UPDATE: The event is sold out, but sometimes folks cancel their reservations, so feel free to check the link below occasionally to see if a spot opened. If you register for the event now, you'll join the waitlist, and I'll let you know if someone from the group backs out so you can grab their spot before someone else does.
Hi friends! Join me on Sun. Jan. 25 for a 5-mile forest ranger-led snowshoe at Snoqualmie Pass. Snowshoes will be provided. The cost is a $30 donation to Discover Your Northwest, which promotes the discovery of Northwest public lands, enriches the experience of visitors, and encourages stewardship of these special places today and for generations to come. Select the "Extended Hike" option when reserving.
THESE SPOTS WILL SELL OUT FAST AND YOU MUST MAKE YOUR RESERVATION AT THE LINK BELOW NOW IF INTERESTED IN JOINING.
Two Steps to Take to Join This Event:
1.
Make your reservation at the link below.
2.
Mark yourself as attending this event in Heylo
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW (Select the "Extended Hike" Option):
https://www.discovernw.org/winter-snowshoe-program-at-snoqualmie-pass.html
Cancellations:
Your donation is nonrefundable if you later decide not to go, BUT SO OTHERS CAN JOIN YOU MUST CANCEL YOUR RESERVATION by emailing USForestService_SnoqualmiePass@discovernw.org
or by calling the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center at (425)-434-6111 (Thur-Sun, 8:30am-3:30pm). After you cancel your reservation, please also let me know so I can let the group know there’s an open spot they can reserve. Agenda:
• 7am – Meet at Park and Ride (Carpooling cost is $20 paid to driver)
• 7:15am – Depart (Departing at 7:15am sharp. You will be left behind if late.)
• 8:15am – Park along Route 906 and walk to visitor center.
• 8:45am – Check in / get equipment
• 9am – Snowshoe start (This is a guided snowshoe. If you’re late, you will not be able to join.)
• 2pm – Depart for Seattle
Extended Snowshoe Walk:
This snowshoe walk takes 5.5-6 hours and travels up to 5 miles round trip. It will take you into Commonwealth Basin, a wilderness landscape that is rich with winter life. Snowshoe hares, ground squirrels, marten, and bobcat all travel through this area, sometimes leaving tracks on the fresh snow. We'll travel at a moderate pace climbing into Commonwealth Basin. An Avalanche Safety Kit (including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel) will be checked out to you for the snowshoe walk. Bring a backpack with the 10 essentials including at least liters of water, a hearty snack and lunch. Dress in layers of synthetic or wool clothing; a waterproof outer layer is required (jacket, pants, boots) for the ever-changing mountain weather.
Mercer Island Park & Ride Location - Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/agZkmRrcs2NybHp2A
(I drive a white Kia SUV and I park in the right back corner of this lot.) Snowshoe Meeting Location:
Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center (across from Snoqualmie West ski area)
69802 WA-906, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QTVrvVczSNWH4UyCA
Parking:
THERE IS NO PARKING FOR THE SNOWSHOE PROGRAM AT THE SNOQUALMIE PASS VISITOR CENTER. Park along Route 906. It is congested at the Pass during ski season, so please allow yourself extra time (30-60minutes) to find parking on State Route 906 or be prepared to pay for parking in one of the Summit Ski Area lots as a last resort. Make sure to check weather, road and traffic conditions before you leave home and adjust your timing accordingly. To do so visit the Washington Department of Transportation Website for Snoqualmie Pass at: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/Snoqualmie
. Please note the driveway to The Firehouse has a short but steep approach which can be covered with snow and ice; please use caution when walking up or down the hill. Sturdy boots with good tread, traction devices and/or poles can be helpful in navigating this hill. Check-in:
Please check in at the Forest Service desk at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled walk. You will then be issued your snowshoe equipment and directed to meet with your group and Rangers before heading outside.
