Top 10 Northwest Snowshoe Areas

When the snow starts to fall and you just can’t stand being cooped up any longer, head out hiking. Grab a friend, some poles and a pair of snowshoes and try one of these fun snowshoe trails around the Pacific Northwest. You might just bump into me this winter!

Oregon

Tumalo Mountain, Bend

A 4-mile trail leading up the side of the mountain, this trail offers amazing views of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters from its peak. While its hard to get lost on Tumalo Mountain’s flanks, be wary that there is no visible trail in the winter. Located off Cascade Lakes Highway across from Mt. Bachelor at Dutchman Flat Sno-Park.

Gold Lake

An idea hub for winter adventures, Gold Lake offers scenic trails for all ages. Travel around the lake from hut-to-hut and and enjoy the area’s varied trails. Good for beginners to advanced snowshoers and Nordic skiers. Located one half mile northwest of Willamette Pass on Abernathy Road 5899; about 30 miles east of Oakridge.

Trillium Lake & Mirror Lake, Mt. Hood

These two classic north Oregon cascades snowshoe trails reveal scenic frozen lakes and beautiful view of Mount Hood and the dense evergreen forest. For a nice half day trip, try one of these two loop lake trails. Located about 1.5 hours east of Portland off highway 26. Read about my snowshoe hike to Mirror Lake.

Crater Lake 

If your ready for a multi-day trip, drive up one of Oregon’s most famous mountains for this epic overnight snowshoe trail. Follow the rim of the Crater Lake around for 33 miles and test your legs. Typically this trail takes 3-4 days to complete. Not ready for this excursion? Try a shorter guided snowshoe hike from the visitor center.

Anthony Lakes

Surrounded by scenic high desert snowfields, Anthony Lakes makes for a lovely afternoon snowshoe trip. Follow the short lake loop trail or hop on one of the area’s many other Nordic and snowshoe trails. Located in northeastern Oregon, 19 miles west of the North Powder exit 285 off Interstate 84.

Washington

Hurricane Ridge

A premiere winter hike in the Olympic Mountains, Hurricane Ridge features lovely views of the rainforest terrain turned winter wonderland. Located 17 miles south of Port Angeles.

Artists’ Point

With stunning winter vistas of the North Cascades, this hike lives up to its name. A 5.5-mile trek gaining 1,200 feet of elevation, it is no easy route, but well worth the effort. Located off Mount Baker Highway.

Mazama Ridge, Mt. Rainer

A popular hike for snowshoers, this trail starts at the Paradise visitor center on Mt. Rainer and offers a scenic path. If it’s a clear day, enjoy views of the mountain from all angles. The trail is 6 miles round trip. Located off Stevens Canyon Road.

Mount Spokane

More well known as a ski destination, Mount Spokane also offers a wide variety of snowshoe trails. Try the 4-mile round trip hike to the mid-mountain warming hut to get toasty with a cup of hot chocolate. Located 25 miles northeast of Spokane.

Leavenworth

Snowshoe through frozen meadows, past icy lakes and up the region’s hills for vista views. Try one of the many snowshoe trails like Eagle Creek and Little Wenatchee Rd from Leavenworth then head back into this quaint town for a warm meal or beer.

What trail do you want to try this winter?

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