmie Pass

SNOWSHOE01
Winter Snowshoe Program at Snoqualmie Pass
Processing...
To increase the opportunity for more participants to enjoy Ranger-led Snowshoe Walks, we are currently releasing reservations for January 5th-26th. The remaining reservations will be released week by week every Thursday a month in advance. In essence, February reservations will be released in January and March reservations will become available in February. The final day of this season's Snowshoe Walks will be Sunday, March 23rd.
Please select a program
No available slots
All fields are required.
If you click the "NOTIFY ME" button, your name will be added to a waitlist for this slot. If a walk participant cancels their reservation, you and others on the waitlist will receive an email notifying you of the cancellation and providing you with a link back to this page to book the slot.
This is a private event that requires a reservation code to book
Invalid reservation code
Your emergency contact must be someone who is not on this walk.
Contact information required
By checking this box you 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 unsafe or insufficient snow conditions. In this case, we will make every effort to secure you a space in another trip. If you need to cancel for any reason, please call the program contact number as soon as possible so that the space can be made available for others. Thank you!
You must agree to the terms to make a reservation
I acknowledge the following regarding this Snowshoe Walk:
  • I have read the description below of the specific walk I am reserving so I know what to expect.
  • I will read the confirmation and reminder emails that I will receive before the date of my walk including the important information regarding:
    • What I need to know about where to go and park.
    • Where and when to check in for my walk.
    • What I need to bring and wear to be prepared to be out on the snow.
    • Anything else pertinent to my participation.
  • If I have any questions or concerns, I will call or email in advance of my walk to get the information I need to participate in the USFS Snowshoe Walk.
You must agree to the terms to make a reservation

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 2 miles on mountain terrain
  • Kids in Snow Walk; 1.5-2 hours traveling 1-2 miles at a kid-friendly pace
  • Extended Snowshoe Walk; 4-5 hours traveling 4-5 miles with 800 feet elevation gain
  • Avalanche Awareness Snowshoe Walk; 4-5 hours traveling 3-4 miles with some elevation gain
  • Winter Photography Snowshoe Walk; 4-5 hours traveling 3-4 miles with 400-600 feet elevation gain

Scroll down for more information and details about each walk.

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.

Location Details
Each snowshoe walk begins at the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center, now located in the lobby of The Old Firehouse on State Route 906 (SR 906) across from Summit West Ski Area. We are NOT located in the Snoqualmie Fire and Rescue building.

The address for The Old Firehouse is:
69802 SR 906
Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068
For map directions, please click here.

There is NO PARKING for the Snowshoe Program in The Old Firehouse lot.
Due to changes beyond our control, parking may be more challenging this year, so please allow yourself extra time to find parking on State Route 906, consider carpooling if at all possible and/or be prepared to pay for parking in one of the Summit Ski Area lots as a last resort. For information visit this page for details. You might also consider To The Mountain Shuttle. Make sure to check weather, road and traffic conditions before you leave home and adjust your timing accordingly. To do so visit the Washington Department of Transportation Website for Snoqualmie Pass.

Please note: The driveway to The Firehouse has a short but steep approach which can be covered with snow and ice; please use caution when walking up or down the hill. Sturdy boots with good tread, traction devices and/or poles can be helpful in navigating this hill.

For more information, cancellations, or to make changes regarding your reservation, please email or call the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center at (425)-434-6111. We are staffed Thursdays-Sundays from 8:30-3:30.

Before parking and due to limited space at The Firehouse, please consider visiting the Traveler's Rest Stop (look for the Red Mountain Coffee sign) 0.3 miles to the east of The Firehouse for ample restrooms and a place to change into your winter clothes.

Snowshoe Program Descriptions

Grand Discovery Snowshoe Walk
This snowshoe walk takes 2 hours and travels 2 miles over mountain terrain winding through a lovely mixed growth forest. You'll experience the impressive mid-canopy of the trees and have the opportunity to look for signs of wildlife. Each discovery tells a us a new story about this vibrant mountain habitat. We'll guide you through this winter walk at a moderate pace featuring winter ecology information that you can share with your friends and family. We suggest if you are planning to bring children on this walk that they are second grade and older. We recommend the “Kids in Snow Snowshoe Walk” for younger children as we will adjust the pace and length of the walk. Scroll to the bottom for more information on what to wear and what to bring.

