Alpental Parking Lot — Local services in North Bend

Alpental Parking Lot might not sound exciting at first, but it’s honestly one of the most scenic and versatile spots I’ve come across. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, dense evergreens, and fresh alpine air, it makes an incredible backdrop for photography. I brought my truck and toy hauler here for a photo session, and the views could not have been better. The towering cliffs and snow-dusted slopes created a setting that made the shots look like something straight out of an adventure magazine.

The lot itself is wide, open, and easy to access, which made setting up for photos simple. There was plenty of space to move around and find different angles without any hassle. While I wasn’t here for skiing or hiking this time, it’s clear that this area is well-loved for its outdoor activities, and I can definitely see why. Even just standing in the lot, you’re surrounded by the natural beauty of Snoqualmie Pass, which makes it feel like more than “just a parking lot.”

Whether you’re here to hit the slopes, head out on a trail, or, like me, use it as a spot for creative photography, Alpental delivers. The scenery alone makes it worthy...

Beautiful snowshoeing trails! However, this snowshoeing/sledding lower parking lot was far more icy and crowded than the main ski parking lots, and full by around 10am on a Sunday. The employees say that all snowshoeing parking needs to be in this lower lot, but what a bummer! At the end of the day, there were dozens of people waiting by their cars, waiting for others who are parked too close to them to leave first, and reduce the chances of a collision. Yikes! Some of the drivers are not too bright either, tailgating and honking at Front Wheel Drive cars stuck in ice, as if the honking melts ice. Others are helpful and give advice and push cars...

Total sellouts - charging for parking every single visit despite being a season pass holder.

Even worse, if you’re a hiker. It’s $55 a day to park during the winter. No skiers/riders like hikers taking parking spots on pow days, but last I checked it’s a national Forrest. Their lease for the ski resort shouldn’t have any control over who uses the Forrest that is entirely paid for with tax...