How far is Snoqualmie Pass from Seattle?

Snoqualmie Pass is about 50 miles east of Seattle on I-90 — roughly an hour in normal traffic conditions. It's one of the most accessible Cascade mountain destinations from a major city in the Pacific Northwest, making it a practical option for day trips and weeknight ski sessions.

When is the best time to visit Snoqualmie Pass?

It depends what you're after. Winter (November–March) is peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, with 400+ inches of annual snowfall. Summer (June–August) is best for hiking, with alpine trails fully accessible and wildflowers in bloom. Fall brings quieter trails and vivid foliage before snow returns.

What ski areas are at Snoqualmie Pass?

The Summit at Snoqualmie connects four areas: Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East, and Alpental. Summit West is best for beginners and families. Alpental is the most challenging, with steep terrain and outstanding backcountry access. Night skiing runs at Summit West and Summit Central.

What are the best hikes near Snoqualmie Pass?

Snow Lake is the most popular — a moderate trail to a stunning alpine lake ringed by peaks. Kendall Katwalk is a more demanding PCT route with dramatic exposed ridgeline and sweeping Cascade views. Franklin Falls is an easy family walk to a 70-foot waterfall just a couple of miles from the pass. Guye Peak offers a steep scramble with panoramic views.

Alpine scenery at Snoqualmie Pass in the Washington Cascades

Washington State

Snoqualmie Pass,
Washington

Year-round mountain adventure in the Cascades — skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and more, just an hour east of Seattle.

beExploring / Snoqualmie Pass

Overview

Just an hour east of Seattle on I-90, Snoqualmie Pass sits at 3,022 feet in the Cascade Range and offers one of the most accessible mountain experiences in the Pacific Northwest. In winter, The Summit at Snoqualmie draws skiers and snowboarders to four interconnected areas — from gentle beginner slopes at Summit West to the steep, challenging terrain and backcountry access at Alpental.

When the snow melts, the pass becomes a hiker's destination. Trails like Snow Lake and Kendall Katwalk rank among the best in Washington State. Snowshoeing, nordic skiing, snow tubing, and sledding round out the winter options, while mountain biking and fishing open up in summer. The craft brewery Dru Bru and the Firehouse community space make the pass worth lingering in after a day on the mountain.

~1 hr

From Seattle

400"+

Annual Snowfall

Ski Areas

3,022 ft

Pass Elevation

Placeholder in dev for ad

beExploring / Snoqualmie Pass

What Makes Snoqualmie Pass Special

downhill_skiing

Four interconnected ski areas

The Summit at Snoqualmie connects Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East, and Alpental — offering terrain for every skill level, one of the largest night skiing operations in the US, and world-class backcountry access at Alpental.

directions_car

Just an hour from Seattle

No Cascade mountain pass is more accessible from the city. Snoqualmie sits on I-90, making it a practical day-trip for skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing — even on a weekday when crowds are manageable.

hiking

World-class Cascade hiking

The Pacific Crest Trail runs through the pass, and trails like Snow Lake, Kendall Katwalk, and Guye Peak rank among the most celebrated hikes in the Washington Cascades. Summer opens up an extraordinary range of routes.

ac_unit

Exceptional snowfall

Snoqualmie Pass averages over 400 inches of snow per year, fueling a full winter menu: skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, nordic skiing, snow tubing, sledding, snowmobiling, and backcountry access.

beExploring / Snoqualmie Pass

Things to Do

downhill_skiing

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Summit at Snoqualmie connects four areas from beginner-friendly Summit West to the steep, challenging terrain at Alpental. Night skiing, lessons, and rentals are all available.

Skiing & Snowboarding →

hiking

Hiking

Snow Lake, Kendall Katwalk, Guye Peak, and Franklin Falls are among the best trails in the Washington Cascades. Summer and early fall bring alpine wildflowers and clear panoramic views.

Hiking →

nordic_walking

Snowshoeing

Gold Creek Pond, the Pacific Crest Trail through Commonwealth Basin, and the Palouse to Cascades Trail offer peaceful snowshoe routes for all abilities. The Summit East area also has 50 km of groomed Nordic ski tracks.

Snowshoeing →

sports_motorsports

Sledding & Tubing

Hyak Sno-Park has open sledding hills with easy I-90 access. The Summit at Snoqualmie runs a dedicated tubing park with groomed lanes and a covered conveyor lift for fast return trips.

Sledding & Tubing →

sports_bar

Dru Bru

Snoqualmie Pass's craft brewery sits right off I-90 with mountain views and a rotating tap list. A natural après-ski stop — grab a pint and decompress before the drive home.

Dru Bru →

severe_cold

Snowmobiling

Gold Creek Sno-Park provides access to snowmobile trails through powder-covered forests and alpine meadows. Routes range from beginner-friendly loops to more rugged backcountry terrain.

Snowmobiling →

Full things to do guide →

beExploring / Snoqualmie Pass

Best Time to Visit

local_florist Spring

March – May

Late ski season

With 400+ inches of annual snowfall, the slopes often stay skiable into spring. Lower elevations begin to clear by April, but most alpine hiking trails remain snow-covered through May. A shoulder season that rewards flexibility.

wb_sunny Summer

June – August

Best for hiking

Alpine trails fully open up in July, wildflowers bloom above treeline, and the pass is at its most accessible for outdoor exploration. Snow Lake, Kendall Katwalk, and the PCT are prime summer destinations. Lift-accessed mountain biking opens at the Summit.

eco Fall

September – October

Crisp & uncrowded

Cooler temperatures, fewer hikers, and huckleberries ripening on the hillsides. Trails like Alaska Lake offer excellent fall hiking before early snowfall returns. By late October, high elevations see the first significant accumulation.

ac_unit Winter

November – March

Peak ski season

The full winter menu is in play from November through March: skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, sledding, and snowmobiling. Night skiing extends weekday options at Summit West and Summit Central.

Holiday weekends on I-90 can be slow in both directions. Midweek visits or very early Saturday starts make a meaningful difference.

beExploring / Snoqualmie Pass

Tips

schedule

Arrive early on powder days and holiday weekends. The Summit draws large Seattle-area crowds and parking fills quickly — midweek visits or a pre-dawn Saturday start make a significant difference.

directions_car

Always check WSDOT mountain pass conditions before heading up. Washington law requires traction tires during winter restrictions on the pass — getting caught without them means a fine and potential turn-around.

hiking

For Snow Lake and Kendall Katwalk, start early. Both trailhead parking lots fill by 8am on summer weekends. A Discover Pass is required for parking at most trailheads.

sports_bar

Plan a Dru Bru stop after your day on the mountain. The brewery is right off I-90 and makes for a natural end to a ski or hiking trip before the drive back to Seattle.

beExploring / Snoqualmie Pass

Common Mistakes

block

Visiting on a holiday weekend without a plan. I-90 backs up significantly on busy ski weekends. Midweek visits or very early Saturday starts are much easier — the mountain feels completely different without the crowds.

forest

Only visiting in winter. Summer hiking at Snoqualmie Pass is world-class — Snow Lake, Kendall Katwalk, and the PCT sections here are among the best in Washington and shouldn't be missed.

directions_car

Skipping the traction tire check. Washington State traction tire restrictions at mountain passes are enforced regularly in winter. Don't assume good weather means the restriction isn't active.

hiking

Underestimating trail conditions in shoulder seasons. Many Snoqualmie trails have significant snow through June and again by October. Check the Washington Trails Association website before heading out.

beExploring / Snoqualmie Pass