Snoqualmie Pass: Snow Lake & Source Lake Snowshoeing

Do you think snowshoeing could ever become an Olympic event? Maybe it could be similar to a marathon where you speed walk around a snowy track. I can just imagine people falling over left and right, tripping over each other, while making very little forward progress. Ok, maybe that really doesn't sound like much fun to watch or partake in, so I'll stop fantasizing and share with you my favorite place to snowshoe in Washington State, Snow Lake.

Before we start with the fun stuff, you must know this trail during the winter is at high risk for extreme avalanche danger. Check weather reports and trail conditions by calling the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center. Bring your 10 hiking essentials and always let someone know your hiking plans. Just be smart.

Ok, now onto the fun stuff! Snow Lake is my year round go to hike as it never disappoints. Park in the first Alpental Ski Resort lot and just opposite of the resort you will find the trailhead to Snow Lake. On weekends come early because this parking lot and trail can fill up quickly.

This marks the start of the Snow Lake Trail, from here it is about seven miles to the lake with a 1800 ft evolution gain. After 1.75 fairly flat miles winding around the hillside, as soon as you get to the milepost sign, which is where you wills start your ascent. If it’s extremely snowy we turn around at the sign below. Most of the avalanche danger lies on the hill leading up to the lake view point.

During winters with heavy snowfall, it isn't uncommon for this sign to be completely under the snow, so look for a spur on the right side of the trail.

Here is where the real work starts, just under a mile to the top. Along the way you will encounter some impressive yard length icicles that took months to form off these massive rocks.

After about 3/4 of a mile up hill, you will reach the ridge overlooking Snow Lake and encounter the most picturesque nature sign you will ever see in your entire life.

If you're into birds then you are in for a treat, actually let's be honest, the birds are the ones looking for treat and will land on your hand in hopes for one.

During winter months, the top of the ridge overlooking the lake is typically a good place to turn around, especially in wintery weather conditions.

If the Snow Lake trail is too busy, inaccessible due to snow conditions or avalanche danger, just down the road is the Source Lake trail. It also makes for a perfect snowshoeing trail.

To access the Source Lake trailhead, drive to the farthest parking lot at Alpental and start the Source Lake trail there. The trail to the Source Lake overlook from the Snow Lake trail does DO NOT officially meet up and I've learned this the hard way. Although it is doable during the winter with ample snowfall, there isn't an official path and bushes and rocks prevent any enjoyable summertime connecting hike.

The trail starts off following the river, before it quickly turning off into the alpine forest.

You can follow the Source Lake trail for 2.5 miles climbing about 700 feet with gradual inclines and a few scrambles, leading to a Source Lake overlook.