Winter Recreation
Cle Elum Ranger District and Vicinity
Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Opportunities
Snoqualmie Pass Snowshoe Walks
Forest Service interpretive snowshoe walks on Snoqualmie Pass offer a chance to experience winter’s beauty while learning about snowshoeing and winter ecology.
This year we will begin snowshoe walks January 3, 2009 and run through March 29, 2009. This winter we will offer two programs: the first, a moderately paced interpretive walk that generally lasts 90 minutes and leaves the Visitor Information Center every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00AM and 1:00 PM. Group size is limited to 20. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children under age 10 on either the 90 minute or ½ day programs.
The second, is a half-day outing to Commonwealth Basin. This longer tour requires a higher level of fitness and winter preparedness. Group size is limited to 8 people. These extended outings will leave the Visitor Information Center at 9:15 AM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The half-day trips will require every participant to carry a day pack that includes at a minimum, the 10 Essentials; avalanche shovels and probes are strongly encouraged as well. The length and location of these trips may vary during periods of high avalanche danger.
We will also be offering three special outings on selected days this winter in an effort to get more children and families out on the snow. These outings will be less vigorous and will include an introduction to winter exploration and some snow play time. Dates for the “Kids on the Snow” program are January 24 - 1 PM, February 28 - 1 PM , and March 21 - 1 PM.
We provide snowshoes for all of our walks. In order to offset the costs of the program we ask for a $10 donation per person for the 90 minute and $20 for the extended outings. Your donation helps maintain the snowshoes and compensates the interpreters.
Please dress appropriately for the weather. We encourage people to dress in layers and wear clothes that insulate you when wet. We also recommend sturdy, waterproof boots to wear in the snowshoes.
Reservations for all programs are required. To make a reservation before January 2, please call (509) 852-1062. Starting January 2, please call the Snoqualmie Pass Forest Service Visitor Information Center at (425) 434-6111. The Visitor Center is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
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CLE ELUM RIVER VALLEY
Highway (State Route) 903 leads up the Cle Elum River Valley through the towns of Roslyn and Ronald and ends at the Historic Salmon la Sac Guard Station, about 18 miles northwest from the town of Cle Elum. The road is plowed all winter and provides access to any number of interesting ski/snowshoe destinations. The right side of the highway is left unplowed and is groomed to provide snowmobile access to the area. There is an official Washington State (shared use) Sno-Park maintained near the end of the highway, about 1 mile below the Salmon la Sac Guard Station, where a Sno-Park permit is required. There are also four small plowed parking places at various points along the highway that are plowed by the County which require no permit. Please, park in designated areas only where signing is located.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, restrooms, and telephones can be found at the Starlite Inn or businesses in Roslyn, Ronald and Cle Elum.
Cle Elum Valley Sno-Parks and Other Plowed Parking:
*Salmon la Sac Sno-Park: Exit 80 via I-90, follow to Roslyn. Take a left onto highway, State Route 903, go approximately 18 miles to Salmon la Sac, take a right off SR 903, continue about ¼ mile to plowed parking area, 70 spaces, shared use. Sno-Park permit required.
*Starlite Inn and Mini-Mart Gas Station- no permit required.
*Newport Creek- single vehicles only, no trailers. No permit required.
*French Cabin Creek (close to Cle Elum River Campground)- shared use, no permit required.
*Howson Creek- single vehicles only, no trailers. No permit required.
Salmon la Sac Campground Loops:
In winter, this popular Forest Service campground, situated at the confluence of the Cooper and Cle Elum Rivers at the end of the paved Cle Elum Valley road, offers about three miles of groomed ski/snowshoe loop trails. The trails follow the summer access roads through the campground. The track-set loops are accessed via a bridge across the Cle Elum River upstream from the historic guard station. It's an ideal spot for kids and parents to enjoy traveling together on skis or snowshoes through a snowy forest on flat ground, with the possibility of fine views up and down the valley. The campground loops are restricted to non-motorized use and are marked by orange snow poles. These loops will be track-set on Friday and Monday by the Forest Service (weather and conditions permitting). The ski trail also will be groomed from the campground to Salmon la Sac trailhead. No fee is charged for the use of these trails. Park in Salmon la Sac Sno-Park (permit required) or along Salmon la Sac road (single lane parking in designated areas).
