We love getting all four seasons in the Columbia River Gorge. As fall comes to a close, areas around our property like the Gifford Pinchot National Forest transform into a winter wonderland. Snow and ice cover every surface imaginable– the sight of ice crystals glistening in the sun is breathtaking. Experience it for yourself when you enjoy an activity like snowshoeing in Washington State.
Where Can I Rent Snowshoes?
If you’d like to go snowshoeing in Washington State, we have snowshoes for you! Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins has six pairs of snowshoes that are first come, first served.
If we are all out of snowshoes, head to Doug’s Hood River. They have everything you need to get outside. At Doug’s, you can rent snowshoes and poles for just $20 for the day, and there are also multi-day discounts available. This way, you can go at your own pace and explore the area.
Are There Snowshoe Tours?
If you’d rather have a guide while you enjoy some snowshoeing in Washington State, head to the Mt. Hood. Mt Hood Outfitters offer snowshoeing tours. Of course they also offer gear rentals so they can sort you out on equipment. Local tip: They do have a maximum group size of nine people for outings. We recommend booking your tour as soon as possible so you won’t miss out.
3 of the Best Spots to Go Snowshoeing in Washington State
If you’re going to go snowshoeing in Washington State or Oregon on your own, make sure you get a Sno-Park Permit. If you plan on snowshoeing in both states, you will need a State of Oregon Sno-Park Permit and a Washington State Sno-Park Permit. These permits allow the state to groom the trails, map them, and provide education to the users.
Crosstown Trail
Located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, the historic Crosstown Trail is a favorite place to snowshoe in the area because it links several other trails together for an excellent route. You can even make it into a loop if you plan accordingly. On this trail, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of trees covered in snow; take a moment to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Oldman Pass
The Oldman Pass can be found right near the Indian Heaven Wilderness. Here, you will find 25 miles of trails. Access remote forest lakes, high mountain elevations, and more. Motorized vehicle recreation is prohibited so you won’t have to worry about running into and snowmobiles during your excursion.
SnowKing
The SnowKing offers a mature forest setting of mountain meadows and looming ancient trees among many miles of trails. This area can be used by both snowmobilers and cross-country skiers/snowshoers, but there there is a specific groomed 20-mile area for the latter.
Book Your Winter Getaway Today
Our winter wonderland awaits at Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins. After spending the day snowshoeing in Washington State, you’ll love coming back to your luxurious cabin to warm up. 
End the day by enjoying a glass of wine in front of the fire of your private cabin or consider a massage to rejuvenate after all that exercise. Browse our cabins to start planning your stay; we look forward to hosting you this winter!
