Amabilis Mountain Snowshoe

This route provides both spectacular views and solitude at the summit, but keep in mind trail etiquette. You'll likely share the trail with skiers enjoying the groomed route. Snowshoers need to stay to the side of the trail where it is not groomed.

Amabilis Mountain looks over Kachess Lake, somewhat isolated and disconnected from the nearby massive ridgeline that ends with Keechelus Ridge. The route is accessed via the Cabin Creek Sno-Park and one of the more popular cross-country skiing destinations in the Snoqualmie Pass area.

Begin by finding a spot to park in the Cabin Creek lot, but hold off on strapping on the snowshoes, as the trail begins on the opposite side of the freeway. Your first task is to navigate the maze of ski loops to get on the path to the summit. Keep to the right following the signed Berg route for about a quarter-mile until you encounter signs pointing uphill to Amabilis.

The road is often groomed. If is when you visit, try to avoid stepping in the ski tracks by walking to the side. If it hasn't been groomed, walk single file in a path separate from the cross country ski path.

The route follows FR 4822 as it slowly switchbacks up the mountain. Just past the two mile mark, the trail forks. Head left for about a half-mile to a small widening in the road signed FR 123 on the left side of the trail. You can cut out 2/3 of a mile of forest road by taking a shortcut here up through the pines and taking in some of the views along the way as the trees begin to thin.

Once you regain the road, continue upward, passing excellent westward views of Kachess Lake a little before you reach the top. From the top enjoy views of Kachess Ridge to the north, rising above Kachess Lake. To the south, a sea of ridges and mountains spread out toward Mount Rainier. To the northwest, the jagged peaks of the Three Queens and Chikamin Ridge stand out against the skyline. Rest up so that you can enjoy breaking new trail on the way down if you choose to go cross-country.

WTA Pro Tip: Note that the lot is a little too small to support the vehicle traffic on the weekends, so look for another option on weekends.