Footprints on Snow tells the stories of seven women who were explorers, climbers, conservationists, and a fire lookout during World War II, when lookouts watched both for fires, and also for enemy planes. One woman wrote the first hiking guide book before the internet provided driving and hiking directions.

Two female climbers were of the first rank in skill, ability, and courage. One made thirty-four first ascents in the North Cascades and British Columbia Coast Range. Another woman helped save remnants of ancient forests in the Olympics and went on to help preserve the scenic North Cascades in a national park. The first woman to climb Mount Rainier was considered daring and immodest in her costume and behavior, but she believed that this brave accomplishment would change her life.

Women have sought adventure in the northwestern mountains of the United States and Canada for over one hundred years. They had many obstacles to overcome-including having to wear bloomers-but they all proved that adventure comes in many forms.