So I’m in Washington again and this time I went back to Snoqualmie Falls and the Snoqualmie pass for a snowshoeing excursion. Now that I can cross snowshoeing off my list of things to do, I have to recommend it to all of you! Talk about fun – I’m definitely going back when I move up here next month. Snow might be melted by then but next year is just around the corner. Snowshoe rentals are not super-expensive, costing only $17 for the day. The State of Washington creates ‘sno-parks’ which are nothing more then parking lots plowed out of the snow cover and maintained for the duration of the winter. You have to pay a $10.00 fee to access these parks but they offer a pristine snow scape, ripe for the exploring.
We arrived at our destination, strapped on our shows and started to hike into the wilderness. The air temp was around 33 degrees F and the trees were dusted with a light covering of frost. Could cover was sporadic with occasional snow that varied in intensity.
So we hiked for about a mile along the main trail and then ventured into the woods a little ways. Our path through the alpine forest eventually led to another clearing with a stream carving its way though the white fields. The snow at this point had intensified and and the mountains were once again enveloped by the shadow of the oncoming clouds. The landscape was breathtaking and almost surreal.
My companion is also really into photography and we both couldn’t figure out what exposure to use for this environment. My camera doesn’t have a pair of Oakleys so we just had to guess. With the stream in front of us we decided to take a break and sit in the snow while photographing our surroundings.
Resting for a minute while we play with the camera
Eventually we continued on and Theresa was kind enough to take point and start trailblazing.
More to explore!
As we hiked back on the trail we came to another clearing with a few wooden structures. One of them was a bathroom with a very sharp inverted-V shaped roof. The snow had covered it partially so we began a rugged mountaineering expedition to summit this impressive landmark. The journey was so difficult that we couldn’t contain our outburst of triumph at the top!
What goes up must come down. With this in mind we decided that the best way to come back down was slide! It made for some humorous chain-photography as we each took turns shooting the other sliding down the V and crashing into the bank below.
At the parking lot, on our way back, we couldn’t help but notice the fire hydrants, well protected from the crushing weight of the snow above.
It's a clever idea...
On the way down from the pass we stopped at the town of Snoqualmie and took some night shots of the falls. This waterfall is just as remarkable for its natural beauty as its hidden, and well-blended hydroelectric generator. Truly an engineering marvel considering the time it was built.
It was a great day and I’m looking forward to many more adventures in the Pacific Northwest!
Great Day