Snoqualmie Pass
Beacon Guidebooks has partnered with onX Backcountry. Find guidebook quality content for backcountry adventures in Snoqualmie Pass. Snoqualmie Pass has 23 zones to explore and 169 routes.
Total Zones
23
Publisher
Beacon Guidebooks
Snoqualmie Pass Overview
For the last hundred years Snoqualmie Pass has provided access to local adventure for the growing population of the Puget Sound. The 1920s and 30s saw many of Snoqualmie Pass peaks explored with over 50 named ski tours on both sides of the pass. The 1990s began a new golden age as many legendary couloirs, steep faces, and incredible multi-day high routes were opened up. "Dawn Patrols" give people the possibility to get 3,000-5,000 vertical feet of skiing before they need to clock in at work in downtown Seattle. Since the first guidebook, the number of known tours and descents have multiplied, along with the number of people touring in the backcountry. Over 135 listed tours in this guide give adventurers of every level something to do. From rappel-in 60° chutes, to playful mellow glades for when the avalanche hazard keeps us out of the big bowls. This atlas will be your tool for safe, smart route-planning and decision making, but only when you're also reading the daily avalanche forecast and communicating well with your touring partners.
Zones Covered
Alaska Adventure Zone
Routes
11
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
ALL
The Alaska Adventure Zone, aka Day 1 of the Snoqualmie Mini and Full High Route! Big game hunting in the valley of giant faces and spectacularly long couloirs makes this zone highly sought after and tough to achieve without an overnight planned. Well worth the camping gear, make sure to pack your A game as well!
Routes
- Alaska Mountain Approach
- Mt. Thomson Approach
- Alaska Lake
- PCT Chutes
- Thomson West Ridge
- Thomson East Flank
- Edd's Lake Couloir
- Alaska Mountain - South Face
- North Ridge
- Huckleberry South Face
- Huckleberry East Shoulder
Chair East + Snow Lake Divide
Routes
6
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NE,E,SE,S
Climbing North from Source Lake, you enter the complex terrain of Chair Peak’s southeast side. To head to the quiet side of Snow Lake, turn northeast at 4,400’.
Routes
- Alpental Valley Exit
- Snow Lake Divide Approach
- Snow Lake Divide (SLD) Circumnav
- Chair Peak Basin
- Another Cool Chute
- Snow Lake Divide
Chair North + Snow Lake
Routes
13
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NW,N,NE
Welcome to the quiet room. The Snow Lake zone filters crowds while giving you big north faces, wildly steep couloirs, fun all day circumnavs and beautiful tree skiing.
Routes
- Alpental Valley Exit
- Snow Lake Divide Approach
- Snow Lake Divide (SLD) Circumnav
- Snow Lake Descent
- Cache Couloir
- Middle Child
- North Slope Short
- North Slope Main
- North Face
- NE Buttress
- CM Saddle
- Melakwa Point
- CP Central Exit
Commonwealth East
Routes
8
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
Commonwealth East aka Kendall offers more variety of touring then any other single feature in the Cascades! Sheltered old growth glades, fun open hippie pow, steep wild couloirs and full blown ski mountaineering all on the same mountain.
Routes
- Commonwealth East Approach/Exit
- Kendall West Approach/Exit
- Big Trees
- West Flank
- Sudwest Face
- Avy Swathe
- Kendall Trees
- Kendall Knob
Commonwealth West
Routes
9
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
Tour into history as you head into Commonwealth Basin and explore the quiet side of Snoqualmie! Varied terrain keeps these tours on the list of great intermediate level adventures. Consider a circumnav of Red Mountain by going up the Lundin avalanche gully, descending the other side and climbing up the steep slope between Red and Kendall. Wind slabs and cornices are common for all aspects here and ought to be treated with extra care.
Routes
- Cave Ridge
- Cocaine Couloir
- Commonwealth West Approach
- Guye Peak - East Couloir
- East Shoulder
- Lundin SE Ridge
- Lundin North 1
- Lundin North 2
- Red Mountain West + South Face
Denny Creek to Melakwa Pass
Routes
11
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NE,E,SE,S
‘In a big country dreams stay with you…’ like the song, the lines up here linger on your to-do list for a long time. Chair, Kaleetan, and Bryant all offer steep, open chutes that make you think you are in the Alps, not an hour away from Seattle. Ice axe, crampons and a rope are recommended when going to the summit of Kaleetan.
Routes
- Alpental Lower Lot Approach
- Denny Creek TH Approach
- Pratt Lake TH Approach
- Alpental Exit
- Exit 47
- Kaleetan Low Chute
- Kaleetan High Chute
- Melakwa Pass
- Armchair Couloir
- B & M Trees
- Denny Creek Trees
Granite Mountain South
Routes
4
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
S
Granite stands at the base of Snoqualmie Pass with the massive relief of a high altitude peak, inviting us with long steep runs visible for over 5 miles as you drive up I-90.
