Dalles Ridge Snowshoe

Drove up Hwy 410 to snowshoe up to Dalles Ridge, this follows FSR 72. This road, which is closed in the winter, continues for many miles, so you can choose how far you want to go. We did 11+ miles round trip with 2,200 ft of elevation gain.

We were the first ones out after the snowfall last night. There was a light dusting of snow at the beginning of the road. We would hike 2 miles before donning our snowshoes.

About 0.3 miles up there is a short side road with this nice view.

 Although most of the road walk did not have views, there was much to enjoy: snow covered trees,

 and small streams.

 There were some open areas with views looking across the White River Valley to Suntop.

 We saw lots of animal footprints in the snow, rabbit, deer, elk and these which were much larger.
















Further up, another open area revealed a nice view looking down the White River Valley.












Lots of lovely views within the forest walk of snow covered trees, rocky cliffs and icicles.

Panoram view from about 4 miles up the road:

We continued snowshoeing another 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 miles without seeing another viewpoint.

It was so peaceful and quiet along the back side of Dalles Ridge.

Sun trying to break out through the clouds as we randomly decide which road to follow. We continued a short ways until taking a lunch break and heading back down the road.

 We had a mixture of light snow flurries, a little frozen rain, dark clouds and blue skies.
















The views were a little nicer on the way down.

lovely boulder among the trees.

As we continued along the last 1/2 mile, the sun broke out casting this beautiful glow through the trees.

 setting sun