Cayuse Campground/Sno-Park Tie Trail:
This trail covers flat ground and is a fine alternative approach to the Salmon la Sac Campground Loop Trails for those who would rather not share the road with snowmobiles. From the Sno-Park at the end of S.R. 903, (right turn off of hwy.) follow the blue diamond ski trail signs which will lead you from the Sno-Park to the Historic Salmon la Sac Guard Station via a forest trail in about 1 mile. The trail passes Cayuse Horse Camp enroute, which is the summertime staging area for Forest Service horse-packers.
Jolly Mountain Road, #4315:
This logging road leaves the Sno-Park at the end of S.R. 903 (2400 ft. elevation). Follow the blue diamond ski trail markers, which should be visible from the Sno-Park. The road starts out on flat ground. It soon begins to climb and switchback up through some huge clear-cuts. These may offer fine downhill runs once all stumps are adequately buried with snow and snow conditions are favorable. Views up and down the valley are impressive. Adventuresome and energetic travelers can continue from the end of the Jolly Mt. Rd. (5200 ft.) to the top of Jolly Mt. along a ridge. Be aware that the ridge may be windblown, icy, corniced and dangerous. The area is designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized" area; signing requests snowmobilers to avoid riding in the area.
French Cabin Creek, Roads #4309 and 111 spur (north and south from the main road #4308):
The French Cabin Cr. Road is a left turn off of S.R. 903 about 15 miles upriver from the town of Cle Elum. Utilize the plowed designated parking area along the main highway. No permit required. Cross the Cle Elum River Bridge and continue for a short distance along the groomed snowmobile route, which is maintained on the French Cabin Cr. Rd, #4308. Look for roads leading left and right off of this main groomed route, it is not a marked ski route. Here the ski opportunity is over fairly flat, gentle rolling terrain along the river corridor and open area at the head of the lakebed.
--To the right road #4309 heads north along the river bottom for about a mile, crosses Thorp Creek Bridge and soon begins to climb into clear-cuts, which offers some fun downhill runs once the stumps are snow covered. Although snowmobiles are allowed here, it is not a heavily used route. The views can be great once you climb out of the valley bottom. The Cle Elum River provides a buffer from the bustle of the highway and Sno-Park. Adventuresome sorts who enjoy off road travel may want to continue along the river for about another mile without benefit of road or trail to the Cooper River Rd. At that point you can re-cross the Cle Elum River at the Cooper Bridge and reach S.R. 903.
--To the left once across the French Cabin Creek Bridge, spur road #111 heads south off of the main road and leads onto the flats at the head of Lake Cle Elum. Snowmobiles occasionally venture out this road, but it in not a heavily traveled route. There are fine opportunities for flatland touring here along the Cle Elum River. Absence of tree cover at the upper reaches of the lake allows for long-range views up and down the valley.
TEANAWAY RIVER VALLEY
The North Fork of the Teanaway River is accessed by the Teanaway River Rd. which leaves U.S 970 about six miles east of Cle Elum. The road is plowed as far as the fish rearing ponds and Twenty-Nine Pines Campground about milepost 14. There is plowed parking at this point where a permit is not required.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, telephones, lodging in Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Mineral Springs Restaurant and the Liberty Café located along Highway 97 are the closest restaurant options.
