Snowshoeing is a winter sport that’s economical and can be enjoyed by anyone — from young children to seniors. It’s an excellent low-impact aerobic exercise that can burn more calories than walking or running. Just like hiking in the snow, snowshoeing is a relaxing way to enjoy the beauties of winter and explore the pristine scenery of the Northwest.
Washington Snowshoe Resorts and Trails
From the Cascade Mountains to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, snowshoe enthusiasts find many places to hike in Washington State:
- Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge offers unparalleled mountaintop vistas, a warm visitor center, snowshoe rentals, snack bar and guided snowshoe walks on ungroomed trails through forests and meadows.
- Mount Rainier’s abundant snowfall closes all but the national park’s southwest and northwest entrances. Ranger guided snowshoe walks and rentals are available at Paradise.
- At Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass, the Forest Service offers guided snowshoe walks and classes along winding forest trails in the North Cascades.
- The Methow Valley has many snowshoe trails (from 1 to 8 km.) in Mazama, Sun Mountain and on the Methow Community Trail.
- Mt. Spokane, in eastern Washington, offers 6 groomed trails from easy to difficult and a warming lodge.
Idaho Snowshoe Resorts and Trails
From north to south, snowshoe opportunities abound in Idaho:
- In Sandpoint, snowshoe Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s peaceful Hermit’s Hollow trails, with rentals and passes available.
- Coeur d’Alene’s Mineral Ridge, also in north Idaho, offers views of the lake on ungroomed trails.
- The Upper Big Wood River area, in south-central Idaho surrounding Galena Summit, is a snowshoer’s paradise. Warm up and dine in the nearby Galena Lodge.
- The Sawtooth National Forest is ideal for snowshoeing, with backcountry yurts as destinations from Hailey in south-central Idaho.
- Nearby Stanley has many snowshoe trails as well as a snowshoe festival in March.
Wyoming Snowshoe Resorts and Trails
Most of Wyoming’s snowshoeing is found in the western half of the state:
- Yellowstone National Park’s Lodging and Learning Program at Old Faithful and Mammoth resorts offer guided snowshoe tours of the park.
- In the Jackson Hole area, explore the National Elk Refuge or west bank of the Snake River on snowshoes.
- The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers guided snowshoe tours, some to Grand Teton National Park.
- South of Hoback Junction, south of Jackson Hole, take the shared trail to a hot springs at the end of Granite Creek Road.
Alaska Snowshoe Resorts and Trails
The wilds of Alaska feature snowshoeing in resorts, national parks and forests:
- Alyeska Resort, in Girdwood (40 miles south of Anchorage), offers guided snowshoe hikes on trails at the base of Mt. Alyeska along creeks and meadows.
- Anchorage boasts hundreds of miles of multi-use trails for snowshoeing in Kincaid Park, the Hillside trail system, Hilltop Ski Area, Powerline and Turnagain Pass areas.
- Denali National Park has a network of snowshoe trails looping around the park entrance area, with ranger-guided hikes and snowshoes available.
- Chena Hot Springs Resort, near Fairbanks, has snowshoe trails through its 440 scenic acres. Warm up in the hot springs or dine and stay at the resort.
Montana Snowshoe Resorts and Trails
The Rocky Mountains of western Montana hold many snowshoe trails and resorts:
- Glacier National Park, in northwestern Montana, is even more scenic in winter. Tread powder from Apgar along the Inner North Fork Road to McGee Meadows Trail and back on Camas Road. Or view frozen McDonald Falls on a 4-mile round trip from Lake McDonald Lodge.
- Glacier Outdoor Center, in West Glacier, offers full- and half-day tours into Glacier National Park, a warming tipi, private warming cabins, snacks, equipment and rentals.
- Bohart Ranch, 16 miles northeast of Bozeman in southwestern Montana, has snowshoe trails in the Bridger Mountains, rentals and warming lodge with snacks and beverages.
- Lone Mountain Ranch, in Big Sky (45 miles south of Bozeman), offers marked, self-guided snowshoe trails leading from the ranch, rentals and knowledgeable staff. Lodging, dining and vacation packages are available at this award-winning resort.
- West Yellowstone, on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, has guided snowshoe tours with Henry’s Anglers, including equipment and meals.
Travel to the Northwest U.S. for snowshoe vacations in Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska and Montana. This affordable winter sport offers great aerobic exercise in scenic locations.
For more Northwest winter adventure vacations, try cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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