Even though you are thousands of feet from the summit, it feels as if you're going to walk straight to the top!
To start this snow-shoeing adventure, park at the White River West Sno-Park (no fees). This year, there was barely any snow. Typically, you will most definitely need snow-shoes to complete this. Follow the well marked path. You'll pass a lot of people depending on the day. Families go there to sled and they will bring chairs and hang out all day. You will shortly make your way past this chaos. Follow the trail up the hill to the left and through the sparse forest. A little secret is that the birds in the woods will eat out of your hand! It is an exhilarating feeling! After you emerge of the forest, you will have to make your way right down into the valley (pictured below). The more the snow, the easier this will be. Maria, Aaron and I had a rough time completing this part of the hike with the lack of snow present. You'll then climb up the next ridge and you will have the view of the above picture. You can make a loop out of the hike by traveling straight down (south) the mountain slopes until you reach the river. Stay right and on the trail that hugs the river, careful of your footing here (last picture below).
Maria and I making our way down the steep slope after emerging from the woods.
The higher you get, the better the views of the Cascades looking south
To make the loop trail, follow the river back to the parking lot.
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