Jungle Creek Road:
The Jungle Cr. Road begins at the plowed parking area on the North Fork Teanway Road, crosses the Teanaway River on a bridge, and climbs to the ridge crest which separates the North Fork from the Middle Fork of the Teanaway River in about 4 miles. The Rye Creek Road turns left off the Jungle Creek Road just past the bridge. Rye Creek is a popular snowmobile route. Although the North Fork parking area is increasingly used by snowmobilers, one will seldom find a snowmobile venturing even a short way up the Jungle Creek Road. This area has been designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized" areas. The road climbs at a moderate grade along Jungle Creek through forest, ending at an area known as Liar's Prairie. For those in need of further adventure, Teanaway Butte can be reached from here by climbing southeast through scrubby timber and clear-cuts. Be forewarned that although Teanaway Butte is a worthy destination, this area can be overflowing with snowmobiles on almost any winter or spring weekend. You'll find that weekdays are much calmer.
North Fork Teanaway Road, #9737:
This road leads northwest out of the plowed parking area, and is groomed (not track set) the first 3 miles to Beverly Campground. Unfortunately, it's a popular snowmobile route, which accesses high, challenging terrain. It is heavily used by so-called "high-markers", snowmobilers using very powerful, fast and loud sleds to climb as high as they can on steep slopes. Non-motorized travelers on this road should be prepared to get out of the way of speeding snowmobiles, particularly on weekends. Interestingly enough, the first mile of road can be handily avoided by traveling either along the river bottom or on a bench above the road. No trail here, but the road is within sight most of the time and there is little chance of getting confused.
Bean/Beverly Creek:
About three miles from the parking area up the North Fork Teanaway road #9737, is the Bean/Beverly Creek road, which leads to some great skiing up on the ridge. It is recommended for the advanced skier only with telemark opportunities in large basins towards the top of the ridge. It's a hike up, good snow conditions, great spring skiing. Be aware of avalanche conditions. This area has been designated a "Voluntary Non-Motorized Area"; signing requests snowmobilers to avoid riding in the area.
Stafford Creek Road:
About a mile from the North Fork Teanaway/ Jungle Creek junction the Stafford Creek road veers to the right off the main road. It follows the creek on an easy grade for approximately three more miles to the Miller Peak trailhead. This road usually has snowmobile tracks on it, but is not a heavily used route and can be a most enjoyable ski or snowshoe route, especially mid-week. There is often a snowmobile track wide enough to skate on if one is so inclined. An area at the end of the Stafford Creek road, near the Miller/Bear Trailhead and up onto the ridge (tying in with the Iron Creek area on the other side of the ridge) also has been designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized Area".
SWAUK CREEK VALLEY / BLEWETT PASS:
U.S. Highway 97 connects the Cle Elum area with the Cashmere/Leavenworth area via Blewett Pass. Traveling north on U.S. 97 one follows Swauk Creek up to the pass (4000' elevation). All of the ski routes along the Swauk Corridor lead to many opportunities for exploration on abandoned logging roads or through open forest and clearcuts.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, telephones, lodging in Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Mineral Springs Restaurant and the Liberty Café located along Highway 97 are the closest restaurant options.
Blewett Pass Area Ski Map and Information [PDF]
Iron Creek Road #9714:
About two miles north of the Mineral Springs Restaurant (and the Forest Service campground of the same name) on U.S. 97 is the Iron Creek Road, on the north side of the highway. Although there is no official Sno-Park here, there is often a well-cleared parking area thanks to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The Iron Creek Road follows an easy grade along the creek for about three miles. The area has been designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized Area", signing requests snowmobiles to avoid the area in the interest of cooperation between skiers and snowmobilers. It's starting elevation of 2800' means it is not one of the first routes to be ski-able in the fall, but it offers essentially flat terrain in a pleasant, broad forested valley with a modest six mile round trip to road end and back. A spur road to the right at about mile two climbs steeply and connects with the old Blewett Pass Highway by a circuitous route.
Old Blewett Highway Ski Trail:
This trail, which was blazed originally by the Ellensburg Cross-Country Ski Club years ago, begins at the junction of the Old Blewett Pass Highway (#9715) and U.S. 97, about three miles north of the Mineral Springs Restaurant. From the sign board at the plowed parking area at the junction, the trail, marked by blue diamonds and skier signs, heads northeast across a small creek and follows an old skid road parallel to U.S. 97. The trail gradually climbs and leaves the highway, leading through ponderosa pine forest and open meadow areas. Blue diamond blazes show the way. The route remains in the forest and does not lead to spectacular high points, but it is a fine short tour without much elevation gain. Even though the Old Blewett Road junction is often dominated by the snowmobile crowd, this route quickly leaves the smoke and commotion behind for the solitude of snow-filled forest. The trail is a loop of about three miles.