Routes
- Granite Mountain Approach
- I-90 Chutes
- West Bowl
- West Granite
Granite North + Low Mountain
Routes
12
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NE,E,SE,S
The deep valley of Denny Creek keeps its secrets well hidden, yet steep chutes, old growth glades and big bowls surround it. Be sure to check the snow depth before heading into this zone. Due to the lower starting elevation (lower than 2,000’) it takes longer to fill in than others. Typically it is better after mid-January when there is more than 6’ at the pass.
**If you exit out and down Denny Creek, beware of the waterfall. The best route down is skier's right of the creek, contouring along the lower flanks of Low Mountain.**
Routes
- Alpental Lower Lot Approach
- Denny Creek TH Approach
- Pratt Lake TH Approach
- Lake Bowl East
- Lake Bowl North
- Tusco Rodeo
- Low Tusk
- So Low
- E-Low
- Low NE Chutes
- Alpental Exit
- Exit 47
Humpback Creek
Routes
6
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,NE
Humpback sits to the south side of I-90 across from Granite, rising over 3,000’ above the freeway. The West Slopes offer 2,400’ of moderate angle tree skiing while the East Slopes offer wide-open steep runs with large avalanche paths. At the head of Humpback Creek is Lake Annette and the West Slopes of Silver Peak with multiple chutes and glades. Be sure to check the snow depth before heading into this zone. Due to the lower starting elevation (lower than 2000') it takes longer to fill in than others. Typically it is better after mid-January when there is more than 6' at the pass.
Routes
- East Slope Approach
- West Slope Approach
- Snow Shed Face
- North Bowl
- East Slope
- West Slope
Kendall Adventure Central
Routes
9
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,NE,E
The Central Adventure Zone defines Ski Mountaineering with most lines requiring an ice axe and crampons to get in or out of the run. A rope is a good idea to belay in or out of the runs with a mandatory rappel in the Kingpin. The CAZ shares direct access from Kendall Lakes via the Knob or the Gold Creek road to Kendall Lakes.
Routes
- Kendall Lakes Approach
- Kendall Central/East Approach
- Gold Creek Approach
- Main Vein Chutes
- Silver Twins
- Not So Super Steep
- Kingpin
- Camel Toe Chutes
- The Silver Lining
Kendall Adventure East
Routes
10
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,NE,E
The East Adventure Zone sits on the edge of the entire massif overlooking both Silver and Gold Creeks. The length of the approach is rewarded with some of the longest and most aesthetic lines at The Pass! Shares direct access from Kendall lakes via the Knob or the road to Kendall Lakes.
Routes
- Kendall Lakes Approach
- Kendall Central/East Approach
- Gold Creek Approach
- The Silver Lining
- Icy Gash
- Old Man
- Pipeline
- Number 4
- Chute 4703
- Kendall Gold
Kendall Adventure West
Routes
7
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
The West Adventure Zone shares direct access from Commonwealth and the true summit of Kendall Peak. Three of the four runs start and descend off the north side of the summit of Kendall.
Routes
- Commonwealth East Approach/Exit
- Kendall West Approach/Exit
- Sterling Direct
- Spoon Man Face
- Silver Spoon
- Smooth Ride
- Sterling Direct Exit
Kendall Stump + Lakes
Routes
7
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SE,S,SW
Kendall Stump and Kendall Lakes are old staples for easy, sheltered tours that takes you away from Alpental and Commonwealth into a fun, playful zone. Lots of big trees, mellow angles, and soft pillows make this zone a great place to take your first tours.
Routes
- Kendall Stump Approach
- Kendall Lakes Approach
- Kendall Stump West
- Kendall Stump East
- Lower Kendall Lakes
- Upper Kendall Lakes
- East Kendall Lakes
Lower Rampart + Margaret
Routes
9
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W,NW,N
Rampart Ridge and Mount Margaret lay just far enough east of the crest for the rest to forget about the massive terrain above Gold Creek. Large avalanche paths separated by swaths of mixed old and second growth glades and old logging roads. The deeper you go, the more open and adventurous the tours become.
Routes
- Mt. Margaret Approach
- Rampart Approach
- Rampart Trees
- Gold Trees
- Martini Bowl
- Lake Lillian
- Alta Couloir
- Margaret Trees
- Margaret North
Mount Catherine
Routes
4
ATES Level
1
General Aspect
N
These tours are low risk and best done during the week to avoid skinning uphill on busy weekends. The forgotten side of Snoqualmie Pass, home to the Nordic Center (see etiquette for skiing on nordic trails), amazing tree skiing and no competition for tracks!
