Snowshoe Trek and Lunch (L) - Meany Lodge

Clinic

Snowshoe Trek and Lunch (L) - Meany Lodge

Snowshoe from Crystal Springs Sno-Park to Meany Lodge for a hot lunch at the lodge on Saturdays this winter. Routes vary, but typically 7+ miles with 1000 feet cumulative elevation gain round-trip. Beginner snowshoe.

  • Sat, Mar 2, 2024
  • Meany Lodge
  • Snowshoeing
  • Beginner
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,950 ft

We depart at 8:00 AM (NEW TIME) from the Crystal Springs Sno-park, elevation 2450 feet.  Arrive around 7:40 AM to allow enough time to use the sani-can, load your pack, and put on snowshoes. 

You will need to purchase a one day Sno-Park pass beforehand which costs $25. If you have a Sno-Park season pass you must also have a "Special Groomed Sticker" for Crystal Springs. Review Crystal Springs Sno-Park requirements and purchase a permit online.

Park in the first lot on the left: “Non-motorized Day Parking” lot #1. Meet near the information kiosk and toilets.

This is a beginner trip, no previous snowshoeing experience is required. The pace is slow and will be adjusted based on the group and snow conditions. We will take occasional breaks. See Required Equipment info and link to maps in the tab below.

The morning  portion will take about 3 hours. It is 3.5 miles with  a  200 ft elevation gain in 1/4 mile then a descent followed later by a 500 ft elevation gain in last 1.5 miles to Meany Lodge (2890 feet).

A hearty hot lunch will be served around 12:30 PM. Don't forget to indicate any dietary restrictions when registering online. 

We will leave the Meany Campus around 1:30 pm, for the downhill snowshoe trek back to the parking lot, arriving around 4:00 PM. The return trip is a slightly different route. Please stay with the group and don’t get separated.

Cell service is unavailable for most of the Trek and at Meany Lodge.

NOTE:  Meany Lodge requires all visitors for the 2024 Season to show proof of a negative COVID19 home test conducted within 24 hours of arriving at Meany. A cell phone photograph of the test is easiest, which will be checked in the parking lot. Click on "Winter Weekends Meany Lodge" for current information. If you feel sick at all (cough, sneezing) please stay home.

The Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council has good information​ - please review the tab on "Groomed Trail Etiquette" for instructions to snowshoers walking on groomed cross-country ski trails.

https://www.snowrec.org/

Route/Place

Meany Lodge


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bring your own snowshoes. Meany Lodge has two extra snowshoes but you need to add a note to your signup  to reserve lodge snowshoes.

Snowshoeing  will work best in tall (ankle height), waterproof, rigid hiking boots with thick socks.

Other recommended gear are hydration, snacks, multiple base layers of clothing (no cotton material), warm jacket, rain coat, warm hat & gloves, gaiters, and hiking poles with snow baskets. 

Bringing the Ten Essentials would be suggested, especially if interested in pursuing more snowshoeing activities.

Maps:

Crystal Springs Sno-Park system map includes Meany Lodge, and can be downloaded and printed from the main page.

The Erling Stordahl Nordic Trail System map has more detail on the first section of the snowshoe route, but does not include the full route to Meany Lodge.

https://www.snowrec.org/crystal-springs

Trip Reports