Where to snowshoe with your dog in Washington State

I guess you landed on this article because you either already enjoy snowshoeing with your dog in the winter or want to start doing it.

I have been snowshoeing with my dogs for over 10 years and have traveled all over Washington State to do so.

If you’ve never done it before, there are several reasons to start snowshoeing with your dog.

I suggest taking a beginner Mountaineers snowshoe lessons or go to guided snowshoe walk with REI.

Although dogs are not allowed to attend these classes and tours, you can go learn the skills and then take your dog with you when you feel confident enough to go it alone.

Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly snowshoe trail near Seattle or are from another area of ​​the state, these are the places worth snowshoeing with your dog.

Where am I allowed to snowshoe with my dog?

Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just find snow, strap on snowshoes, and go with your dog.

For example, many terrain parks, officially called Sno-Parks, in Washington do not allow dogs.

Groomed cross-country ski trails generally do not allow snowshoes or dogs, as they can spoil the groomed surface.

The avalanche danger must also be taken into account. Many summer trails can become death traps in winter.

As a general rule though, you and your dog are welcome:

• On all Forest Service logging roads*
• Unmaintained snowparks (for skiing)
• Hiking trails suitable for dogs in summer, accessible and safe in winter**

* Many Forest Service roads become groomed and ungroomed snowmobile trails in the winter. You and your dog can snowshoe here, but be aware that some get so much motorized traffic it can be dangerous, especially on weekends. At a minimum, dogs should always be leashed where snowmobiles are permitted.

**Always check avalanche conditions before heading out. Taking, at a minimum, avalanche awareness training is also strongly suggested.

Which Sno-Parks in Washington State Allow Dogs?

Some Washington State Sno-parks allow dogs and some do not.

Dogs ARE NOT authorized in these Sno-Parks:

• Hyak (Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail)
• Erling Stordahl (Crystal Springs Sno Park)
• Easton Lake State Park
• Cabin Creek north side of I-90!​

Dogs ARE allowed in these Washington Sno-Parks (west to east):

• Asahel Curtis (Denny Creek)
• golden stream
• Easton Refill
• Blewett Pass
• Stream Blowjob
• Campsite Swauk
• Elk Heights
• Salmon La Sac

Remember these important rules if you take your dog to a Sno-Park.

• No dogs or snowshoes on groomed trails
• Do not walk on the groomed trail
• Alpine skiers have priority
• For your safety, your dog must be kept on a leash
• Pick up and pack your dog poo

For more information, see the Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council page​ dogs at Sno-Parks.

On which hiking trails can I snowshoe with my dog?

Most hiking trails in the mountains turn into a winter wonderland after late November or December.

Unless the area is being turned into a maintained Sno-Park, dogs are generally allowed on any of these trails.

However, not all are suitable for practicing snowshoes with your dog.

Beware of security risks

In winter, trail conditions can vary significantly.

When hiking in the summer, for the post portion, the trail surface and hazards do not change. But they do it in the winter.

More specifically, the avalanche potential presents a high risk on some trails when there is snow.

For example, Snow Lake on Snoqualmie Pass and Granite Mountain Lookout near North Bend pass through a high-risk avalanche drop in winter and are best avoided by all but the most skilled mountaineers.

Lesser risks are encountering trees and branches that have fallen onto the trail under the weight of snow and ice and collapsing snow bridges.

Always familiarize yourself with the trail conditions before snowshoeing your favorite summer hiking trail in the winter.

The best places to do this are to read WTA Travel Reports by searching for the trail you have chosen and checking the general avalanche risk forecast (map) for the region.

What are the best dog snowshoe trails in Washington?

What makes the best track will be individual for you and your dog depending, for example:

• Physical fitness (remember that snowshoeing is harder than walking, especially when walking on a trail)
• Where you live
• Your knowledge of avalanches and your risk tolerance
• What type of snowshoes do you have (e.g. all-terrain or for groomed trails)
• What kind of scenery do you like

Here are some easy, dog-friendly snowshoe trails in Washington:

• Gold Creek Pond
• Franklin Falls
• The four great ice caves
• Lake Wenatchee State Park Snowshoe Loops (only these paths)
• Campsite Salmon La Sac
• Tumwater Pipeline Trail
• Wenatchee Crest Snowshoe
• Swauk Forest Discovery Trail
• Riverside State Park (Spokane) – Bowl and Pitcher Snowshoes
• Riser Lake Loop (Winthrop)

Some moderate and difficult snowshoe trails suitable for dogs are:

• Artist Point Racket
• Skyline Lake Snowshoe
• Kendall Lakes Peak Snowshoe
• Teanaway Butte
• Hexagonal Mountain
• Cooper River
• Bumping Lake Ski and Snowshoe Trails
• Mount Tahoma Trails High Hut (dogs are not allowed inside the hut)
• Tieton Pond Snowshoe (Yakima)

The description of all these elements can be found on the Washington Trails Association (WTA) website.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop when the snow starts falling.

Snowshoeing is a great winter activity for you and your dog and there are plenty of places in Washington where you can do it with your dog.

Generally, with the right preparation, dogs of all sizes can do this. Check out my tips for snowshoeing with a small dog.

There are plenty of dog-friendly snowshoe trails near Seattle, but also plenty of opportunities further out of town if you want some solitude.

Choose one and have fun!