Snowshoe Loop, found in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
One of the snowiest places in the entire world, Washington’s Mount Rainier is a sight you cannot miss during the winter season. The Paradise Area of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington has over 600 inches of snow every year, which makes it a veritable winter wonderland for hikers. And if we’re talking about particular treks, the Naches Peak Loop Trail is super accessible (as long as it is weekend(, and the park has various snowshoe trails that are great for intrepid explorers, like the 2.8-mile Paradise Valley Snowshoe Loop.
Discovery Point Trail, located in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake is probably one of the most treasured gems of the Pacific Northwest. At 1,949 feet, it’s definitely the deepest lake in the whole country. It’s also extremely pure, hence the beautiful azure blue color. There aren’t any rivers that “feed” the lake, so it gets all the water from melted snow and rain.
Crater Lake is super busy during summertime, so in winter it’s a bit more serene. The park has an average of 43 feet of snow a year, which turns the place into no less than a winter wonderland that’s very hard to beat. On a sunny day, the lake is simply breathtaking, and the view can be easily seen from the trails.
There are many snowshoe and cross-country trails at this national park, but honestly, nothing can compare to the vistas afforded along the beautiful Discovery Point Trail. The 2.4-mile out-and-back trail is easy for most hikers, and it shows the best side of the lake, including wondrous Wizard Island.
