There’s been a lot of a snow fall in Seattle lately so that means the mountains are getting a ton. I went on a snowshoe trip last year so I wanted to post about it so people can head out and enjoy this snow we’ve been getting. Grab your snowshoes and head to Talapus Lake! Talapus Lake is right off I-90 near Snoqualmie.
It was a blue bird day and the perfect day for a winter hike.
The hike round trip took about 3 hours and was 6.14 miles according to my Garmin Fenix 5 watch that I use every time I hike. I love it!
The elevation gain is 1220′. It’s a doable hike especially with snow shoes. If the snow is packed down hard enough you can even use micro spikes. Half the hike I used my micro spikes and the other half I used my snowshoes.
Once you get to Talapus Lake it has an amazing open view of the lake. With all that snow you couldn’t even tell it was a lake.
I think the best part of the hike are the Jay birds. They would fly up to you and land on your head! At one point they stole my pb&j right outta my hand. It was startling at first but they will land on your hand or your shoulder so watch out for them. Feeding them is a big no-no! The Jay that stole my sandwich was completely unintentional on my part, but it sure was fun!
Enjoy the hike! I’ve done this hike in the summer and winter and I love it because of the gorgeous views and it’s a quick trip from Seattle.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Seattle, head east on I-90 to exit 45. Turn left, and drive under the freeway on FR 9030. In 1 mile follow the road around to the right at the junction. Continue straight on a gravel, sometimes severely potholed road, to the trailhead at the road’s end. Northwest Forest Pass and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permit required, both available at the trailhead.
