Lindsay and I checked out the Glacier View SnoPark this week. It's just a few miles west of Government Camp right off 26.
There are lots of trails to choose from, shared by snowshoers and cross-country skiers. The trails are fairly level--not much elevation gain--but the day we went the snow was fresh and deep and the going was definitely slow! But very enjoyable, of course ;)
This is a good trail for beginners or folks with experience. Guys are welcome--this time!
Let's meet at the church at 9:00 as usual--BUT you need to have you equipment already rented. You can get snowshoes and poles at Joes, Sportsmans Warehouse . . . I haven't checked REI yet. If you plan on driving up, snow tires are advised and a SnoPark pass is required. But we can stop and get the passes on the way up.
We most likely won't be stopping for lunch (although there was a semi-buried picnic table at the trailhead). So bring things to snack on while we hike. We'll hit my favorite coffee place in Welches on the return drive.
Some comfort hints: Wear boots or shoes that are waterproof. I sprayed my hiking boots with Scotchgard and they worked fine. I wear two pairs of socks--it's easy to get blisters when snowshoeing. Bring and extra pair--and some bandaids--just in case.
Sunglasses are good if the sun is shining--there can be quite the glare off the snow.
Wear layers. Lindsay and I were all bundled up at the start of our trek, but had removed our coats and gloves about half-way into it, we'd worked up such a sweat.
Scout loves to snowshoe, but I went out and bought her a sweater and may get her booties after this last trip. There was so much fresh snow (and she bounds around in it so much), that she had several extra pounds of snow attached to her by the end of our hike. It slowed her down and she looked kind of miserable. So if you plan on bringing your pooch, take that into consideration.
You all have a merry Christmas! Let me know if you think you'll join us on the snow shoe!
Shawn
