Haney Meadow Loop Snowshoe
Central CascadesBest Dec–Mar
A full-day loop through burned forest and open ridgeline to summit views of Rainier and the Stuart Range.
About This Trail
The Haney Meadow Loop starts from Blewett Pass Sno-Park at 4,100 feet and climbs through the Tronsen Meadows Non-motorized Area to the summit of Tronsen Head at 5,960 feet. The route combines marked ski trails, snowmobile paths, and cross-country travel through forest burned in the 2012 Table Mountain Fire. That fire opened up many of the views that make this route worthwhile.
The counterclockwise approach follows marked ski trails with a gradual climb, traverses the burn zone, and reaches a saddle on Windy Knob before ascending the half-mile ridge walk to the summit. Views from the top include Mount Rainier to the southwest and the Stuart Range to the west. The return drops down the lightly used Upper Tronsen Road Ski Trail and connects back via the Illiby Tie.
Routefinding skill matters here. The loop pieces together multiple trail systems, and the cross-country section between the ridge and Upper Tronsen Road can be tricky to navigate in poor visibility. Strong snowshoers can extend the day by tagging both Tronsen Head and Windy Knob.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Our initial plan was to snowshoe to Teanaway Butte from Indian camp CG but the access from Middle Fork Teanaway was gated and locked.”
Last report: Dec 1, 2024
Scorecard
Much less traffic than the shorter Blewett Pass routes. Most visitors stick to the discovery trail or Pipe Creek area.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Cross-country routefinding required in poor visibility
- Exposed ridge walk at Tronsen Head
- Avalanche terrain on steeper aspects near Windy Knob
Getting There
Blewett Pass Sno-Park on Highway 97. Sno-Parks Permit required. Lot is plowed but can fill on weekends.
Recent Reports
Our initial plan was to snowshoe to Teanaway Butte from Indian camp CG but the access from Middle Fork Teanaway was gated and locked. We didn't feel like doing it via Tarzan Butte or Jungle Creek rd.
Beautiful day out at Blewett Pass on Friday! I went up to Tronsen Head via what seems to be called Haney Meadow Loop Snowshoe, which I did not know at the time I did it :) First I want to say many thanks to Birb - I got the inspiration to do this from his trip report on Diamond Head.
Searching for the elusive sun on this rainy Washington day, Kidz Won't Hike, SoaringEagle, and I decided to hit Blewett Pass. No real precip and increasing blue sky throughout the day, just below freezing.
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