Routes
- Catherine Approach
- East Shoulder
- Central
- West
Roaring Ridge
Routes
10
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W,NW,N
Roaring Ridge floats above Lake Keechelus guarded by a seemingly endless nordic trail and apparently no bush schwack? Glide down the John Wayne trail to find out how something so easy to get to has been ignored for so long! Come learn the pleasures of unexposed old growth and recently thinned glades that go on for over 2,400’; skin, don’t walk!
Routes
- Roaring Ridge Approach
- Silver Peak Approach East
- Christmas Tree Bowl
- Glades of Glory Right
- Glades of Glory Left
- East Bowl
- Roaring Ridge Trees
- West Bowl
- Odell Beckham's Haircut
- CC Bowl
Silver Peak
Routes
6
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
E
Silver and Abiel look over Humpback Creek with dramatic ridgelines and steep glades. The long and exposed approach suffers from big avalanche paths on multiple aspects. Like Ahab and Moby Dick, big lines await stable conditions to explore such a worthy sector.
Routes
- Silver Peak Approach West
- Abiel Southeast Ridge
- Silver South Ridge
- Lake Annette Glades
- Silver North Bowl
- Silver East Bowl
Snoqualmie Mountain North
Routes
7
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NW,N,NE
Home to many of the plum lines at Snoqualmie Pass. Long couloirs, beautiful north slopes and great tree skiing. Many of these tours require a ski mountaineering kit so be prepared with a rope, harness, helmet, ice axe and ski and boot crampons.
Routes
- Snoqualmie Mountain Approach
- Snot Couloir
- Slot Couloir
- Crooked Couloir
- Circus Couloir
- North Slope
- Thunder Creek Exit
Snoqualmie Mountain + Phantom
Routes
6
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
SE,S
Right across the valley from the Alpental ski area, the south side of Snoqualmie Mountain holds fantastic tree skiing as well as the approach for the legendary couloirs on the other side. Exit by following the skintrack around the waterfall. The 50º waterfall requires good coverage to ski. It may be possible to ski through the bottom of the creek mid-season, but in the spring holes open up. Other than this short section of skintrack, do everything you can to avoid descending any other parts of the skintrack. It’s dangerous and rude.
Routes
- Snoqualmie Mountain Approach
- Phantom Trees
- Phantom
- Snoqualmie Mountain - South Shoulder
- Cave Ridge
- Cocaine Couloir
Snow Lake
Routes
12
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
NW,N,NE
The quiet room continues. Across Snow Lake, you can find dreamy glades, tight chutes and all day adventures. The climb back out of some of these runs can be steep and slow, so plan enough time to return before sundown.
Routes
- Melakwa Pass
- Alpental Valley Exit
- CP Central Exit
- Avalanche Peak Approach
- Wright & Mo Trees Approach
- Avalanche Mountain SW Trees
- Mo Trees
- Wright Right
- Wright Left
- East Ridge of Roosevelt
- Gem Lake
- Biznatch Couloir
Source Lake South
Routes
13
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
N,NE,E
Source Lake is a hub. Climbing west, you access the slopes of Bryant Peak and Great Scott. The Chair Peak Circumnav typically starts and ends here. Don’t be fooled by the safe feelings that a crowd of people might give you; you are below complex avalanche terrain. All Alpental Valley tours exit via the Source Lake skintrack where they started. Avoid the south side of the creek; there are many steep exposed slopes above the creek.
Routes
- Bryant Approach
- North Slope Approach
- Source Approach
- Unicorn
- Big Trees
- Great Scott Bowl
- No Fog
- Mongolia Chute
- China (OG Chute)
- Upper China Chute
- Bryant Couloir
- Chair Peak - South Shoulder
- Alpental Valley Exit
Twin Lakes + Zipper Couloir
Routes
7
ATES Level
2
General Aspect
W,NW,N
Been there and done Kendall? Not another dawn patrol to the Slot with 20 of your best friends? Welcome the Cold Creek High Route and the runs that make it worth every mile! From Glades of Glory, link CC Bowl with one of the longest, continuous couloirs and several classic lines on Tinkham and Silver. Be bold and leave a car at exit 47 Humpback and make a full traverse with some long runs to finish a classic day below treeline!
Routes
- Roaring Ridge Approach
- Silver Peak Approach East
- Twin CC Bowl
- Zipper Couloir
- Open Fly
- Tinkham Saddle
- Silver Peak North Bowl + East Face
Wright + Roosevelt
Routes
8
ATES Level
3
General Aspect
NW,N,NE
To get way out there, continue on to the north sides of Wright and Roosevelt. Dreamy couloirs await. Crampons and an axe are essential tools for these couloirs. Don’t arrive at this party without them.
Routes
- Alpental Valley Exit
- East Ridge of Roosevelt
- Roosevelt Approach
- Oyster Couloir
- Holy Diver
- Little Alien
- Goin Back to Kalee...Tan
- Holy Diver Return