Swauk Campground/Porky Basin:
About one mile past the Old Blewett Highway junction with U.S. 97 is the turn-off to Swauk Campground, which is closed for winter, and is a designated Skier Only Sno-Park that requires a permit. Snowmobiles are not permitted. The area is a Designated Non-Motorized Winter Recreation Area. The campground sits on flat ground bordering on Swauk Creek. Although the campground is close to the highway, it is remarkably quiet because the highway begins to climb above the creek valley at this point and the heavy timber seems to soak up the road noise. There is lots of opportunity here for trying out those new skis or snowshoes. From the upper end of the campground one can continue along the creek and reach the Porky Basin Rd. #121 in about 3/4 mile. A bridge leads across Swauk Cr. and up into clear-cuts in Porky Basin. If one proceeds directly from the campground parking area to Swauk Creek, blazes will be seen leading across the creek on a foot bridge and then up a trail which climbs to large sandstone outcroppings above the campground. This trail is a bit steep and narrow for skis, but snowshoers will enjoy climbing up to the rock viewpoint. A blue-diamond marked ski trail starting near the outhouse also crosses Swauk Creek and follows a tributary stream valley. It crosses the tributary and climbs toward the ridge before finally linking with an abandoned logging road. The trail skirts the head of Porky Basin and eventually crosses upper Pipe Creek. A short steep ascent from the creek bottom brings you to the Pipe Creek signed ski trail from which ties in with the junction of roads 9716 and 9712 at an elevation of 5,000 feet. This route offers excellent views, particularly in good weather. Depending on snow conditions the climb and descent can be treacherous for even accomplished skiers. By staging two cars a fine loop may be made by starting at the Pipe Creek Sno-Park and ending at the Swauk Campground Sno-Park.
Pipe Creek/Swauk Creek Sno-Park Tie Trail:
Pipe Creek Sno-Park, along the south side of Highway 97, is about 2 miles up past Swauk Campground. This Sno-Park is one of the very few "officially designated" totally non-motorized Sno-Parks in the state. It is located within the official Swauk Non-Motorized Ski Area bordered by SR 97 on the north, Hurley Creek Forest Road #9711 on the south and #9716 Road to the east. From the Pipe Creek Sno-Park there are two routes marked by blue diamonds. See the bulletin board displaying a map of the area on the highway side of the Sno-Park. The gentler route follows Swauk Creek upstream to Swauk Meadows and eventually links with road #9716. The steeper route begins with a short, fast descent to Swauk Creek before climbing to a saddle at 4500 feet. It parallels Pipe Creek, continues past the junction that ties in with the previously described Swauk Campground trail. At the saddle there is a blue diamond signed route on the left that provides a pleasant loop with views of the Diamond Head promontory. The main blue-signed ski trail continues to the right eventually reaching the junction of road #9716 and #9712. From here you have the choice of following the groomed snowmobile route on #9716 back down to Swauk Meadow (thus making a loop back to the Pipe Creek Sno-Park) or returning via Pipe Creek. Be warned that road #9716 is heavily used by snowmobiles. The Swauk Meadows route has a much less steep grade than the Pipe Creek route.
Wenatchee Ridge Road #800:
At Blewett Pass (4100 feet) on U.S. 97 there is a large Sno-Park south of the highway and a smaller one on the north side. This Swauk Sno-Park is dominated by snowmobilers and leads to travel over many miles of groomed routes on Table Mountain. Forest Service road # 9716 begins here but it's not a good choice for non-motorized travel. However about a ¼ mile up the #9716 there is a skier-signed cross-country trail on the left that joins the Tronsen drainage (see below). On weekends the smaller parking area on the north side of SR 97 may be less jammed with snowmobile trailers and RV's than the larger lot.
