Snoqualmie Pass Things To Do
Things To Do in Snoqualmie Pass
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.
things to do
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.
Ski & Snowboard Museum
The Ski and Snowboard Museum at Snoqualmie Pass is a hidden gem that showcases the rich history of winter sports in the Cascade Mountains. Located near The Summit at Snoqualmie, this small but fascinating museum highlights the evolution of skiing and snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest, featuring historic equipment, vintage photographs, and exhibits on the region’s ski culture. Visitors can learn about the pioneers who helped shape the sport, the development of local ski resorts, and the role of Snoqualmie Pass in the growth of skiing and snowboarding. Whether you're a lifelong skier or just curious about the area's history, the Ski and Snowboard Museum offers an engaging glimpse into the past of Washington’s winter sports legacy.
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.
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.
Tubing
For a fun and thrilling winter activity, tubing at The Summit at Snoqualmie is a must-try experience just an hour from Seattle. The Summit Tubing Park features multiple groomed lanes designed for high-speed downhill excitement, making it a perfect activity for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy the snow without skiing or snowboarding. A covered conveyor lift makes it easy to get back to the top for more runs, so you can maximize your time speeding down the slopes. With a lively atmosphere, stunning Cascade Mountain views, and a dedicated tubing area that ensures a safe and exciting ride, tubing at The Summit at Snoqualmie is an unforgettable way to experience winter fun in Washington.
Mountain Biking
Much of the terrain around Snoqualmie Pass is designated as a Wilderness Area, and mountain biking is not allowed. However the Summit at Snoqualmie, in participation with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, have built a number of trails around Summit Central and now offer lift-accessed mountain biking during the summer. The bike part features over 10 miles of trails and has a mix of flow trails and technical downhill trails. For a more mellow experience, the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, a former railroad route, provides a scenic and relatively gentle ride through tunnels, forests, and across historic trestles, making it perfect for those looking to take in breathtaking mountain views at a relaxed pace.
The Firehouse
The Firehouse at Snoqualmie Pass is a unique multi-use community space that serves as a hub for both locals and visitors in the Cascade Mountains. Originally a working fire station, the building has been transformed into a vibrant gathering spot featuring a café, co-working spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts. Conveniently located near The Summit at Snoqualmie, the Firehouse is a great place to warm up after a day on the slopes, grab a coffee, or connect with fellow adventurers. The space often hosts events, live music, and community gatherings, making it more than just a pit stop—it’s a key part of the Snoqualmie Pass experience. The outdoor equipment company Evo has space at the Firehouse with gear and rentals available.
Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing at Snoqualmie Pass is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the snowy beauty of the Cascade Mountains, with several well-maintained trails for cross-country enthusiasts. The Hyak Sno-Park offers miles of groomed Nordic ski tracks that wind through serene forests, alpine meadows, and past stunning views of snow-capped peaks. For both beginners and experienced skiers, the area provides an excellent variety of trails, including easy loops and more challenging routes like the Palouse to Cascades Trail. The Summit at Snoqualmie offers 50 km of groomed nordic trails out of the Summit East base area, with lessons and rentals available as well.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling at Snoqualmie Pass offers an exhilarating way to explore the winter wilderness of the Cascade Mountains. Trail from the Gold Creek Sno-Park rides through powder-covered forests, open meadows, and higher alpine terrain. The area offers various routes that cater to both beginners and experienced riders, with some trails providing easy access to picturesque views of the mountains and others venturing into more rugged, backcountry terrain for a more adventurous experience.
Dru Bru
Dru Bru at Snoqualmie Pass is a beloved mountain brewery known for its craft beers, welcoming atmosphere, and stunning alpine setting. Located just off I-90, this brewery is a popular après-ski spot where visitors can unwind after a day on the slopes, hiking trails, or mountain bike paths. Dru Bru offers a rotating selection of locally brewed lagers, IPAs, and seasonal specialties, along with a cozy taproom and an outdoor beer garden that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains. With its laid-back vibe, family-friendly setting, and regular community events, Dru Bru is a must-visit for craft beer lovers looking to experience the perfect blend of great brews and mountain adventure.
