In 1917, Walter Steinhart became the first motorcyclist to reach the summit of Snoqualmie Pass.^[1] At least several miles of the journey were undertaken under conditions of heavy snow. The Indian Powerplus motorcycle Steinhart rode was able to make better progress than a man leading a horse that he passed.^[1]

On January 1, 1917 Steinhart finished first among ten riders in a 180-mile course twice around Lake Washington in a time of 3 hours, 20 minutes.^[2] On August 20 of that year, Steinhart competed in the Seattle MC Contest Seattle-North Yakima-Goldendale-White-Salmon-Portland enduro and finished third behind G. C. Austin and Ray Smith. His Indian lost ground between North Yakima and Goldendale.^[1]