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Snoqualmie Pass

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Snoqualmie Pass

Just an hour east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass is a breathtaking mountain destination offering year-round outdoor adventures. Nestled in the Cascade Range, the pass is famous for its ski resorts, hiking trails, and stunning alpine scenery. In the winter, The Summit at Snoqualmie attracts alpine skiers and snowboarders with its four interconnected ski areas. The Summit East base area provide trails for nordic skiers, while snowshoers can explore the pristine trails of Gold Creek Pond and Commonwealth Basin. During the warmer months, the area transforms into a paradise for hiking, and mountain biking, with popular trails like Guye Peak, Snow Lake, and Kendall Katwalk offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Beyond outdoor activities, Snoqualmie Pass is home to charming lodges, cozy cafés and brewery making it a perfect getaway for both adventure seekers and those looking for a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether you're visiting for a thrilling day on the slopes or a serene hike through wildflower-filled meadows, Snoqualmie Pass offers an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience just a short drive from the city.

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activities

Skiing & Snowbarding

Snoqualmie Pass is one of Washington’s most accessible and popular ski destinations, offering a mix of terrain for all skill levels. The Summit at Snoqualmie features four interconnected ski areas—Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East, and Alpental—each with its own unique character. Beginners will find gentle slopes and excellent ski schools at Summit West, while more advanced skiers and snowboarders can tackle the steep, challenging runs and deep powder at Alpental, known for its legendary backcountry access. The resort also boasts one of the largest night skiing operations in the country, allowing visitors to carve through fresh snow under the stars.

Hiking

Hiking at Snoqualmie Pass offers some of the most stunning trails in Washington, with routes that cater to all skill levels, from easy lake walks to challenging alpine climbs. Just an hour from Seattle, this mountain pass is home to breathtaking hikes like Snow Lake, a moderate trail leading to a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks, and Kendall Katwalk, a dramatic ridgeline path along the Pacific Crest Trail with sweeping views of the Cascades. For those seeking waterfalls, Franklin Falls is a short and rewarding hike that showcases a stunning 70-foot cascade a couple of miles from Snoqualmie Pass. Whether you’re looking for a casual day hike or a more challenging backcountry adventure, Snoqualmie Pass delivers unforgettable scenery for hiking in the summer and fall.

Sledding

Sledding at Snoqualmie Pass is a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the winter wonderland of the Cascade Mountains, just an hour from Seattle. The Summit at Snoqualmie’s Snow Tubing Park offers a well-groomed sledding experience with designated lanes, a covered conveyor lift, and plenty of space for thrilling downhill runs. For those looking for a more casual, do-it-yourself sledding spot, areas like Hyak Sno-Park provide open hills perfect for all ages, along with easy access to nearby snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails. With fresh snowfall, breathtaking mountain scenery, and plenty of opportunities for laughter and excitement, sledding at Snoqualmie Pass is the perfect way to experience winter fun in Washington’s Cascade Range.

Snoqualmie Pass Sledding

Snowshoeing

For those looking to experience the winter beauty of the Cascade Mountains at a slower pace, snowshoeing at Snoqualmie Pass offers a peaceful and breathtaking adventure. Just an hour from Seattle, the pass features several well-loved snowshoe trails, including the easy and scenic Gold Creek Pond Loop, which winds around a frozen alpine lake with stunning mountain views, and the Pacific Crest Trail, which takes explorers through snow-covered forests of the Commonwealth Basin and up into a pristine backcountry setting. The Palouse to Cascades Trail also provides a wide, groomed path perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed trek. Whether you’re looking for a short, family-friendly outing or a more challenging ascent into the wilderness, Snoqualmie Pass offers a variety of snowshoeing routes that showcase the region’s winter wonderland without the need for skis or a lift ticket.

Snoqualmie Pass Snowshoeing

Things to Do

Snoqualmie Pass is a year-round outdoor playground in the Cascade Mountains, offering a wide range of activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at The Summit at Snoqualmie, as well as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and sledding at spots like Gold Creek Pond and Hyak Sno-Park. As the snow melts, the pass transforms into a hiker’s paradise, with stunning trails like Snow Lake, Kendall Katwalk, and Franklin Falls, offering everything from alpine lakes to breathtaking mountain views. Camping, fishing, and mountain biking are also popular summer activities, while fall brings vibrant foliage and crisp mountain air, perfect for scenic drives or peaceful hikes. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling winter sports experience or a relaxing nature retreat, Snoqualmie Pass delivers unforgettable adventures in every season.

Snoqualmie Pass Things to Do

lodging

Accommodations

Lodging at Snoqualmie Pass ranges from cozy cabins and vacation rentals to hotels, offering visitors a variety of accommodations for a winter or summer getaway in the Cascade Mountains. Several ski-in/ski-out options are available near The Summit at Snoqualmie, making it easy for skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes right from their doorstep. Nearby, vacation rentals and rustic mountain cabins provide a more private and secluded experience, perfect for families or groups looking to relax by a fireplace after a day of outdoor adventures. While the pass itself has limited hotel options, nearby towns like North Bend and Cle Elum offer additional accommodations, including inns and motels. Whether you're looking for a convenient stay near the ski lifts or a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, Snoqualmie Pass has lodging options to fit a variety of preferences and budgets.

Snoqualmie Pass Lodging

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