Okanogan Country is full of winter recreation options, and this week we wanted to shine the spotlight on snowshoeing! All the snowshoe trails are now OPEN!

The Sun Mountain Trails are a perfect trail system to begin your expedition. Particularly the Black Bear and Patterson Lake Trails. Sun Mountain Lodge was even named the top Snowshoe destination for couples. They host entertaining & educational guided tours, also!

You can learn more information about Snowshoe trails and purchase a Snowshoe pass (only $5!) on the Methow Trails website.

(Ski passes grant you access, too!)

Trail Update ~

"We have a beautiful and deep snowpack this year! And the timing was perfect.

Trails were not badly effected by this year's fires. About a kilometer (or 3/4 of a mile) of the west end of Black Bear Trail burned hot. Just enough to see a sampling of the fire ecology in our area. Kraule & View Ridge both had great views before, the fire only burned some of the low lying sage & bitterbrush."

Guided Snowshoe Tours ~

"The one hour tour is for people who would like some guidance on the trail or who are new to snowshoeing. During the one hour tour, we will look at wildlife tracks and talk about the fire that approached the lodge this year.

The two hour tour is for folks who are interested in a more in depth discussion of the natural history of the Methow Valley, including the building and shaping of the Cascades and the geological processes at work; the vegetation we have here, including tree and understory species, and how to identify them; wildlife in the area and their tracks in the snow; the beaver ponds and Patterson Lake and how they were built and who lives there; fire ecology of the Methow Valley and specific focus on the Cedar Creek fire from 2021. This tour is for folks who want to learn more about the area and get more in-depth information.

Both tours can be tailored to adults only or mixed families of adults and kids. We will make it a great experience for everyone involved. It would be worth pointing out that the rental is included in the guided tour and that folks do not need a trail pass during their tour."

Guided Tours include the snowshoe rental and trail pass!

The North Central Regional Library has snowshoes available in kid and adult sizes. And for a bonus tip: they also suggest bringing along a Nature Backpack! It's full of fun things for your adventure - like Tree ID's, pairs of binoculars, & it includes a Washington State Park's Pass!

Be sure to plan ahead & place a hold online for your snowshoes and poles - they'll need time to get to your local library!