Snoqualmie Pass — Winter
Sledding & Snow Tubing
at Snoqualmie Pass
Hyak Sno-Park, the Summit Tubing Park, and Gold Creek — family sledding and snow tubing just an hour from Seattle.
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Overview
Snoqualmie Pass offers two distinct ways to slide downhill in winter. Hyak Sno-Park provides a groomed, family-friendly sledding hill right off I-90 — no ticket required, just a Sno-Park permit. The Summit Tubing Park offers a more managed experience with groomed lanes, a covered conveyor lift, and no need to bring your own sled. A third option, Gold Creek Sno-Park, lets you find your own slope but requires hiking in.
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Sledding at a Glance
Best free sledding
Hyak Sno-Park — groomed hill, easy access right off I-90
Best tubing experience
Summit Tubing Park — groomed lanes, conveyor lift, no sled needed
Best for finding your own hill
Gold Creek Sno-Park — more remote, bring your own sled
Check before you go
Use WSDOT webcams to confirm snow coverage at the pass
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Before You Go
Sno-Park Permits
Hyak Sno-Park requires both a standard Sno-Park permit AND a special groomed trails permit. Gold Creek only needs the standard permit. Both are available online or at outdoor retailers.
No Sledding at the Summit
The Summit at Snoqualmie ski areas have a strict no-sledding policy. Security will ask you to leave if you try to use the ski hills for sledding. Use designated areas only.
Snow Conditions Vary
Coverage at the pass changes throughout the season. Check the WSDOT webcams below before driving up — conditions visible at highway level give you a good read on the sledding hills.
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Sledding & Tubing Spots
Three winter sledding options at the pass — two require Sno-Park permits, one requires a lift ticket. The Summit ski areas do not allow sledding.
Hyak Sno-Park
Why Go
Sledding at Hyak Sno-Park at Snoqualmie Pass offers a fun and family-friendly winter experience with a beautiful backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. Located just off the main highway, the park provides an expansive, open space perfect for sledding, tubing, and general snow play. The gently sloping hills make it an ideal spot for all ages to enjoy a day of sliding down the snow, with plenty of room for a relaxing picnic or snowball fights in between runs. The area is well-maintained, with easy parking and access to nearby cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for anyone looking to embrace the winter outdoors. A sno-park permit and a special groomed park permit are both required at Hyak Sno-Park. There is a pay station to purchase daily permits.
Details
- Best For: Families, all ages, beginners
- Permit: Sno-Park permit + groomed trail permit required
- Access: Exit 54 off I-90, easy highway access
Tubing
Why Go
For a fun and thrilling winter activity, tubing at The Summit at Snoqualmie is a must-try experience just an hour from Seattle. The Summit Tubing Park features multiple groomed lanes designed for high-speed downhill excitement, making it a perfect activity for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy the snow without skiing or snowboarding. A covered conveyor lift makes it easy to get back to the top for more runs, so you can maximize your time speeding down the slopes. With a lively atmosphere, stunning Cascade Mountain views, and a dedicated tubing area that ensures a safe and exciting ride, tubing at The Summit at Snoqualmie is an unforgettable way to experience winter fun in Washington.
Details
- Best For: Groups, families wanting a managed experience
- Fee: Separate tubing ticket required — book in advance on busy weekends
- Season: Winter holidays through mid-March, conditions permitting
Gold Creek Sno-Park
Why Go
The Gold Creek Sno-Park does not have a dedicated area for sledding, however it is possible to hike in and find a slope to sled on, either at the start of the Sno-Park on the snow covered Forest Service Road 9090 or farther down the road at the Gold Creek Snowshoe trailhead on Forest Service Road 144. Be prepared to hike a bit, and deal with potentially deep snow. The Gold Creek Sno-Park requires a Sno-Park permit, but unlike the nearby Hyak Sno-Park, does not require a special groomed trail permit.
Details
- Best For: Those willing to hike in to find a slope
- Permit: Standard Sno-Park permit only (no groomed trail permit needed)
- Note: No dedicated sledding area — hike in on Forest Service roads to find slopes
Summit at Snoqualmie
Why Go
It may be tempting to climb up one of the ski hills at Snoqualmie Pass and sled, especially if the lifts aren't open. However, the Summit at Snoqualmie has a strict no sledding policy on their property, and you can expect security to ask you to leave the hill. So use one of the aforementioned areas when sledding at Snoqualmie Pass.
Details
- Best For: Those willing to hike in to find a slope
- Permit: Standard Sno-Park permit only (no groomed trail permit needed)
- Note: No dedicated sledding area — hike in on Forest Service roads to find slopes
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Sledding Equipment
There are no sled rentals at Hyak or Gold Creek Sno-Parks — bring your own. Plastic sleds and inflatable tubes work best in the Cascades' wetter, heavier snow. Avoid metal-runner sleds. Limited sled sales may be available near Summit West during busy winter weekends.
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Webcams
Use these WSDOT cameras to check snow coverage at the pass before driving up. The Hyak camera sits near the sledding area; Summit East shows conditions on the other side of the pass.
Near Hyak Sno-Park at ~2,500 ft elevation
Summit East base area at ~2,600 ft elevation
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