Forest Road #800 starts from the north side Sno-Park on Blewett Pass. It is a route shared with snowmobiles for the first half-mile. Then, continuing to the left at its junction with road #7324, road #800 becomes a "Volunatry Non-Motorized Area" along Wenatchee Ridge. Road #7324 descends Scotty Creek. The snow machine traffic on #7324 is much less than from the Sno-Park on the opposite side of SR 97. On #800 there is some elevation gain and a few ups and downs, but nothing seriously daunting. The views of the Stuart Range and the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on a clear day are impressive. Large clear-cuts sloping north from #800 can offer fine downhill opportunities once the stumps are well covered with snow. The road winds along the ridge for about four miles. A spur road continues at a higher level for another two miles, almost all the way to the Old Blewett Pass Highway. It ends at a log landing in a large and steep clear-cut. One can pick a way down the ridge or ski to the bottom of the cut and reach the Old Blewett Pass Highway summit in less than another ½ mile. From here an energetic skiers can descend to SR 97 either by a four-mile road ski to the south or a six mile road ski to the north (some snowmobile traffic).
Tronsen Meadows Non-Motorized Area:
Just north of 4000 ft. Blewett Pass on U.S. 97 is the Tronsen Meadows Non-Motorized Winter Recreation Area on the Leavenworth Ranger District. There is a maze of roads and trails in this area offering all levels of technical challenge and having in common the official protection from encroaching snowmobiles. Two roads blocked by iron gates access this area. Road # 7245 is nearest the pass and Road # 7240 is perhaps 1/8 mile further down the highway. Neither is an official Sno-Park but the highway department often does a fairly thorough job of plowing parking spots anyway. When it is actively snowing there is the possibility of being plowed in by plows clearing the highway. Carry a shovel in your car! Maps of this area have been posted at the road heads from time to time but weather and neglect have made them more or less un-readable. Road # 7240 leads up and away from the highway through timber and reaches a clear-cut in about ½ mile. You may either follow the road or climb directly up the cut to access more roads which wind back into Tronsen Basin. Forest road # 7240 also climbs away from the highway. A spur veers right in about ½ mile and leads to a junction with Rd. # 7245. A spur veers left in about another ½ mile and leads to a large clear-cut, which can offer some fun downhill runs. Continuing on the main road you will eventually connect with Rd. # 7245 and can complete a loop back to the highway. There are summertime trails out of Tronsen Basin, which lead up onto Tronsen Ridge, but they are poorly marked and quite steep. Diamond Head, the prominent rock outcropping which hangs over the basin to the south, can be climbed by scrambling directly up from Forest road # 7245. Caution must be exercised here as the terrain becomes steeper and the risk of avalanche becomes more of a threat.
Blewett Pass Area Ski Trail Map and Information
I-90 CORRIDOR- Snoqualmie Pass, Keechelus, Kachess, Cabin Creek and Easton
Interstate 90 slices through the heart of the Cle Elum Ranger District running northwest to southeast between Snoqualmie Pass to the town of Cle Elum providing ample access to many undeveloped and developed winter recreation opportunities. The Summit at Snoqualmie operates the privately developed downhill skiing opportunities at Alpental at the Summit, Summit West (Snoqualmie Summit), Summit Central (Ski Acres) and Summit East (Pac-West/Hyak) ski areas. Developed opportunities for inner-tubing and cross-country ski can also be found. These areas are operated under special-use permit with the Forest Service.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, restrooms and telephones available at Snoqualmie Pass, Easton, Cle Elum and Roslyn.
Groomed/Sno-Park I-90 Cross Country Ski Opportunities:
Keechelus Lake Sno-Park: From I-90 take Exit 54, turn south go about 1 mile and take a right onto the road near the highway department's Hyak work station. Drive about 1 mile to the Sno-Park. Groomed ski trails; 150 spaces.
