Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
Talapus Lake is a popular hiking trail during the summer. In the winter the road to the trailhead may be inaccessible to cars, so you will have to start with a road walk before getting to the actual trail, adding some extra miles to this snowshoe route.
During the peak of winter Forest Road 9030 will likely be closed right at the end of the I-90 off ramp. There is limited parking at the start of the road closure. Park responsibly by not blocking the road, and never park on a freeway on ramp or off ramp.
Leave your car and start heading up Forest Road 9030, which switchbacks over the course of 3.2 miles to the official trailhead for Talapus Lake. Be aware of avalanche conditions along the road as you will cross under some steep slopes at times.
Upon reaching the Talapus Lake Trailhead continue on, following the route of the summer trail, for another 1.8 miles to the lake. With the trail covered in snow you may have to employ some routefinding skills to stay on track. Again be aware of avalanche conditions and terrain along the trail and around the shore of the lake.
If the route to the lake and back is too long, another option is to make it a road snowshoe and turn around at the Talapus Lake Trailhead.
Trailhead
