6 off-the-beaten-path snowshoe trails with unique landmarks

Though it sometimes feels like it, skiing isn’t the only winter sport around. If you hike outside of the winter months, snowshoeing is a wonderful option for continued exploration when it’s cold out. 

It’s quite easy to get started with snowshoeing, and aside from a knowledge of winter weather conditions, it doesn’t require many additional skills beyond hiking. If you hike or trail run, the only additional gear necessary are snowshoes and optional poles.

Not only is it great winter exercise, especially if you’re the first person to break trail, but it’s a fun way to get outdoors during the gloomy months and see some of your favorite trails through an entirely different perspective.

There are plenty of beautiful snowshoeing routes in Washington, including the more off-the-beaten-path excursions listed below that end at a fire tower or cabin — some of which are available to rent for the night. Before you even leave the house, however, it’s important to pack appropriately for your winter adventure.

What to pack for a snowshoe hike

Snowshoeing isn’t all that different from hiking, though there are additional items you’ll want to bring for a successful outing. As always, go prepared for an emergency by bringing along the 10 Essentials and let someone know where you’re going with an expected time of return. 

The 10 Essentials include: map (ahem, paper in addition to an offline map on your phone), headlamp, extra food and water, extra layers, including rain gear, fire starter, an emergency shelter, multitool, sun protection and a first aid kit.

Along with the regular 10 Essentials, during winter trips, you’ll want to bring additional clothing, extra food and water, and additional batteries or a battery pack for your headlamp and phone (the cold zaps batteries quickly). Additional items to consider include a shovel to build a snow cave if necessary and an avalanche beacon if you will be venturing into avalanche territory.

Make sure that you have the right snowshoes for your weight and terrain. Beginners can rent snowshoes from outdoor stores to determine their preferences before making a purchase. Poles with baskets are also helpful for keeping balance.

Staying warm and dry requires a proper wardrobe. Insulated and waterproof boots paired with wool socks will keep your feet dry and warm. Gaiters are optional and will help keep your calves warm, and more importantly, the snow out of your boots. 

Noncotton layers on top will do the same. A merino wool base layer with a zippered top will let you vent as you warm up after a few miles. Over that, a fleece or soft-shell jacket mid-layer will retain heat, while still allowing you to move. Lastly, a waterproof, breathable shell jacket will keep you dry and block any wind. Additional items include gloves, a hat, neck gaiter and sunglasses. 

Trailheads that start at a Sno-Park require a Washington Sno-Park permit from Dec. 1 to April 30. Permits are available for purchase online or in person at most outdoor-recreation stores and other local businesses. You can find a full list of vendors on the Washington State Parks website.

Finally, don’t skimp on hydration. Winter activities can be just as dehydrating, if not more so, than hot weather outings. Drinking water regularly keeps your muscles going and helps prevent hypothermia. Bring a thermos with a warm beverage, like broth, or an electrolyte for additional warmth.

As with any winter recreation, be avalanche-aware and check with the ranger station before leaving to ensure the area is safe to recreate in. Conditions can shift rapidly in the winter.

Off-the-beaten-path snowshoe destinations

Fire tower lookouts

Buck Mountain – Methow Valley

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 11.6 miles

Elevation gain: 2,635 feet

Trailhead: Where Highway 20 meets Buck Mountain Road; GPS coordinates: 48.3924, -119.8488

Located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest between Twisp and Omak, Buck Mountain is an advanced snowshoe adventure that climbs 2,635 feet over 5.8 miles to a fire tower lookout. The fire tower, which was built in 1919, was nearly lost in 2015 during the Okanogan Complex fire, the largest in Washington state history. Flames reached the legs of the tower, but fire crews managed to save the structure.

The winter route for Buck Mountain follows Buck Lookout Road for the first 3.8 miles. Depending on plowing, there may be a couple spots for cars right off Highway 20, otherwise look for the pullout on Highway 20 about a half-mile west of the road. It’s a good idea to bring a map to ensure you stay on the right path and watch out for heavy snowmobile traffic on the weekends. Keep an eye out for the pink ribbon marker on a large fir tree to indicate your turn from the road toward the lookout. Here, you’ll walk through the burn section for the next 2 miles until you reach the lookout. While the deck of the tower is not accessible to the public, visitors can enjoy the views of the Okanogan Valley and Sawtooth Range. 

Sun Top Lookout – Mount Rainier

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 11 miles

Elevation gain: 3,050 feet

Trailhead: Sun Top Sno-Park; GPS coordinates: 47.066677, -121.583516

The snowshoe route to Sun Top Lookout near Mount Rainier offers jaw-dropping views of craggy Cascade peaks, the Olympic Mountains, potentially even Mount Baker on a clear day, and of course, Mount Rainier. 

