Swauk Forest Discovery Trail Snowshoe

The Swauk Forest Discovery Trail loops 3 miles through mixed conifer forest on the south side of Blewett Pass, starting at 4,120 feet and climbing to 4,550 feet. Blue diamond blazes and numbered interpretive signs mark the route, pointing out grand fir, western larch, white pine, and ponderosa pine along the way. The interpretive markers make this a good educational outing for kids and newcomers to the eastern Cascades.

The loop climbs to an open ridge shoulder with views down toward Highway 97, crosses a saddle, and reaches a small summit where the Stuart Range appears to the northwest. Swauk Meadow stretches out as a broad white expanse in the basin below. Some sections on sun-exposed slopes may have thin snow coverage, occasionally requiring microspikes instead of snowshoes.

This is the most popular beginner snowshoe at Blewett Pass, and the large trailhead parking lot reflects that. The route works well as a standalone outing or as a warm-up before heading to Diamond Head or the Haney Meadow Loop from the same starting point.