1. Always research parking permit/pass requirements for locations where you intend to go snowshoeing. Several local areas require either a SnoPark permit (Washington) or a Park N’Ski permit (Idaho, with a reciprocal agreement for Oregon’s SnoPark trails). Other areas may require a Northwest Forest Pass (such as the Panjab Trailhead described here).
2. Mount Spokane State Park boasts a robust snowshoe trail system and is part of Washington State’s SnoPark system. A good snowshoe introduction is the Burping Brook Loop. A good route to test both fitness and equipment before attempting snowshoe backpack trips is the Four Peak Loop (Beauty Mountain, Mt. Kit Carson, Day Mountain, and Mount Spokane summit). Note that backpacking is not permitted within Mount Spokane State Park.
3. Spokane County Park’s Conservation Futures properties are excellent snowshoe locations when the snow becomes deep enough and are fee-free locations. The best parks for snow depth are Antoine Peak and Mica Peak. Liberty Lake Regional Park has a free permit application for a good winter backpack option at Hughes Cabin above the waterfall
4. Near Coeur d’Alene, Canfield Mountain (USFS) and Mineral Ridge (BLM) have good snowshoeing opportunities once the snow is deep enough. A little farther east, Fourth of July Pass is a Park N’Ski location with a marked snowshoe trail.

Snowshoeing in the Inland NW. // Youth snowshoeing. // Photo: Summer Hess (left); Mount Spokane State Park CCC cabin. // Photo: Holly Weiler (right).

Learn the four components of recommended snowshoeing gear and find more articles about snowshoeing in the OTO archives.

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Those who frequent Washington State Parks are familiar with the way their trails follow a number system and any trail names are colloquial. However, follow this route with a GPS tracker, and you’ll clearly see the reason why I have begun to refer to this hike as the Christmas Tree Loop.

Just like any Christmas tree I’ve ever had, it’s slightly lopsided yet lovely. It’s the perfect hike for the transition from late fall into winter, as access is maintained year-round and the trail works well for both hiking and snowshoeing. 

To explore this route, start at the Lower Mount Kit Carson Loop Road trailhead. Note that this parking lot requires a Discover Pass from April 1-Nov.30. It transitions to a SnoPark lot from Dec. 1-March 31, when a SnoPark permit is required instead of a Discover Pass. SnoPark permits go on sale beginning Nov. 1, and anyone intending to use Mount Spokane State Parks trails through the winter months must purchase this pass that helps defray the cost of snow removal in parking lots. Those who don’t snowshoe should try this hike during November before the SnoPark permit is required for parking here. 

Hikers must immediately cross Mount Spokane State Park Drive from the parking area, so it is recommended to carry snowshoes across the road if the snow is deep enough to require their use. In early November the route is generally snow-free for its entirety, but by late November into December either microspikes or snowshoes are generally recommended for this trail.

Start by descending a short distance past the gate on the Lower Mount Kit Carson Loop Road. In approximately 200 feet, trail 110 makes a slight right uphill; turn here to begin the Christmas Tree Loop. After approximately 500 feet, the trail splits again. Turn left to continue on trail 110, immediately crossing Burping Brook on a footbridge.  

There are additional trail intersections at the .1-mile and 0.4-mile mark, but continue on trail 110 by staying right at each of these as the trail begins to climb and makes a series of switchbacks up the mountain. The lower reaches of the trail pass beneath cedar and Douglas fir trees.

By the upper portion of the trail, the forest opens up and includes more subalpine fir along with western larch, some of which may still be showing a little fall color in early November. At the 1.1 mile mark the trail crosses another bridge over Burping Brook, completed in 2019 to help hikers navigate the tricky winter water crossing, and at 2.1 miles hikers reach the top of the “tree” at Saddle Junction. 

Hikers need to take a hard left at this junction to begin the descent on trail 140. The upper portion of the forest on trail 140 is very similar to the climb, but as hikers continue down the trail it transitions onto a drier forest type that includes many lodgepole pine trees. At the 4.1 mile mark the trail exits at Smith Gap.

The snowshoe warming hut is located just across from the point where trail 140 exits. State Parks intends to re-open the warming hutsfor winter, which have been closed for the majority of 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. Park visitors are asked to wear facemasks if making use of the warming huts and limit the amount of time spent inside.

When the weather is nice, there is also an alfresco picnic table located at Smith Gap, with several others along the trail back to the start. 

To complete the Christmas Tree Loop, turn left at Smith Gap and hike downhill on the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road an additional 1.4 miles to return to the parking lot.

