Residents of Washington are familiar with the soaring views over Snoqualmie Pass. You need to drive over this pass if you are traveling on Interstate 90 and need to get from one end of the state to the other. Here is what you need to know about Snoqualmie Pass and what it offers to visitors.
About the Pass
Traversing over the Cascade Mountains, the pass rises to an elevation of 3,015 feet straddling King County and Kittitas County. Named for the Snoqualmie Native American tribes that were indigenous to the valley to the west, the pass is a busy thoroughfare for motorists traveling throughout the Evergreen State. The apex of the summit is located approximately one hour east of Seattle.
Driving over the pass, travelers will be treated to sweeping mountain views, a forested landscape, and a variety of seasonal features ranging from snowy landscapes to fields of wildflowers. The stretch of the highway that heads down from the pass to the Seattle area and Puget Sound is known as the Mountains to Sound Greenway.
Things to Do at the Pass
The star of the show at the pass is the wide variety of winter snow sports. Because the pass receives so much snow each year, it is no wonder that outdoor sports enthusiasts flock to this area. The popular Pacific Crest Trail crosses through Snoqualmie Pass, delivering a variety of trails for hiking and climbing during the warmer months and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when the snow begins to fall.
The height of the pass is also where you will find the Summit at Snoqualmie. This group of alpine ski areas includes four distinct areas known as Alpental, Summit West, Summit Central, and Summit East. Because the Summit is the closest ski resort to Seattle, it can become crowded during the winter weekends.
Just down the road from the Summit at Snoqualmie, you will find the Iron Horse State Park in Hyak. This park boasts a network of groomed cross-country ski trails, a sledding hill, and ample snowshoeing options. In the summer months, you can use the park for hiking and biking.
Many people enjoy heading to the area just east of the pass for snowmobiling opportunities. You may also spot hang gliders and paragliders using the higher terrains as a jumping off point into the valley and Lake Keechelus.
Weather at the Pass
Unless you are traveling during the summer, there is alway the chance of snow happening at the top of the pass. The region is known for its cold and snowy winters. You can expect flakes to fly any time from September through May. However, the months of June, July, and August are generally warm and dry. Be sure to check the local weather forecast before heading out to cross the pass.