[MtnGoat]

I'm not sure how one gets lost in commonwealth basin. It's small, only a few miles long, it has a creek in the middle, and is ringed on all sides by steep hills! After all, there are no trails in snow anyway. All we've ever done is park at the ski area, walk to the site of the PCT parking lot and start chugging N back into the valley along the creek!

[mb]

Looks like there's a report from the 1st on the wta trip report site of people going from the 'trail' to I-90. Anyway, sounds like the starting point is the 'snoqualmie pass' (now named 'summit west') parking lot, then you cross under I-90 and head up? I've certainly seen people climbing the snowbank from the road there. The USFS visitor's center there (425-434-6111) has a 1.5 hour 1 mile guided nature walk, they can provide the snowshoes and request a $10 donation, plus you should reserve since it gets booked up. I went on the Stevens Pass one a few years ago, it was way too short for me, and the same probably applies here, but my friends might prefer it. REI also has a snowshoeing 101 lecture, which also entitles you to a 1/2 off 1day rental coupon and a chance to go out with someone from REI. Has anyone been to their 101 lectures before? Wonder if they rent GPS systems to play with too?

[Newt]

Catwoman....maybe a map, compass or, heaven forbid, a GPS are in order? NN

[Slide Alder Slayer]

Pack Pup and I always warm up for the snowshoe season with trips to Talapus and or Olallie Lakes. To reach Talapus lake, we take exit 45 off of I-90 and go as far as we can up Forest Service Road 9030 (don’t forget to turn right to the Talapus Lake Trail Head) until our car turns into a snow plow. If there has been some good weather, the trail will be compacted to the lake. To go to Olallie Lake, we either go from Talapus or start at the Granite Mountain Trail Head. Again, if the weather has been good, just follow the compacted trail. However, it is still best if you have hiked these trails in the summer in case of a recent snow and covered tracks. There are many trip reports regarding this area in the WTA database. P.S. Don't forget your map and compass!

[MCaver]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. We ended up going out to Reflection Lakes at Mt Rainier today, there by Mazama Ridge, back by Stevens Canyon Road. I think he's hooked now.

[Sno Chewer]

Ideas for next time below. 📎Bunch o' snowshoe trips from easy to difficult.xls (41 KB)

[Backpacker Joe]

Hey that's great. Thanks for sharing! TB

[mb]

I think I'll probably rent from Play-it-again this weekend for a planned Sunday trip to Commonwealth Basic. They have the Redfeather (redtails?) for $12.50. (vs $17.50 for MSR something basic @REI). Given the current conditions (sun but no snow for a week, 3' base @snoq), I don't even know what will be up there.