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Elevation Gain
600.00 ft (182.88 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
4.80 mi (7.72 km)
Warming hut
No
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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
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
Nearby Adventures
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Nearby Lodging + Camping
Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington
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Comments
The trail was quiet and we saw only a few others both seasons. The dog loved it both trips!
June Lake was most spectacular in the winter!
The trail hadn't been walked in what looked like several days of fresh snow, so it was a wonderful adventure of trailblazing (following the diamonds) out to the lake and back. This was our 8th time doing this snowshoe, and it was wonderful. Snowed steadily the whole time. About an inch of fresh powder in our trail on the way back.
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