[MCaver]

Any recommendations for easy snowshoe trips for new snowshoers? I'm taking a friend out for the first time on Sunday and have a few ideas, but I thought I'd query the group to see what you guys suggest for now and the future. Nothing too exerting or more than a few miles round trip.

[Dante]

Source lake is popular, but you risk being run over by skiiers and I think the route crosses an avalanche chute. The Gold Creek area might be good. You could drive to Mt. Rainier (IMO too far from Seattle for a day trip).

[Newt]

Monte Cristo is a nice hike even if you don't go the 4 mi in. Snow is crappy right now as you probably know. NN

[MCaver]

[Hiker Boy]

Last year Marmot, Otter, and I snowshoe'd from Norada Falls to Reflection Lake up at Mt. Rainer. The views were stunning and the hike wasn't too strenous.

[MCaver]

I was thinking something similar to that. Maybe hiking along Stevens Canyon Road then down to Reflection Lake and back, or maybe just through Paradise Valley.

[catwoman]

Ahem, Mcaver ---- You posted your question in the "Trip Reports" section.

[Tom]

Moved

[MtnGoat]

Try Commonwealth Basin right behind Guye peak. Since it's right on top of Snoq pass, it's close, and a few miles takes you back into a nice valley with minimal avalanche hazard, as long as you don't get all the way back onto the slopes of Red Mtn.

[mb]

[Tom]

The problem with Gold Creek is you need a Sno Park pass and it's often crowded. I bought a pass last year and it definitely wasn't worth it. Also, some of the Sno Parks an additional "groomed trail" pass. I'd probably opt for Commonwealth Basin if you're going up to Snoqualmie and want something simple. Not sure where you park in winter though. Yep, snowshoe rentals at REI.

[catwoman]

Commonwealth Basin simple? I've gotten lost in there a couple times on snow shoes! But then again, I've gotten lost other places, too!

[Karen]

Kelcema Lake is a good snowshoe or cross-country ski trip. I don't remember the stats but I've done it several times in the past. It starts from that snow-play recreation area where the Mountain Loop Highway is closed for the winter. Ski or snowshoe up the road (assuming there is snow on the road) and at the first junction (about a mile, maybe less) turn left and continue on the main road. Near the end of the road a short trail (left) leads to the lake. There's no avalanche danger to speak of on the road and the views are pretty. Karen

[JimK]

When I have snowshoed Commonwealth I parked at the ski area and headed to the PCT summer trailhead. The snowshoe route is the old Cascade Crest Trail which has become quite popular recently. About 100' up the PCT is an old road to the left. This is the route. I would expect there are tracks to follow.

[catwoman]

There are a few different ways to go to Commonwealth Basin. With me, the confusion starts when I'm AT Commonwealth Basin. Ahhhhh, but to follow snowshoe tracks can get you into trouble sometimes!!!