Stack Rock Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing Stack Rock Trail is a different experience compared to hiking the same trail. There are a number of challenges that reveal themselves when snowshoeing. Some of these challenges are avoidable, others are not.
Challenges:
Use the pullout along Bogus Basin Rd to access the trailhead rather than driving further up and taking the longer trail from the parking lot area.
Give yourself more time. Snowshoeing is a slower process and takes more time to travel the same amount of distance you would cover when hiking.
If you plan ahead, you would benefit from hiking with ankle weights to get used to the added weight on your feet from the boots and snowshoes.
Wear the right clothing. If snow gets inside your boots it will melt, and soon you will be walking in waterlogged boots. This will make every step heavier and more difficult.
If you feel yourself slowing down, you should think about turning around and starting your return trip. You don’t want to reach exhaustion and then find yourself stuck on the mountain.
Equipment:
Water
Snack
Good winter boots
Winter pants
Weather-appropriate clothing (use layers)
Snowshoes
Hiking Poles
Along N. Bogus Basin Rd. is a pullout right across from the nearby trailhead (43.734050, -116.127275). After parking, you will walk across the street to the trailhead. At the trailhead, you can put on your snowshoes. I only went as far as the Squatch Hut, so the map above doesn’t get you all the way to Stack Rock. You can get the trail details on AllTrails for this hike, but keep in mind that this is the long hike, not the typical snowshoe hike.
This trail is mostly only accessible via snowshoe, however, the first 1–2 miles can often be accessed wearing just boots. It is pretty much entirely single track, so be prepared to share the trail with others, especially in the first 1-2 miles. Remember trail etiquette, and be nice to those sharing the trail with you. For more on trail etiquette, visit the Ridges to Rivers website.
If you have not hiked this trail before, or if you have but not in the snow, it might be good to go with someone who has, especially if the trail has fresh snow. You don’t want to take a wrong step on this trail. If it hasn’t snowed in several days, then you can probably travel this trail easily by following the trail created by others.
The first 2 miles (3.22 km) of this trail are typically well-used. This section of the trail will be the easiest in snowshoes. After that, it may be as easy, slightly more difficult, or much more difficult, depending on the amount of traffic the trail has seen from this point on. Be sure to stop and take as many breaks as you need to enjoy the view. One of the big draws of this trail is the multiple views of the valley you can enjoy.
If you make it all the way to the Squatch Hut (43.742698, -116.149839), great job. That’s awesome. Squatch Hut is a great resting spot, be sure to take note of your body temperature and how dry your feet are. If you’re already dealing with waterlogged feet, it might be a good time to head back. If you felt yourself really slowing down the last mile, it might also be a good time to head back. Use this point to eat something and drink some water.
If you are feeling good and your feet are dry, Stack Rock is only a little more than an hour away. The fastest route (avoiding the loop) is to take the trail that runs along the right side of the hut. This will be the hardest part of the trail, if you continue, since the last part to reach Stack Rock requires a pretty good vertical climb in those snowshoes.
You’ll find the hike out to be faster. Something about reaching this goal really puts some pep in your step, unless you’ve overdone it. Don’t forget on your way out to enjoy all the views again. With a little luck, you might see some deer bounding through the snowy mountain side.
Remember to watch for traffic whether you’re leaving the trailhead in your car, or crossing traffic on foot to get back to your car parked on the N. Bogus Basin Rd. shoulder.
The roundtrip from the trailhead to the Squatch Hut was 5.63 miles (9.06 km) and took 4 hours and 40 minutes, though I stayed at the Squatch Hut for about 40 minutes before heading back. It took longer than it should have because by the time I reached Squatch Hut my feet were swimming in my boots, and I was already reaching exhaustion. So my trek back to the car was slow and difficult. With about 2 miles (3.22 km) remaining I began feeling pain in my left groin, with 1 mile (1.61 km) remaining it was pretty painful and my right groin muscles started to ache. The last mile was more of a hobble than a hike. I was just happy to get back to the car at that point.
Round trip from the trailhead to Stack Rock is 9 miles (14.48 km). So, from the Squatch Hut to Stack Rock it is another 1.7 miles (2.74 km), one way. It took my wife, Summer, about 6 hours to make the complete trek.
I hope you enjoy our adventure and get the chance to enjoy this hike yourselves.