Crystal Springs Sno-Park:
Directions off of I-90, take Exit 62 and turn south and drive to the Sno-Park. The trail begins in the southeast corner of the parking area. There are about 7 miles of trail. The terrain is mostly wooded and flat along Keechelus Lake on abandoned railroad right-of-way, John Wayne-Iron Horse Trail. This trail is great for beginners, young skiers and family outings. Please use the snowsheds; they protect you from avalanche.
Cabin Creek South:
Directions off of I-90, take Exit 63, located 11 miles east of Snoqulamie Summit. Turn south into the Sno-Park. Trail starts at east end of the lower parking area and goes about 6.5 miles ending at Lake Easton State Park. The terrain east to west, along the first two miles is gentle rolling hills along the Yakima River. The remaining 4.5 miles to the state park is steep up and down through clear-cuts and timber. Level of difficulty: it's easiest during the first two miles to the power lines, good for beginners and young skiers. The last 4.5 miles is more difficult and recommended for intermediate skiers.
Lake Easton State Park:
Directions off of I-90, take Exit 70. Turn south and follow signs to Lake Easton State Park. Turn into park entrance, turn right at the stop sign, and drive one mile to the Sno-Park. Trail starts between parking areas and ends at Cabin Creek South Sno-Park. For length, terrain and difficulty see Cabin Creek South Sno-Park description above.
Cabin Creek North:
Directions off of I-90, take Exit 63, located 10 miles east of Snoqualmie Summit. Turn south into the Sno-Park. Trail begins on the north side of the freeway interchange. It's about 6.3 miles (10K). The terrain provides steep hills and tight turns through clear-cuts and timber. This trail was designed for competitive skiing and is rated difficult to most difficult. It is recommended for upper intermediates and advanced skiers.
Price Creek Eastbound:
7 miles east of Snoqualmie Summit, 1-90 eastbound, groomed trails. 100 spaces.
Other Sno-Park Cross-Country Ski Opportunities Along I-90 that are Ungroomed:
Gold Creek/ Kendall Ridge Road: one mile north of Hyak via I-90, exit 54, north of exit. There is very heavy use on weekends with inner-tubers, skiers, dog-sledders, snowshoers. Light to moderate use mid-week. A Sno-Park pass is required. 200 spaces. Groomed snowmobile route Rocky Run. No grooming to Kendall road or Gold Creek.
Lake Kachess: From I-90 Exit 62, go north approximately 4 miles to Sno-Park. A permit is required. Park only in designated areas where signed. Parking is not permitted on county road until you reach the Sno-Park. There is a groomed snowmobile route out of the Sno-Park. Expect fairly heavy snowmobile use in the area on weekends, light to moderate use throughout the week. Beginner and intermediate level ski opportunities. Utilize groomed route for approximately 3 miles to Kachess Campground, good views up lake.
Amabilis Mountain: Directions off of I-90: take Exit 63, located 10 miles east of Snoqualmie Summit. Turn south into the Sno-Park. Trail begins on the north side of the freeway interchange near the Cabin Creek Nordic Ski Area. Steep ungroomed road corridor, limited snowmobile use. Recommended for advanced skiers.
There are many other backcountry advanced ski opportunities in the area. Inquire at the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Information Center for specifics.
Information provided courtesy of: Forest Service Volunteer, Pico Cantieni, Cle Elum and North Bend Ranger Districts and Lake Easton State Park personnel. Thanks go to Martin Katz, Ellensburg Cross-Country Ski Club for his review and input. We recommend using a District Fire map or other topographic map of the area and become familiar with avalanche conditions prior to your outing.
Additional Links or sources of information:
Mountain Pass Report 1-800-695-ROAD (7623) or 511
Northwest Avalanche Hotline (206) 526-6677.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission at 1-800-233-0321, (TTD only at 1-800-858-9659) for trail grooming conditions and Sno-Park pass information.
