Snowshoeing In Snoqualmie

Aside from a quick dusting last weekend that melted the very next day, we haven't had any snow so far this season. So since T.J. had both Saturday and Sunday off so we planned a little northwest winter adventure- snowshoeing! Saturday we picked up our rental snowshoes from the Northwest Adventure Center on post, we laid out our snow pants, hats, and gloves, and then set out alarms for bright and early Sunday morning. I had done some research on fun, dog friendly snowshoeing trails and settled on Gold Creek Trail in Snoqualmie Pass. But seeing that it was supposed to be sunny and high 40s in our neck of the woods, we were still doubtful of what we would find just an hour away from us. Could there really be several feet of powdery snow and the potential need for tire chains less than a 100 miles away from us?

We got closer and closer to our destination without seeing much of the white stuff, and then all of sudden, as if we crossed through the invisible barrier to Narnia, we found ourselves in a winter wonderland! There is something sincerely magical about snow, something that makes you feel like a kid again. I was positively giddy to get out and play and Hunley had no idea the treat he was in for.

We found the trail-head and parked along the shoulder. There's no real parking lot, just a narrow side road, and it gets quite crowded on weekends so definitely get there earlier in the day. And if you can, go on a day when the Seahawks are playing. We put our Sno Park permit in the window, strapped on our shoes and let Hunley drag us onto the trail.
If you can walk you can snowshoe and while there was a groomed trail that we mostly stuck to, it was fun to be able to blaze your own path through untouched powder. The trail wound through the trees and opened up in an all white basin where the snow and fog covered mountains surrounded us. In the center was a frozen lake where you could see the tracks of a few more brave hikers.
We made our way around the trail, occasionally stopping to fling ourselves into the deep drifts and to throw snowballs at our eager pup. Hunley spent most of the day bounding and frolicking through the woods with his mouth to the ground trying to figure out how he was going to manage to eat all the snow.
Further along we came to what I assume is Gold Creek Pond (most of the trail signs were buried). It was so clear and perfectly reflected the dark snow capped mountains around us. You could see cracks of sun trying to burn off the fog. 
Though I got quite toasty hiking in all my warm layers, after a couple hours my cheeks and nose were quite rosy so we made our way back to the car. The parking was now a zoo so we were glad we'd gotten there earlier in the day like we did. Heading home it was wild to notice that less than twenty miles away from our snowy playground the sky was blue, the sun was blazing and the snow almost non-existent. 
Once we got home we spent the rest of the day snuggled up by the fireplace with a completely exhausted puppy on our hands. It was the perfect winter excursion and a great weekend with my guys! And here's a little home movie from our snow day that I made with my gopro. 

Comments

  1. I posted on Facebook last week that I love seeing photos of snow...from Florida. What fun you all had, and it really is a beautiful place. Hunley was obviously having as much fun as you two were! Thanks for sharing your Saturday with us!!

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  2. Looks beautiful! I'd like to try snowshoeing. I can walk : )

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  3. So fun, Shannon! Love the video!

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  4. This looks like so much fun!!! I've never been snowshoeing, but have always wanted to. Maybe I'll have to talk the Mr into going next year :-)

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  5. Wow, beautiful! I wonder if I'd like snowshoeing, I want to try it! I never want to ski, but this, now this sounds like fun and something I could do! The pictures are just amazing!

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  6. Your dog loves the snow so much! thanks for the video.

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  7. Ooo you're inspiring me to do this over the weekend!

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  8. Gorgeous! I've always wanted to try snowshoeing but the family doesn't want to go with me. :( One day!

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