Wander the West

Moonlight Snowshoeing in the Cascades

	Snowshoeing in Cascades

February 2006

We all have a few outdoor activities that are spectacular enough to do every year or even several times a year every year. I’ve found another one.

My wife and I recently joined a group of about 30 people in January for a ‘Full moon” snowshoe excursion. We were instructed to bring a snack and a warm beverage of choice. We met at the Swampy Lakes Snow Park and from there began the 1.75 mile hike to the swampy lake snow shelter. Most people were on snow shoes, but some were on cross-country skis. The trail itself was relatively easy with very little elevation gain or loss. The snow condition was new powder over a well used track. This of course would vary depending on the current conditions.

The shelter is really very cozy for an open air structure. There is a wood stove with plenty of dry wood available for use by anyone. There is room for 20-30 depending on how comfortable you are with close quarters. We enjoyed sharing snacks with everyone and we sampled numerous warm drinks, some with alcohol, and some without.

On our return trip via a different route, we crossed the swampy lake meadow and the moon broke out of the clouds. This is where the trip really has its value in my opinion. The moonlit landscape is intensely beautiful. It was bright enough that we did not even need our headlamps.

This is certainly going to be an activity that makes my annual calendar.

Moonlight Snowshoeing in the Cascades Gallery

- Eric Davis