Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Snoqualmie Pass is Seattle’s go-to zone. It’s only about 50 minutes from the city and offers up four small but enjoyable ski hills as well as a plethora of backcountry options. Alpental is the spot for a challenge, but the two ski lifts bottleneck traffic almost as much as I-90’s constant weekend lane closures. Chair Peak (6,238 feet) is a classic backcountry destination along with Snoqualmie Mountain (6,256 feet) and many of the other lower altitude challenges. In the summer, backcountry access at the pass brings climbers, hikers, and backpackers from both sides of the Cascades to enjoy the epic surroundings. The climb up Guye Peak (4,977 feet) might be the most famous moderate route in the area. If you are looking for a quick escape from the city, Snoqualmie Pass has you covered.
Recent Articles
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The 8 Best Snowshoeing Trails You Need To Experience In Washington
During the middle of winter there isn’t a better way to see the frosty scenery outside than by strapping on snowshoes and hitting the trails. Sure it’s approaching 30 degrees, but have you seen the enchanting landscapes this time of year? Washington especially has some dreamy scenery this season, with both mountains and Evergreen forest […]
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Training For Mount Rainier: What A Mountain Guide Wants You To Know
As a longtime guide on Mount Rainier, I am constantly fielding questions about how to prepare to make a summit attempt on the highest mountain in Washington State. I give the usual suggestions – physical fitness, gear, and mental preparation – but in the recent years, I’ve also started talking to prospective climbers about some […]
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These 5 Mountain Lakes Are Even More Gorgeous In The Winter
Mountain lakes have pristine, untouched beauty all year, but there’s something especially magical about seeing them during the winter. When they freeze, and the landscape becomes blanketed in snow, the views could not get any more enchanting. It’s like getting to see a whole new side of them, and even though it’s a little more […]
Maps
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Backcountry Skiing near Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass’ 3,000-foot elevation isn’t impressive even by Washington standards. So why are there four separate ski areas? And even stranger, why is there a high concentration of backcountry skiing routes in the area? Well it’s a combo of high snowfall amounts above that elevation and the proximity to a couple million people down the hill. […]
Featured Mountains in Snoqualmie Pass
| Mountain | Approx. Elevation |
|---|---|
| Snoqualmie Mountain | 6,256 ft (1,907 m) |
| Silver Peak | 5,472 ft (1,668 m) |
| Red Mountain | 5,890 ft (1,795 m) |
| Mount Margaret | 5,463 ft (1,665 m) |
| Mount Hyak | 3,740 ft (1,140 m) |
| Mount Catherine | 4,967 ft (1,514 m) |
| Kendall Peak | 5,666 ft (1,727 m) |
| Kaleetan Peak | 6,178 ft (1,883 m) |
| Guye Peak | 4,977 ft (1,517 m) |
| Granite Mountain | 5,610 ft (1,710 m) |