How to Take a Guided Snowshoe Hike Near Seattle
Snowshoeing: Like hiking, but more stylish.
You can snowshoe any time there's snow (duh), but there are plenty of reasons to seek out a guided stroll: avalanche danger, access to the best views, or simply tips on how to walk with serving platters strapped to your feet. If skiing and snowboarding isn't for you and finding your own snowshoe route is overwhelming, guided hiking could be the ideal winter sport. Head to these snowy destinations for organized trips.
Mount Rainier National Park
Park rangers lead snowshoe walks from the Paradise Visitor Center every weekend from December until the end of March, depending on conditions and staffing levels. Snowshoeing newbies, this stroll is for you: two hours, 1.8 miles, and open to anyone over 8 years old. The guided tour is free with snowshoes provided, and the park rangers discuss Rainier’s flora and fauna as you go. Signups are first come, first served, with tours leaving at 11am.
Olympic National Park
The park may have lost its Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center to fire in 2023, but intrepid rangers will still lead snowshoe trips from the parking lot on weekends. The route covers less than a mile, making it an appealing option for kids. The panoramic views reach from mountain peaks to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Snoqualmie Pass
Though Summit at Snoqualmie has skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, the U.S. Forest Service holds five different snowshoe programs around the area that range from photography outings to avalanche awareness walks and expeditions for kids. Snowshoes are provided and the tours are free, although a $10–25 donation toward the ranger-led programs is encouraged. Reservations are required, and they go fast.
Stevens Pass
The Skykomish Ranger District leads trips on a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, offering commentary on the wildlife of the region, at 9:30am on Fridays and Saturdays through late March. Rangers cover the winter ecology of the Stevens Pass area on a two-hour trip. A $20 donation is recommended, as are reservations.
Leavenworth
Fish love winter, too! (Actually, they probably don't.) The Wenatchee River Institute leads guided snowshoe hikes through the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Snowshoes are provided for the one mile trek along Icicle Creek and financial assistance is available to offset the $20 fee when necessary.
At nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park, rangers do Sunday snowshoe hikes through a 2.5-mile trail. Dogs are welcome here if they stay on leash, and limited free snowshoe loans are available. Register by phone or email.
Snowshoeing at Johnston Ridge near Mount St Helens.
Image: Courtesy US Forest Service
Mount St. Helens
Snowshoe tours put on by the Mount St. Helens Institute explore the special landscape of the state’s most explosive volcano. Take a loop around June Lake as you hear the story of how the landscape reacted and grew after the 1980 eruption. The weekend hikes ($99 each) require reservations and are longer treks—stretching up to five miles—for more experienced snowshoers. Reservations required, and waitlist spots are available for sold out dates.
