Low Mountain (winter)

getting there

The Denny Creek trailhead will most likely be inaccessible due to snow, so just drive as far as you can and then walk the remainder.  Take I-90 exit 47, then Forest Road 5800 past the Denny Creek campground, then left onto Forest Road 5830 at the Franklin Falls trailhead, and then over the bridge to the Denny Creek trailhead.

APPROACH & ASCENT

Follow the Denny Creek trail for 1.2 miles to the creek crossing where the old bridge has been washed out (2,640 ft).  Depending on the snow melt this might be difficult to cross, but it's usually easy when the snow is deep.

Hemlock Pass Route

After the creek crossing continue on the trail to Hemlock Pass, which is 3.8 miles from the trailhead.  Then head south ascending Low Mountain's north ridge.  To avoid steep rock you'll need to traverse under the summit on the mountain's east side then backtrack to the summit.  This route is about 10 miles round trip.

South Ridge Route

After the creek crossing head west up through the avalanche-prone bowl to the north side of Denny Lake.  From there follow Low Mountain's southwest ridge to the summit.  This route is about 6 miles round trip.

NOTES

• Forest Road 5800 is plowed for the residents living there, and past the last house is a plowed U-turn area with no parking signs. Parallel park along the road before the U-turn area.
• You might need to shovel out a parking spot.

information FOr leaders

Permit information

As of 2017, the Snoqualmie Ranger District considers Mountaineers trips and courses to be "nominal use". Leaders should print and copy this designation letter to show rangers they may see on trail or carry a digital copy on their phone.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: January, February, March, November, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Winter Scramble
• Length: 10.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,600 ft
• High Point: 5,400 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12