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Opportunities
Groomed snowmobile routes are made available under partnership between Washington State Parks and Recreation, Forest Service and a consortium of other partners including contractors and organized clubs. Actual locations of the groomed trails depend on logging activity, snow conditions, movement of big game herds, and other factors. The trails are groomed periodically at the discretion of State Parks and the availability of Sno-Park funds. For information on grooming conditions, call 1-800-233-0321 (or TDD 1-800-833-6388). Website: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
I-90 CORRIDOR- This area encompasses the land from the top of Snoqualmie Pass to the town of Easton, north and south of Interstate 90.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, restrooms and telephones available at Snoqualmie Pass, Easton, Cle Elum and Roslyn.
I-90 Corridor Sno-Parks:
* Gold Creek Sno-Park-Exit 54, 1 mile north of Summit East (Hyak), north of exit, 100 spaces.
* Price Creek Westbound Sno-Park- Located 7 miles East of Snoqualmie Summit, I-90, Exit 61 (unmarked, 1 mile west of Kachess Exit 62).
* Crystal Springs Sno-Park- Located 8 miles East of Snoqulamie Summit, I-90 Exit 62, then about a ½ mile south on forest road #54, 150 spaces.
* Kachess Sno-Park- Located 3.5 miles north of Exit 62, via I-90, on Kachess Lake Road #49.
* Lake Easton State Park- Exit 70 via I-90, once inside Park take a right at stop, about ½ mile to parking area. 15 spaces, limited snowmobile parking in park.
Keechelus Ridge Groomed Routes: Utilize any of these three Sno-Parks, Kachess Sno-Park, Price Creek West Sno-Park, or Gold Creek Sno-Park which are all shared-use parking areas, Sno-Park permit required. Elevations start out around the 2200' ballpark and climb to 5000'. The routes start out in forested tree covered roads, some areas of old growth. Near the top will encounter clear-cut areas, which provide open areas to ride in. Views of the Yakima River drainage, I-90 Corridor, Cascade Range, Snoqualmie Pass, Mount Rainier and Kachess Lake, and Alpine Lakes Wilderness are prominent.
Stampede Pass Area Groomed Routes: (Includes access via: Dandy Pass Loop, Tacoma Pass, Meadow Creek and Lost Lake, Cabin Creek #4100 Road)- the Crystal Springs (shared-use) Sno-Park south side of I-90 at Exit 62, permit required. Elevations start around 2200 and climb to 4400', and 5200' in the Tacoma Pass area. Groomed routes out of the Crystal Sno-Park provide ample trail routes. The adventuresome will find opportunities for breaking your trail to clear-cut slopes that provide plenty of room for playing once snow has covered stumps and new growth. Fun riding can be found under the power lines with plenty of hilly terrain to explore.
Iron Horse Groomed Tie-Trail: Shared use Sno-Park (Exits 70 and 71). An 8-mile section of the Iron Horse Trail from Easton to the #54 road is open to motorized to provide access to the groomed trails in the Stampede Pass are. The Iron Horse Trail is closed to motorized use from Crystal Springs along Keechelus Lake to Snoqualmie Pass. A Sno-Park permit is required.
Easton Tie-Route:Provides access from Easton to the Taneum/Manastash groomed trail system and the Woods and Steele Sno-Park via the powerline corridor roads.
CLE ELUM VALLEY- This area encompasses the land north of Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald and Cle Elum Lake. Highway 903 is plowed from the Starlite Inn and Mini-Mart all the way to Salmon la Sac Sno-Park (approximately 9 miles). The right side of the highway shoulder remains snow covered for grooming and shared-use access. Parking is permitted in designated areas only along the Salmon la Sac road without a permit. Look for signing!
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, restrooms, and telephones would be the Starlite Inn or businesses in Roslyn, Ronald and Cle Elum.
Cle Elum Valley Sno-Parks and Other Plowed Parking:
*Salmon la Sac Sno-Park- Exit 80 via I-90, follow to Roslyn, take a left at the stop sign onto highway 903, go approximately 14 miles to the Salmon la Sac, take a right off of 903, continue about ¼ mile to plowed parking area. 70 spaces. Sno-Park permit required.
