Updated for 2025.
Snowshoe season is here in the Northwest. Our early snow is wet. Trails can be icy. But with the right pair of beginner-friendly snowshoes, you can explore easy winter trails across Washington, Oregon and Idaho with confidence.
This 2025 guide highlights eight solid picks for new snowshoers. All work well on mellow terrain. All have simple bindings. And all handle the mix of slush, packed snow and ice we see in the Northwest.
Quick Picks
Best overall: MSR Evo Trail
Best budget: Retrospec Drifter
Best women’s beginner pick: Tubbs Flex STP Women’s
Best lightweight: Atlas Helium Trail
Best for flat trails: Atlas Access
Best wet-snow performer: Tubbs Flex STP
Best beginner-to-intermediate: MSR Revo Explore
Best long-term upgrade: MSR Lightning Ascent
What Beginners Need in the Northwest
Snowshoeing here is different from drier snow states. Our trails see:
- Heavy, wet snow
- Shaded icy patches
- Early-season slush
- Firm morning snow and soft afternoon snow
Beginners need:
- Good traction
- Simple, glove-friendly bindings
- A shorter, easy-to-control deck
- Durability in wet conditions
- Enough float for rolling hills
You don’t need aggressive backcountry snowshoes yet. Start small, stay on packed trails and practice on flat forest roads or Sno-Parks.
The 8 Best Beginner Snowshoes for 2025
1. MSR Evo Trail
Best all-around beginner pick
The MSR Evo Trail is the most reliable beginner snowshoe for Northwest winter. It’s built from a tough molded deck that handles everything from early winter crust to soft afternoon slush. The traction rails grip packed snow well, especially on Sno-Park trails.
Why beginners like it
- Very stable
- Simple binding
- Handles icy patches better than most entry-level shoes
Where it works best
- Hyak Sno-Park
- Gold Creek Pond
- Trillium Lake
Good to know
If you start hitting deeper powder later in the season, you can add flotation tails.
2. Retrospec Drifter
Best budget value
The Retrospec Drifter offers a friendly price without feeling cheap. It’s great for families, groups and new hikers who want an easy way to try winter trails. The aluminum frame and simple straps make it comfortable for short to moderate outings.
Why beginners like it
- Very affordable
- Easy to walk in
- Great for snow play and simple loops
Where it works best
- Groomed or packed Sno-Park loops
- Low-elevation forest roads
Good to know
Not ideal for icy side slopes. Best for mellow terrain only.
3. Tubbs Flex STP
Best for wet Northwest snow
This model shines in sloppy, early-season snow — the exact kind the Northwest gets every November and December. The flexible deck helps absorb uneven steps and slush pockets.
Why beginners like it
- Smooth, natural walking feel
- Excels in wet, heavy PNW snow
- Affordable entry-level option
Where it works best
- Rain-soaked early-season snow
- Packed and slushy trails
Good to know
Traction is good for packed snow but not designed for steep climbs.
4. Tubbs Flex STP (Women’s)
Best women’s beginner pick
This is the same great Flex STP platform but lighter and sized specifically for women. It’s one of the easiest snowshoes to walk in on flat and rolling terrain.
Why beginners like it
- Lightweight and balanced
- Easy bindings
- Good float for smaller hikers
Where it works best
- Flat lake loops
- Snow-covered forest trails
Good to know
Great for learning, not for advanced terrain.
5. Atlas Helium Trail
Best lightweight option
The Helium Trail is one of the lightest snowshoes you can buy. Smaller hikers and beginners love that it feels less tiring on longer outings. The deck design sheds snow well so you don’t pick up extra weight.
Why beginners like it
- Super lightweight
- Good float for its size
- Comfortable on long walks
Where it works best
- Trillium Lake
- McCall valley loops
- Columbia River Gorge foothill trails
Good to know
Lightweight build means less aggressive traction. Keep it on low-angle trails.
6. Atlas Access
Best for flat or low-angle trails
If you want something simple and steady for mellow winter terrain, the Atlas Access is a top pick. It has a friendly binding, balanced feel and a deck built for easy walking.
Why beginners like it
- Stable, confident feel
- Great for first-timers
- Comfortable stride
Where it works best
- Flat or rolling Sno-Parks
- Frozen lakeshores
Good to know
Skip steep sections. This is a true flat-terrain snowshoe.
7. MSR Revo Explore
Best step-up option
If you think you’ll snowshoe more than a couple times each winter, the Revo Explore is worth it. It has stronger traction and a more locked-in binding than basic models.
Why beginners like it
- Secure on icy mornings
- Torsion deck handles uneven terrain
- Strong toes and side rails
Where it works best
- Foothill climbs
- Morning crust or post-holing afternoons
Good to know
This is a perfect “grow with me” snowshoe between beginner and intermediate levels.
8. MSR Lightning Ascent
Best long-term upgrade
This is the strongest snowshoe MSR makes. It’s not something beginners need, but many people starting out want something they won’t have to replace later.
Why beginners like it (if budget allows)
- Top-tier traction
- Lightweight frame
- Great for learning and advancing
Where it works best
- Icy side slopes
- Rolling climbs
- Backcountry routes (once trained)
Good to know
You don’t need these for beginner outings — but if you want one pair for the next 5–10 years, this is it.
How to Choose the Right Snowshoe
Size
Match snowshoe size to your total weight. Smaller = easier control.
Bindings
Look for simple straps you can adjust with gloves on.
Traction
Steel traction rails are safest for icy Northwest trails.
Deck Shape
Shorter decks turn easier and are better for learning.
Best Beginner Trails in the Northwest
Washington
- Hyak Sno-Park
- Gold Creek Pond
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Oregon
- Trillium Lake
- Swampy Lakes Sno-Park
- Salt Creek Falls area
Idaho
- Bogus Basin loops
- McCall Activity Barn
- Tamarack meadow trails
Stick to low-angle climbs and packed snow your first few outings.
What to Bring
- Waterproof boots
- Gaiters
- Poles with snow baskets
- Wool socks
- Warm midlayer
- Gloves and hat
- Headlamp
- Thermos with warm drink
Safety Tips
- Stay out of avalanche terrain
- Check road conditions before you leave
- Turn back in poor visibility
- Watch for tree wells in deeper snow
- Keep your phone warm and charged
Takeaway
Snowshoeing is a simple way to enjoy winter in the Northwest. Start with flat trails, bring warm layers and try one of these beginner-friendly snowshoes. You’ll stay safe, warm and ready for a full season of snowy adventures.
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