Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Recreational Activities

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Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Currently the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie has 119 miles of designated cross-country ski trails in its forest trail inventory. Numerous other opportunities, however, for cross-country skiing and/or snow shoeing are available throughout the forest. In some instances, these areas are also accessible to snowmobiles.

Commercial and groomed cross-country ski trails are provided at the Summit at Snoqualmie (Summit East) and Stevens Pass Ski Areas. Snowshoeing is not allowed on groomed trails.

We urge you to proceed into all of these areas with caution. Check current weather and avalanche conditions BEFORE you go. Also check current conditions with the nearest Ranger Station.

Cross-Country Areas in the Mt. Baker Ranger District:

• Visit the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club web site for information about areas adjacent to State Route 542 (the Mount Baker Highway).

Snowshoeing in the Mt. Baker Ranger District:

• Please refer to road conditions and trail conditions for the Mt. Baker Ranger District. These road and trails are not maintained in the winter but they are used for snowshoeing when conditions are safe. Please be prepared for extreme winter conditions. Snowshoeing is not allowed on groomed cross country skiing trails.

Cross-Country Areas in the Darrington Ranger District (Mountain Loop Highway):

• Big Four Area Ski Route
• Coal Lake Road Ski Route
• Deer Creek Road / Kelcema Lake Ski Route
• Monte Cristo Ski Route
• Schweitzer Ski Route

Cross-Country and Snowshoeing Areas in the Skykomish Ranger District (US Highway 2):

• Barclay Lake Area
• Beckler River Area
• Foss / Tonga Area
• Miller River / Money Creek Area

Cross-Country and Snowshoeing Areas in the Snoqualmie Ranger District (I-90):

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest provides the following guide to assist recreationists looking for areas to explore along the 1-90 backcountry in the winter. Areas listed in the guide are:

• Amabilis Mountain
• Commonwealth Basin
• Keechelus Ridge
• Kendall Peak Lakes
• Lower Gold Creek Basin
• Mount Margaret
• Talapus Lake

If you would prefer to have groomed or marked/maintained snowshoe trails, try the Summit at Snoqualmie Nordic Center at Exit 54. You may call them at: (425) 434-6708 for further information or by checking their web site at: www.summitatsnoqualmie.com.

In addition, the Wenatchee National Forest offers a wide variety of winter sports opportunities. Visit their web site or call the Cle Elum Ranger District at (509) 674-4411.

Status of Source Lake – Alpental Parking Lot: Those seeking to access the Source Lake and Snow Lakes backcountry areas may continue to park for free mid week only in the Alpental Ski Area parking lot #3 (Snow Lake parking lot). There is a $10.00 fee for vehicles with less than 3 occupants. Other lots at Alpental will be continue to have free access except the overnight parking lot #4. Alpental has a return trail at the upper end of the parking lots that is used by Alpental skiers to return to the base area. Under terms of their special use agreement with the USDA Forest Service, Alpental is prohibiting access on ski trails other than downhill skiers and snowboarders due to increasing travel hazards. Therefore, backcountry recreationists (snowshoers, cross-country skiers, etc.) no longer will be able to hike up the ski area’s trail corridors to access Source Lake area and will need to navigate around these ski area corridors. This restriction will not affect the parking on National Forest land at Alpental or access to National Forest land. People will be able to access areas they have traditionally used, but they will not be able to use the routes that they have in the past.