Clothing:
Dress in layers you can remove easily and keep you comfortable based on levels of exertion and/or changes in weather conditions. Hat and gloves are a must. Wear wool or synthetic layers; a waterproof outer layer is required (jacket, pants, boots). Cotton clothing such as shirts/sweatshirts/pants/jeans are not appropriate for the winter mountain environment. Gators are recommended especially with new snow!
Footwear:
Sturdy waterproof boots (hard toed hiking or snow boots) with ankle support required. Trail Runners and Tennis Shoes do not work well with snowshoes or in snow.
Backpack:
Backpack with the 10 essentials: https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trail-smarts/ten-essentials
In addition to the 10 essentials, please have a backpack large enough to include your personal items and an avalanche shovel (10” wide x 18” tall) and at least 2 liters (32-64 ounces) of water. More Info / Cancellations:
For more information, cancellations, or to make changes regarding your reservation, please email USForestService_SnoqualmiePass@discovernw.org
or call the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center at (425)-434-6111. We are staffed Thursdays-Sundays from 8:30-3:30. Learn more about what your $30 donation supports here:
https://www.discovernw.org/about-us.html
Carpooling Cost & Coordination | Bring a Bag for Dirty Shoes:
We encourage carpooling as it reduces our carbon footprint, helps with limited trailhead parking and builds comradery among members. Drivers are always needed and riders are expected to pay $20 to the driver to cover the cost for gas, wear & tear and convenience. Pay the driver before getting in the car. Please use the event chat feature to coordinate carpooling. Bring a change of shoes and a bag for your dirty shoes to help keep the driver’s car clean.
Change Your RSVP if You Can't Make It:
Plans change and hangovers happen, so no worries at all if you can't make it, but if you RSVP yes, please change your response in the system or text me directly on the day of the event if you cannot join so we aren't waiting on you. Habitual no-shows will result in removal from the group.
Group Photo:
A group photo will be taken that will be used on the Meetup site and potentially social media by the various people in the group. If you don’t want your photo used, please don’t join the group photo. (Or let me know privately later and I can cover, blur or swap your face in the photo.)
How Much Water to Bring (In general - NOT for this specific hike):
You need to drink 1 liter (33 ounces) for every 2 hours hiking (more when it's hot). For example: A 4-hour hike would require you bring 2 liters (66 ounces) of water (or more if hot). I highly recommend a water bladder backpack by Osprey or Camelbak.
Bring Snacks:
Bring high energy snacks such as nuts and dried fruits to help you sustain your energy.
What to Wear:
Never wear cotton hiking. Everything on your body (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) should be either synthetic or wool, both of which wick moisture away from your body. Cotton traps moisture against your body which can lead to being incredibly uncomfortable in the least or potentially to heat stroke in the summer or hypothermia during winter.
Hiking Etiquette:
Please remember to leave no trace and practice basic trail etiquette such as yielding right-of-way to uphill climbers and no amplified music.
Looking for Event Leaders:
Do you have ideas for hikes and outdoor adventures? Are you interested in being an event leader for hikes, skiing, cycling, paddling, happy hours or simply anything fun in the great outdoors? If so, and you also have great organizational and people skills, I’d love to make you an event organizer. Message me on Heylo or email me at thadcaperton@gmail.com
Download Trail Map with AllTrails Plus:
I recommend you download the map from AllTrails in advance as many hikes don't have cell service. The download feature requires the Plus subscription, which is only $35/year and is more than worth every cent. If we get separated and there's no cell service, you could get lost without a downloaded map. The Plus version also gives you on-trail weather and conditions.
All Attendees Must Be Group Members:
For legal liability issues, attendees at group events must be a group members. SIMPLE GUEST SOLUTION: If you’d like to bring a guest, simply have them join the group and register for this event.
Understand, agree and adhere to the following:
All activities hosted by this group involve risk. By becoming a member and/or participating in events offered by our group, you agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify this group, its members, and its organizers from any and all liability. You alone are responsible for your safety and comfort. You agree to the group rules listed on the group homepage by joining group events and maintaining group membership.
Look forward to seeing you on the trail! 😊🌈