Trip
Intermediate Snowshoe - Sun Top
Hoping for sun and views of Rainier. Mostly-road snowshoe in the rain shadow of Mt. Rainier.
- Sat, Feb 4, 2023
- Seattle Snowshoeing Committee
- Snowshoeing
- Intermediate
- Adults
- Strenuous
- Challenging
- Mileage: 10.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
- Pace: Moderate, depends on snow conditions
- FULL, 5 on waitlist (11 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
0800 at Huckleberry Creek Sno-Park on FS 73
The leader has done this route many times. Unless there is some low-elevation snow right before the trip, there is some walking before snowshoes are donned. Don't let the fact that this is on a road fool you, it is steep in places and the section on-trail just below the lookout is very steep in a few spots.
Glorious views of Rainier and beyond can be had from the summit if clear. Low elevation of the Sno-Park means it is usually easy to access in winter.
Pace will depend on snow conditions. The walking part at the beginning/end of this trip is usually faster than the part on snow. New snow will slow us down, crusty snow should speed us up, assuming it is a supportable crust. The last section on trail below the lookout is usually the slowest part but is very short.
Goals for this trip are:
1. Have fun.
2. Be safe.
3. Make it to the top of SunTop.
Expectations for trip participants:
1. Be prepared.
2. Respect others.
3. Practice LNT principles.
4. Have the physical conditioning necessary for this strenuous trip.
Required Equipment
- The Ten Essentials
- Snowshoes
- Poles
- Ice axe