Diamond Head Snowshoe
Central CascadesBest Dec–Mar
Off-trail climbing to a 5,915-foot summit with panoramic views of Rainier and Stuart from Blewett Pass.
About This Trail
Diamond Head rises to 5,915 feet as the high point south of Blewett Pass Sno-Park, combining road walking, marked ski trails, and off-trail climbing for a varied winter ascent. The route starts on a groomed snowmobile trail, transitions to the Haney Meadow Trail 15 ski route, then goes cross-country through mixed terrain including areas burned by the 2012 Table Mountain Fire.
The rocky north rim of Diamond Head delivers wide views of Mount Rainier, Mount Stuart, and the full Stuart Range. Trip reports consistently praise the summit panorama, especially on bluebird days when the eastern Cascades skyline stretches in every direction. Many parties combine Diamond Head with nearby Windy Knob for a longer outing.
The off-trail upper section requires solid navigation skills and comfort with steep, untracked snow. The fire-opened slopes make the climbing more straightforward than it would be in dense forest, but the lack of a defined trail means you need to pick your own line to the summit.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I kicked off 2026 with a snowshoe backpacking trip.”
Last report: Jan 1, 2026
Scorecard
Growing popularity among Blewett Pass snowshoers. Weekends may see a handful of other parties, but the off-trail nature keeps numbers low.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Off-trail navigation required above the ski trail
- Avalanche potential on steeper slopes
- Sno-park sometimes not plowed early season
Getting There
Blewett Pass Sno-Park on Highway 97. Sno-Parks Permit required. Parking lot plowing can be inconsistent early in the season.
Recent Reports
I kicked off 2026 with a snowshoe backpacking trip. Diamond Head looked like an interesting destination.
Beautiful day to catch the last of the Western Larch show with Moose the mountain pup. No problem getting to the Swauk discovery loop trailhead.
Me and my buddy decided to go for snowshoeing at Blewett Pass with the plan to snowshoe on FR9716 from the sno-park towards Diamond Head and continue to Windy Knob and maybe Tronsen Head. Snopark wasn't plowed and there was thin layer of ice in the early hours on Blewett Pass.
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