Want to take your dog snowshoeing? There are plenty of places near Seattle where you can go with your four-legged friend. From winter hikes in the Cascades to day trips on Snoqualmie Pass, there is no shortage of great outdoor adventures for both humans and dogs.
In this blog post, I will share some of my favorite winter hiking destinations with you so that you can enjoy a snowy adventure with your pup!
1. Gold Creek Pond
Gold Creek Pond is in the Snoqualmie National Forest. It is an excellent place for a day trip or weekend getaway with your canine!
As you walk around a partly frozen pond, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. And looking north, you get a fantastic view of the Chikamin Peak in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The pond itself and its surroundings provide a tranquil setting for people of all ages to enjoy on any given day. One mile in length with easy access from parking lots, this trail can be visited by anyone who wants an outdoor experience that’s not too intense!
2. Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park is in the Central Cascade Mountains. It is most famous for its gorgeous river and lake views, which are great any time of year but especially beautiful during wintertime as snow blankets the trees around it.
The trails are well-marked, and there are also plenty of other winter recreation activities such as cross-country skiing, sledding, and snow camping you can do with your furry friend!
3. Salmon Ridge
If you want a close-to-home snowshoeing destination that offers tranquility without being too strenuous, Salmon Ridge is excellent! It is an easy, dog-friendly snowshoe trail that’s perfect for beginners, kids, and dogs.
The scenery is charmingly rustic with towering cedars and hemlocks and offering peek-a-boo views up the river and unobstructed views of Goat Mountain! This trail mostly features gentle, flat terrain, and you would want to stick alongside White Salmon Creek as there are multiple interlocking paths.
4. Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is one of the most stunning and famous waterfalls in Washington. The snow in the winter makes it an even more picturesque destination, and I was lucky enough to catch a frozen Franklin Falls when I got there!
However, be prepared for slippery trails and possibly icy waterfalls that will require some caution. So, make sure you have proper footwear for your dog and yourself, and bring trekking poles to help with stability on the trails.
5. Nason Ridge
Nason Ridge is ungroomed and is adjacent to groomed cross-country ski trails. Follow this route uphill through stands of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir, opening up onto views for Lake Wenatchee, Fish Lake, and Dirtyface Mountain.
At the end of this trail, you will find a spectacular Ponderosa pine, also known as Big Red, which has stood there for hundreds of years watching over any weary traveler making their trek back down from high altitudes into lowland valleys below them!
6. Big Four Ice Caves
Big Four Ice Caves trail is a popular, pet-friendly destination for snowshoeing! It is a short 2.2-mile hike with little elevation change that takes you through the forest to the side of Big Four Mountain, where you will find the beautiful ice caves. And that’s also where this trail ends.
You will find other hikers who continue to venture past the viewpoint of the first cave entrance to enter or climb on top of the caves, but please don’t do that. The reason is that the caves are not safe to enter as the ice from the cave ceilings can come crashing down and collapse. In fact, many people have been severely injured or killed there.
Conclusion
There’s no denying it. The natural wonders found near Seattle, making it one of the best places to go snowshoeing with your pooch!
So get out there, have some fun, and don’t let a little snow stop you from enjoying these amazing snowshoe trails near Seattle! Your dog will love the fresh snow and new smells while you enjoy hearing them happy barks as they explore this beautiful landscape with you side by side.
Just make sure to bundle up your dog appropriately before heading outside! And don’t forget to bring your camera! You will be happy you did when you see all those winter memories.