In the summer and fall, the gravel Forest Service road that leads to the lookout is popular with hikers, trail runners and bikers. During the winter, the road is gated at the Sun Top Sno-Park, making for a demanding, yet very doable 11-mile round trip snowshoe excursion for those in shape, thanks to the gradual incline. 

After about 5 miles, you’ll arrive at the saddle where there will be another gate shortly beyond. From there, find the hiking trail that leads a half-mile up to the lookout cabin perched atop the 5,271-foot peak. Avalanches can occur in this area, so check the conditions prior to making plans.

Washington Sno-Park Permit required.

Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout – Spokane

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 4.5 miles

Elevation gain: 685 feet

Trailhead: Selkirk Lodge; GPS coordinates: 47.74229, -117.487669

Located inside Washington’s largest state park, Mount Spokane State Park, Quartz Mountain is ideal for a late season snowshoe hike. Because it sits along a groomed nordic path, snowshoeing is not allowed in-season, but once grooming ends, usually sometime in April, snowshoes are welcome, just be sure to hike along the side of any remaining groomed surfaces. 

With just 685 feet of elevation gain in 4.5 miles, this trek is ideal for beginners. Several trails lead to the fire tower, so be sure to research your route and bring a map. From the top, take in the views of the Selkirk Range, Spokane Valley and Spirit Lake in Idaho.

The existing structure was built in 1979 by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and was used until it was decommissioned in 1994. Today, it is available for overnight rentals between June and September for $100/night. 

Washington Sno-Park permit or Discover Pass required, depending on the time of year.

Steliko Lookout – Entiat (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest)

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 1.5 miles

Elevation gain: 1,500 feet

Trailhead: Where Entiat River Road meets Steliko Ridge Road; GPS coordinates: 47.7433, -120.3628

This short but strenuous hike follows Steliko Canyon to the lookout tower of the same name, gaining 1,500 of elevation in 1.5 miles. From mid-November to mid-April the lookout is accessible by walking, skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling up the road. 

Built in 1947, the Steliko lookout is still used by staff during high fire danger, and it’s one of the last three lookouts in the Entiat Ranger District. After volunteers renovated the lookout in 2019, it is now available to rent through recreation.gov. From the top, take in the views of Sugarloaf and Tyee lookouts. The road requires a high clearance vehicle and can be narrow in spots.

Cabins

Snow Peak Cabin – Colville National Forest

Difficulty: Advanced

Distance: 10 miles

Elevation gain: 875 feet

Trailhead: Sherman Pass; GPS coordinates: 48.605233, -118.462008

Sitting at an elevation of 6,400 feet, deep in the Kettle Mountain Range outside the tiny town of Republic, Snow Peak Cabin is the perfect spot to go off grid and hibernate for a few days. The rustic log cabin was constructed in 1995 and can be rented for overnight stays all year long. At just $30/night, it’s worth the drive to the far reaches of the state to explore this relatively unknown territory. I received this message this morning and was thinking that perhaps we should But do not underestimate the difficulty of this trek, especially if you don’t have a permit to stay overnight.  

Winter recreators can ski or snowshoe the 5 miles to the cabin, starting on the west side of the Sherman Loop Trail #72 and then connecting to the Kettle Crest Trail #13 for the remainder of the trek. With just 875 feet of elevation gain, this is a relatively easy snowshoe that beginners and advanced snowshoers will enjoy.

At 5,574 feet, Sherman Pass is the highest Sno-Park and maintained pass in the state. From the cabin, the views stretch across the Cascades and into Canada and Idaho. The cabin is equipped with a wood stove, table, sleeping cots, a propane cook stove, basic cookware and cutlery and solar lighting. There is no potable water, so winter visitors must melt and filter snow for drinking, washing and cooking.

Washington Sno-Park permit required.

High Hut Snowshoe – Mount Rainier 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 4.3 miles

Elevation gain: 2,400 feet

Trailhead: Lower Sno-Park South Mount Tahoma; GPS coordinates: 46.706, -121.99285

In 1989, several land managers and local business owners met to discuss establishing a network of winter trails, resulting in the creation of the Mount Tahoma Trails Association. As a result, the nonprofit organization has developed over 50 miles of snowshoe and cross-country trails, as well as four huts and one yurt, available to the public for both day and overnight use. High Hut is one such cabin. 

With 2,400 feet of elevation gain over 4.3 miles, the trek is no walk in the park, but the destination is worth the smack-dab-in-your-face view of Mount Rainier. Along the steady ascent, views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams will make you forget the vertical gain momentarily. Reservations are required to stay in the hut, and they’re hard to come by, so be sure to stay on top of announcements from MTTA.

Washington Sno-Park permit required.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story erroneously included a photo of High Rock lookout.