  • Suggested donation: Adults $20/person, youth 16 and under $10/person
  • Group capacity: 20
  • Days and times
    • 10:00 AM/11:30 AM on Saturdays
    • 10:00 AM/11:30 AM/1:00 PM on Sundays

Kids in Snow Snowshoe Walk
This kid-paced snowshoe walk takes 1.5-2 hours. Enjoy a variety of fun activities including hunting for animal tracks, learning about life under the snow and the ways animals adapt for the winter. Children of all ages are welcome to join but this walk is geared towards older preschool, early elementary age children and their guardians. We have a fleet of snowshoes for all sizes. Scroll to the bottom for more information on what to wear and what to bring.

  • Suggested donation: Adults $20/person, youth 16 and under $10/person
  • Group capacity: 20
  • Days and times: 1:00 PM on Saturdays (there may be a couple alternate Sundays)

Extended Snowshoe Walk
This snowshoe walk takes 4-5 hours traveling 4-5 miles. It will take you into the heart of Commonwealth Basin, a landscape that is rich with 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. Bring a backpack with the 10 essentials including 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. Scroll to the bottom for more information on what to wear and what to bring.

  • Suggested donation: $30/person
  • Group capacity: 10
  • Days and times: 9:00 AM on Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays

Avalanche Awareness Snowshoe Walk
Join the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) and the Forest Service for a 4-5 hour snowshoe walk. A NWAC professional will address topics like weather, snow conditions, terrain observations, avalanche signs, and winter travel techniques in the backcountry. We will introduce you to Avalanche Safety Equipment and give a brief demonstration of how to use an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel. Please bring a backpack with the 10 essentials including lunch, snacks, and 1-2 liters of water. Make sure to dress in layers of synthetic or wool clothing. A waterproof outer layer is required (jacket, pants, boots). Be prepared to stop and go as we discuss how to stay safe in mountain winter environments. Scroll to the bottom for more information on what to wear and what to bring.

  • Suggested donation: $30/person
  • Group capacity: 10
  • Dates: 9:30 AM on the following Sundays:
    • January 19, 26
    • February 2, 9, 16, 23
    • March 2, 9, 16, 23

Winter Photography Snowshoe Walk
This snowshoe walk takes 4-5 hours traveling 3-4 miles. Photography enthusiasts from novices to experts will enjoy opportunities to document animal tracks, frozen waterfalls, and the swirling waters of Commonwealth Creek. Learn how to utilize light, composition, and exposure in a snowy outdoor setting. Participants should bring their own film or digital camera plus a backpack with the 10 essentials including 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). Scroll down for more information on what to wear and what to bring. 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 11, 18, 25
    • February 1, 8, 15, 22
    • March 22

What to bring on Grand Discovery and Kids in Snow Walks:
  • 16 ounces (0.5 liters) or more of water and snacks
  • Appropriate clothing: Please check the Snoqualmie Pass weather forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly. We recommend a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof coat. Make sure to layer, and with clothing that can insulate you when wet, such as wool or synthetics (please avoid cotton clothing such as shirts/sweatshirts/pants/jeans because they will get wet and cold and don’t perform well in a winter mountain environment).
  • Consider an extra pair of gloves for the kids!
  • Footwear: sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support are recommended.

What to bring for Extended, Avalanche Awareness and Winter Photography Walks:
  • 32-64 ounces (1-2 liters) or more of water, high energy snacks, and lunch
  • Gear: hiking poles (pairs available to borrow), backpack with the 10 essentials including extra clothing and sunglasses. See Dressing for the Wilderness video.
  • Appropriate clothing: Please check the Snoqualmie Pass weather forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly. 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. We don’t recommend cotton clothing such as shirts/sweatshirts/pants/jeans because they will get wet and cold and don’t perform well in a winter mountain environment. A waterproof outer layer is required (jacket, pants, boots).
  • Footwear: sturdy waterproof boots with ankle support required.