June Lake Snowshoe

After parking at the Marble Mountain Sno-Park, there are many well-marked options to explore in the winter. This is the same sno-park that is used by those who ambitiously summit Mount St. Helens in the winter. June Lake, a popular summer hiking destination, is also a great option for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Though it is ultimately a there-and-back trail, there are multiple options on well-marked trails. There is an option to walk along the groomed trail or stick to the wide, snow-covered road for easier traveling in order to reach the June Lake Trailhead. Be warned that if you do choose the road, you will have to share with snowmobiles.

Once you reach the trailhead, continue along the winding trail and rolling hills up toward the lake. On a clear day you will have views of Mount St. Helens. The trail is well marked with blue trail markers. The trail takes you through a second-growth forest that eventually opens up as you start to approach the lake. After crossing a small bridge, you will see the lake off to your right as a good resting point before you turn around. Depending on the time of year, there may be a 40-foot waterfall cascading on the opposite side of the lake. Be wary of the cute birds that are chirping around you; they have been known to nose-dive toward you to try and share your sandwich as you are taking a bite. 

Note that this adventure can be completed as a loop if you come down Trail 244 on the return to the sno-park.

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:

Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz

Men's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket

Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX

Men's • $431-475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack 

35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible

Standard Fit • $189.95-199.95 • Mammut | Amazon | Backcountry

Small Fit • $199.95 • Mammut | Amazon

Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket

Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem

Men's and Women's • $179

Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole 

Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.

$79.95 • Black Diamond | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves

Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX

Men's • $99.95-181.63 • The North Face | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $99.95-100.00 • The North Face | Backcountry

Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot

Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated

Men's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter 

Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant

Men's • $41.32-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $49.95-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI