Snowshoeing is fast becoming one of the most popular winter activities. Participation in the sport increased by more than 500 percent since 1990.

The second edition of ”Snowshoe Routes: Washington” by Dan Nelson includes 100 routes – from easy to rigorous – for winter hikers who venture north. Originally published in 1998, the book contains 20 new trails, a trip planning chart and updated trail descriptions.

”I have put together 100 of my favorite winter hikes around Washington and present them here as a means of helping other hikers find the beauty of the winter backcountry without the hassle of trying to pick and choose a route,” writes Nelson. ”Of course, the routes I describe here are not as easy to follow as a snow-free summer trail, nor should snowshoers think they have to follow my exact footprints. Part of the mystique and wonder of snowshoe hiking is the ability to explore anywhere – a route is limited only by a snowshoer’s physical and mental limits, tempered with a heavy dose of common sense and avalanche awareness.”

That’s why the volume is valuable even for people who recreate in Washington only occasionally.

The introduction covers snowshoe technique, gear, camping essentials, avalanche and winter safety and maps.

Routes include Mount St. Helens summit, Goat Peak, Packwood Lake, Reflection and Louise lakes, Middle Fork Nooksack River and Kennedy Hot Springs in Snoqualmie National Forest.

For each route, Nelson provides a difficulty rating, round-trip distance, estimated hiking time, elevation gain, highest elevation, best season, what map to use and a contact.

Nelson, the former executive editor for the Washington Trails Association, is a frequent contributor to The Seattle Times and Backpacker magazine. He’s the author of ”Best Hikes with Dogs: Western Washington” and ”Best Loop Hikes: Washington.”

”Snowshoe Routes,” a 270-page trade paperback, retails for $16.95.

Contact: www.mountaineersbooks.org or 206-223-6306.