• Round-trip distance: 5.5 miles 
• Rating: Moderate 
• Elevation gain: 1150 feet 
• Map: Free printable maps available at mountspokane.org 
• Getting there: Take State Route 206 to Mount Spokane State Park. From the park entrance, continue approximately 2 miles to the hairpin turn parking lot at the Lower Mount Kit Carson Loop Road trailhead. Parking is on the right, and the trail begins to the left and across the road.  

Holly Weiler is a hiker and trail runner who even tries to slog through the Christmas Tree on running snowshoes. Through her work with Washington Trails Association, she led some of the crews that built the bridges hikers will see on this route.  

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Where to go: You can snowshoe anywhere there is unpacked deep snow. Mt. Spokane State Park is a family-friendly destination. Try Trail 100, starting from the park’s snowshoe parking lot at the mountain road switchback, which leads to Cook’s Cabin. Or try Trail 140, which begins near Bear Creek Lodge before entering the park. More snowshoe trail routes and maps are available at mountspokane.org.

To park at Mt. Spokane State Park from November 1 through April 30, visitors need either an annual Sno-Park Permit or a one-day Sno-Park Permit plus a Discover Pass, according to White, who works at REI and is a Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol candidate member. Follow Leave No Trace principles and bring the “Ten Essentials” for a day-hike, including a map and compass, and be aware that cellphone service is unreliable on the mountain.

Gear and clothing: Snowshoes have adjustable bindings to fit various boot sizes, and while weight is important for fitting adults – especially when a parent plans to carry a heavy pack – it’s less important for children. Local rentals for youth snowshoes are available at Mountain Gear, for as small as toddler size 2 boot ($15/day). REI rents snowshoes for children’s boot sizes 1-7 ($6/members, $12/non-members). Trekking poles can help with balance and ascending hills but can be cumbersome for children who prefer their hands free to pick up snow. Local gear shops also sell Mt. Spokane State Park trail maps, park passes, and snow permits.

As for clothing, start with a base layer of wool or synthetic long underwear, worn under snow pants and a waterproof shell jacket. Avoid the typical, heavy ski jacket because it will feel too hot, and you work up a sweat while snowshoeing. Rain pants over fleece pants or other lightweight base layers also work for daytime snowshoeing. Wear snow boots with wool socks, a hat, and sunglasses or ski goggles for sun protection. White recommends bringing two pairs of gloves: a lightweight one (or glove liners) and a weatherproof pair for snow-play or windy conditions.

Each of White’s kids carries a backpack with water, snacks, and a second clothing layer “that they can put on once we stop, whether it’s a fleece or a puffy jacket,” she says. “I’ll pack more snacks and water, hand warmers for each family member, and a thermos of hot chocolate [in my bag].”

Tips for beginners: “If kids are little, don’t expect them to go far. Just because they can hike 3 miles doesn’t mean they can snowshoe 3 miles. Cut your mileage in half,” recommends White. “Even if you’re on flat terrain, kids will walk different [while wearing snowshoes] – their feet are spread wider. And kids are going to want to stop and play in the snow, so have low expectations for how far you can make it.” Bring along special treats and incentives to make the experience more fun for children. “Always bring hand warmers and an extra clothing layer for kids to see if they can go further. If kids get cold, they’ll be done,” she says. //

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree wrote about must-have items for year-round families in December. 

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Join Conservation Northwest for their Columbia Highlands snowshoe daytrip this Saturday, February 6th. Get some great exercise, fresh air and beautiful views this weekend in a potential wilderness area. The 6-mile trip begins at the Thirteenmile campground through the Cougar Mountain roadless area in the Colville National Forest. It’s free, guided by experts and includes carpooling from Spokane. Beginners are welcome.

To sign up, please email crystal@conservationnw.org or call 747-1663. For more info, visit  conservationnw.org.

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Registration has opened for this year’s Souper Bowl — a women’s ski and snowshoe day on February 7th at Mount Spokane.  Events include a timed 10km, women’s only, race for both classic and skate skiers, self guided Nordic ski tours on any of the park’s 30km of trails, guided snowshoe tours, or venturing off on your own on a marked snowshoe trail. Women of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.

The Souper Bowl benefits the Women’s and Children’s Free Restaurant, whose board members prepare lunch (soup, of course) for the event.

Registration forms are available online at souperbowlspokane.org. The first 100 participants to register will receive a free cloth shopping bag from REI. All who pre-register will have two tickets entered into the drawing for prizes.

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