In WA, snowshoe tours provide picturesque scenery, exercise outside. Here’s how to sign up

As winter sets in, many outdoors enthusiasts are turning to seasonal ways to interact with Washington state’s abundant recreation areas. Besides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and sledding, snowshoeing is an excellent way to get outside and get plenty of exercise.

Those interested in snowshoeing might be unclear about how to find the right equipment and the right places to use it.

You can start with a trip across a sno-park, a region of land managed by Washington state that’s suitable for winter recreation like sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Anyone who wants to access a sno-park must have a day or season permit, which you can purchase at various vendors statewide. There are around 40 sno-parks across Washington state.

We also put together a list of local equipment retail stores to get you started.

Snowshoe gear and clothing

If you’re trying out snowshoeing for the first time, be sure to rent equipment before purchasing anything, says Anna Roth, hiking guide manager with Washington Trails Association.

Snowshoe gear rental options in Tacoma and near Pierce County include:

• REI: Stores are located in Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, Issaquah and elsewhere in Washington. Price for snowshoes and poles are $18 for the first night for organization members, and $27 for non-members. Cost for additional nights are $5 and $8 for members and non-members, respectively.
• Sturtevant’s Ski Market: This Tacoma business rents out snowshoes and poles for adult men and women at a rate of $25 a day.
• Outdoor Recreational Gears: Snowshoe rentals cost $30 at this Tacoma business. You can also sign up for an annual membership for $50 that grants 15% off all rentals and accessories.

Beyond snowshoes and poles, it’s important to bring the right clothing on any winter hiking trip.

Shelby O’Rourke, manager of Sturtevant’s in Tacoma, says customers should expect to spend several hundred dollars. Prices start at around $200 for snow pants, $300 for a snow jacket, $25 to $35 for base layer clothing, and $15 to $25 for socks. When checking out clothing for snowshoeing, O’Rourke says to buy items that have a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm or higher.

Snowshoe safety precautions

Once you decide on the perfect spot to visit, consider safety precautions. WTA’s Roth provides tips on what you should know:

• Essential clothing includes long underwear, thick socks, water-resistant pants, a fleece and waterproof shoes or hiking boots. Consider wearing gaiters to keep snow out of your shoes.

• Be sure your snowshoes contain teeth or cleats, which are vital for navigating tougher snow and ice safely.

• It’s also a good idea to bring poles, especially if you’re traversing hilly terrain.

• Plenty of water and food, batteries, a headlamp or flashlight, emergency shelter, a portable shovel, avalanche beacon and first aid kits are important for more isolated snowshoe walks. Roth also recommends bringing a thermos of warm broth.

• Before setting out on a trail, check WTA’s trip reports online so you can be prepared for any hazards or safety concerns.

• Roth says snowshoeing can be more strenuous than summer hiking. If you’re accustomed to hiking long distances, scale back your estimate for how far you think you can snowshoe for the day.

• Start as early in the day as you can, Roth says. To avoid getting caught in the dark, start heading back to the trailhead by early afternoon.

Guided snowshoe tours in WA

If you’re interested in an easy introduction to snowshoeing, you can sign up for group trips that take place throughout the day.

Many trips are located close to the REI outlet at Snoqualmie Pass, such as the Snoqualmie Pass Snowshoe Tour. This tour is popular with beginners or those who want an easy group experience through scenic back country landscapes. Reservations fill quickly and can be made online.

Locations include Gold Creek Pond and Crystal Springs Sno-Park. Each trip costs $99, which includes the cost of gaiters, first-aid equipment, snowshoes and trekking poles. Times currently available range from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.

REI offers tours Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Other trips include:

• First Light Snowshoe Tour at Snoqualmie Pass: The difficulty level is easy active. Trips begin at either 7 or 7:30 a.m. and end at either 10 or 10:30 a.m. The cost is $99.
  
  
• Moonlight Snowshoe Tour: Participants can view constellations near Gold Creek Pond. The activity level is listed as moderate. Tours take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m and cost ranges $99 to $129. A headlamp or flashlight will be provided to each participant.
  
  
• Snowshoes and Brews at Snoqualmie Pass: The activity level is listed as easy, and it takes participants past Keechelus Lake. After the trip, participants head back to the Washington State Ski and Snowboard museum and enjoy local brews and appetizers. Occurs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each Friday. The tour costs $169.
• Mt. St. Helen’s Snowshoe Tour: Take a moderate 5-mile hike in the Marble Mountain Sno-Park forest toward June Lake. The trips begin at either 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. and end at either 2:30 or 3:30 p.m. The overall cost, including transportation, is $119. Gaiters are also provided to trip members.

• Mt. Rainier: A vigorous hike up moderate and steep terrain and through alpine forests at Mt. Rainier National Park. The hike is a full-day activity from 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $199. REI provides gaiters, a sit pad and transportation to the trailhead to everyone.

All tours provide snowshoe and trekking pole rentals to participants.

Other guided snowshoe hikes

• Mt. Rainier Ranger Tour: Park rangers take visitors on guided tours either to Paradise or Trail of the Shadows in Longmire. If you’re interested in either of these trips, sign up at least one hour ahead of time. Tours at Paradise begin at 11 a.m. on weekends inside Jackson Visitor Center. Trail of the Shadows starts at 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in Longmire Museum. Each tour will is held through March. Snowshoes are provided to those who need them. Tours are free, but a $5 donation to the park is strongly encouraged.
• Hurricane Ridge Guided Tour: Follow an experienced naturalist hiking guide with Olympic Hiking Co. on this trip into Olympic National Park. Customers can reserve times for both group and private tours. Excursions depart at 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays through March. Visitors must have a $15 pass to enter the park. The trip costs $115 per person.

This story was originally published January 17, 2023 at 11:05 AM.