Pipe Creek Loop Snowshoe

Pipe Creek Loop is a non-motorized sno-park located a few miles south of Blewett Pass. Trails leave the lot in two directions allowing for loop trips, but the short lollipop loop to Diamond Head Viewpoint makes a nice intermediate snowshoe outing.

Begin by heading back towards the entrance  of the sno-park. To your left, just over a snow berm, the trail begins. If people have not been here before you, you may be blazing the trail. Look for blue diamonds on the trees and signs at intervals to guide your way, but also be sure to have a map and a general idea of your route. 

Drop down along the route, paralleling the highway briefly before turning left into the woods and beginning to climb. Cross a gate, and continue up an old road. It's 2.1 miles up this forest road as you parallel Pipe Creek. Occasionally, it is possible to hear it burbling, but for the most part the forest is quiet, particularly if snow is newly fallen, which mutes your snowshoes. 

At a junction 2.1 miles in, your route proceeds straight ahead (or to the left, if you want to do the lollipop in reverse). To the right at this junction, it's possible to head west towards the Swauk Campground or Dunning Ranch Trail. Either are longer undertakings than this short jaunt, but worthy destinations for another day. 

Continue on, and in less than a quarter mile arrive at the best view of the day, a little window peeking through the trees at Diamond Head. Snap some photos here and have a snack before heading on around the rest of the loop. Three-quarters of the way through the loop, you may arrive at a T-intersection (depending on what the cross-country skiers have been up to). Here, hang a left to complete the loop and return to the first intersection you arrived at. From here, return the way you came.