What: Take snowshoes or cross-country skis and head up to the ridge and lake for great views and good workout. If you’re skiing, there are good spots to telemark.
Where: Drive U.S. 2 east to Stevens Pass and park across the road (north) from the downhill ski area. The route starts west of the parking area on a cat track heading uphill.
Length: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep uphill
Beginning elevation: 4,050 feet
High point: 5,200 feet
Maps: Green Trails Stevens Pass No. 176 and Benchmark Mountain No. 144
Permits: None
Notes: The snow is in the high country, so you might as well get out and enjoy it. The snowshoe outing described in Sarah Jackson’s accompanying story is along this same route. Follow the cat track up to a telephone relay station and find a steep road to the right. The road will be gone part way up to the ridge, and you hit an open slope. Stay to the left side, especially if conditions seem unstable. A radio relay shed at 4,900 feet marks the end of the steep climbing. Just below dense woods, head northwest, turning uphill through thinning trees to reach Skyline Lake, a flat snowfield at this time of year. Beyond the lake you can climb higher on the ridge for views of the Cascades, including Glacier and Stuart peaks. If you’re of a mind, you can descend the north side of the ridge (this is the fun part for skiers) toward the drainage area of Nason Creek. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses through here, but don’t be tempted to follow it back to the parking area. The avalanche danger along that route is usually very high. Go back the way you came.
From “100 Best Cross-country Ski Trails in Washington,” by Vicky Spring and Tom Kirkendall (Mountaineers Books)
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