Lake Susan Jane Snowshoe

Lake Susan Jane is reached via the Pacific Crest Trail heading south from Stevens Pass. The snowshoe route crosses through the Stevens Pass ski area, which presents the main complication: when the lifts are running, you are walking through an active ski resort with downhill traffic. The best windows are before the ski season opens (typically late November) and after it closes in spring.

The route follows the PCT south from the trailhead at the pass, climbing gently through forest before dropping toward the lake. In summer this is a straightforward PCT day hike; in winter it requires navigating ski runs and terrain with potential avalanche exposure. WTA does not recommend attempting the route during ski operations due to the conflict with downhill skiers and avalanche danger in the ski area boundaries.

When conditions align, the snowshoe to the lake offers a quiet forest experience with the satisfaction of reaching a frozen alpine lake. The PCT corridor south of Stevens Pass traverses through mature forest with limited views until you reach the lake basin. Parking is at Stevens Pass, which can be chaotic on powder days when every lot fills with skiers.