Corral Pass Snowshoe

This snowshoe is a great option for hikers ready to challenge themselves. Fortunately, the rewards for your effort are great--climbing nearly 3000 feet affords the adventurous hiker with views of Mount Rainier and the Norse Peak Wilderness.

Fortunately, all that elevation gain is spread out over a manageable grade. Start out hiking a Forest Service road through a close forest of Castle Mountain until you arrive at a gate. Continue past the gate and stay on the road. Nearly four miles in, the forest thins and hikers can begin to see views to the north. Once you round the ridge, enjoy views of Deep Creek Valley and Dalles Ridge. From here the views continue to expand and improve, as the trail winds below Castle Mountain.

Make your final push over a small ridge and through a grove of old-growth firs. The pass awaits you just ahead, with the campground marked by a large clearing in the snow. While you rest here, enjoy views into Greenwater River Valley, as well as Castle Mountain and Fife's Peak. Once you've had your fill of views, return the way you came.