Skyline Lake Snowshoe

Your First Snowshoe Experience at Skyline Lake, WA

We want to use this blog to encourage similar minded readers curious about outdoor adventures to start the first journey.

Included are our top action packed destinations with a carefully planned and researched gear list and newbie tips to stay safe and make the most of your new experience.

Season: Winter

Duration: 0.5 day

Distance: 1.4 miles | out and back

Elevation gain: 1,239 ft

Trail map: Gaia GPS Map

Adventure Rating:

8 / 10

— Level of wonder and awe inspired

Newbie Tips:

1. Short but satisfying workout with great views on a clear day — make this your first snowshoeing experience!
2. Needless to say, wear snowshoes and water resistant boots (Check starred items on the gear list). We also took our sleeping pad and stove to cook an instant noodle meal (spicy beef noodle soup) for this winter picnic.
3. Skyline lake is a safe winter hike with little to no prior experience required. To keep safe, check local weather and avalanche risk prior to going. Do not hike too close to the ridge and do not hike across the lake.
4. This route is popular sometimes, go early for parking spots. We went on Christmas morning and it was perfect.
5. For a different experience, pick a clear night to go enjoy the stars.
6. Easy to stay on target but if you’re the first one there to trail blaze after a snowy night, bring navigation equipment (we recommend Gaia GPS app).
7. Backpacking allowed with no permits required.

Check our detailed list of gears: Skyline Lake, WA (2 people, day hike+winter picnic)

Say hi to the Grey Jays