Trip Date: January 6, 2025
Denny Creek Waterslide Snowshoe Trek
South Fork Snoqualmie River Bridge
Interstate-90 Undercrossing
Denny Creek Valley
Trip Report Summary
Region: Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Lower Snoqualmie Range
Areas: Interstate-90 corridor & Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Starting & Ending Point: Franklin Falls Sno-Park off Interstate-90 at Exit 47 (Elev. 2260 feet)
Way Points: Road 5800 crossing & South Fork Snoqualmie River Bridge & Denny Creek Trailhead & Denny Creek Bridge & Interstate-90 undercrossing & Denny Creek Waterslide (snowshoe hike)
Approximate Stats: 2.9 miles traveled; 600 feet gained and lost; 3.0 hours elapsed.
Information Sources
The following links provide helpful information for planning this snowshoe trek. Even these information sources, however, should not be taken as a substitute for having the fitness, knowledge, equipment, and clothing required for snowshoe trekking.
>>> WSDOT road condition reports for Interstate-90 and Snoqualmie Pass
>>> National Weather Service weather forecast for Snoqualmie Pass area
>>> Northwest Avalanche Center avalanche forecast for Snoqualmie Pass area
>>> Other easy to intermediate snowshoe treks in the I-90 / Snoqualmie Pass corridor
Parking Comments
Parking for this snowshoe trek can be found at Franklin Falls Sno-Park, which is located between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate-90 near Denny Creek Campground. With the recent creation of this sno-park, snowshoers now have more good trekking options on the west side of Snoqualmie Pass. Both the Denny Creek Waterslide and Franklin Falls are accessible destinations. Be aware that a Washington State Sno-Park permit is required here.
To reach Franklin Falls Sno-Park, get off the freeway at Exit 47 and go north to a “T” intersection. Go right (east) on Forest Road 5800 for approximately 3 miles, following the “SNO-PARK” signs past side-roads leading to Asahel Curtis Picnic Area, Denny Creek Campground, and Denny Creek Trailhead, then turn right into the sno-park. There are two separate parking lots here, with the second (southern) one being a bit closer to the restroom and starting point.
Full Trip Report
Eileen, Yoko, Debra, Chris, MJ, Wenlin, and I wanted an easy first-of-the-season snowshoe trek, so we picked the Denny Creek Waterslide as our destination. Most of us had been to this popular location during the summer, but none of us had been there during the winter.
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From the informational kiosk and restroom situated at the southern end of the sno-park, we walked down a curving path to Forest Road 5800, then continued straight ahead on unplowed Forest Road 5830. In a short distance, we passed the Franklin Falls Trailhead, went around a vehicle gate, and crossed South Fork Snoqualmie River on a wide concrete bridge. In another ¼ mile, we came to the Denny Creek Trailhead.
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The Denny Creek Trail begins by wandering through marshy lowland forest, gaining very little elevation. In ⅓ mile, the trail crosses Denny Creek on a long, narrow, wooden-girder bridge. This would be a suitable destination for someone wanting a very short (1.3 miles round trip) and relatively flat snowshoe hike.
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After crossing Denny Creek, the trail ascends a gentle hillslope vegetated with tall trees. We noticed that the sound of freeway traffic got progressively louder, but the freeway itself remained hidden for a long time. Then, rather suddenly, a massive concrete bridge appeared high overhead!
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Freeway noise gradually faded as we continued upstream and entered the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Shortly beyond the wilderness boundary, we arrived at the Denny Creek Waterslide (1.4 miles + 550 feet from sno-park). Most of the rock slabs were covered with snow, but some slabs were visible under the flowing water.
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The trail crosses Denny Creek on a narrow, slippery log here and then switchbacks up the opposite hillslope for several miles until topping out at Hemlock Pass. Because the hillslope is very steep and avalanche-prone, we were contented to stop for lunch beside the creek.
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Equipment Comments
For more information regarding the various equipment that I used for this particular trip and that I typically use for snowshoe trips, see my gear discussions and reviews on the following pages:
>>> Trail & Mountain Snowshoes
>>> Backcountry Ski & Snowshoe Packs
>>> Wintertime Comfort Accessories
Route Map & Profile
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Photo Gallery
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