*Starlite Inn and Mini-Mart Gas Station- no permit.
*Cle Elum River CG/French Cabin Bridge- no permit.
Bear/Corral Loop, #4305: Use plowed parking available at the Starlite Inn. Pay attention to signing. Elevations 2200' to 3500'. Good views of Cle Elum Lake and Valley, Cascade Range, Teanaway, Stuart Range and Mount Rainer. Basically this route provides a short loop ride, with limited play areas, and access to Coal Mine Cle Elum Ridge trail.
French Cabin Creek, #4308: Park in the plowed parking area near the French Cabin Creek Bridge, permit not required, park only where signing indicates. Route accesses Thorp and French Cabin Creek areas. Vistas provide great views of the Cle Elum Valley and Lake.
Cooper River Road, #4600: Park in the Salmon la Sac Sno-Park, permit required. Or utilize roadside parking north of Cooper Bridge on Hwy. 903, park only where signing indicates, permit not required. Views of the Cle Elum River Valley and Lake, Cooper Lake, Cascade Range, Three Queens and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Kachess Lake, Mount Rainier. Road has groomed route to Stave Creek loop and Cooper Pass, which provides a large area for riding, watch for drifts.
Fish Lake Road #4330 and Fortune Creek: Park in the Salmon la Sac SnoPark, permit required. Main Fish Lake road provides 10 miles of groomed trail from Sno-Park to the Fish Lake Guard Station and also three miles up the Fortune Creek road. Views of scooped out glacial cut valley and Cascade Range. Good route for beginners. The Fortune Creek route is recommended for experienced riders only because of the rough and steep terrain and high avalanche potential. Great views of Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Mt. Stuart, Ingalls Peak, Mount Daniel, Cathedral Rock, Mount Rainier and glimpses of the Leavenworth Ranger District. Please respect Wilderness boundaries; motorized vehicles are not permitted in Wilderness.
Coal Mine Trail/Cle Elum Ridge: The Coal Mine Trail is a community trail between Cle Elum and Roslyn that allows snowmobile access to the groomed trail system along Cle Elum Ridge to groomed trails north of Cle Elum Lake. This begins with gradual elevation gain, then increases as you get up on the ridge. Watch for skiers and snowshoers. Main trailhead parking can be found at between first and second on Stafford Street in Cle Elum.
TEANAWAY - Groomed routes in this area include the beginning of the North Fork Teanaway Road, #9737 and the Blue and Jack Creek routes, #9738 over Teanaway Ridge. Elevations start out at 1950' and climb to 6000'.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, telephones, lodging in Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Mineral Springs Restaurant and the Liberty Café located along Highway 97 are the closest restaurant options.
Teanaway Plowed Parking Areas:
*Teanaway (29 Pines Campground) plowed parking area- End of plowed Teanaway county road, about 19 miles north of Cle Elum. Permit not required.
*Mineral Springs Restaurant- on Highway 97, about 16 miles northeast of Cle Elum. Permit not required.
North Fork Teanaway, #9737: The first 3 miles of the Teanaway groomed route to Beverly Campground provides fairly easy riding for the beginner level rider. Past that point is recommended for experienced riders only. Please respect the Wilderness boundary; motorized vehicles are not permitted in Wilderness.
Blue and Jack Creek, #9738: This tie route over Teanaway Ridge to Mineral Springs provides very limited play area, it's mostly a tie route. There is a fun little groomed spur to Red Top, road #9702, boasting panoramic views of Stuart Range, Cascades, Kittitas Valley, Swauk, Diamond Head and Table Mountain.
SWAUK /TABLE MOUNTAIN - This area features tie routes off of Highway 97 east to Table Mountain. There are several places to park just off Highway 97 and several ways to get to the winter riding wonderland on Table Mountain, including Naneum Meadows and Haney Meadows and Lion Rock. Elevations start out in the 2800' to 4000' (depending on where you start) to 6359' at Lion Rock. The Sno-Park at the top of Blewett Pass just off of Highway 97 provides easy access via groomed routes to these riding areas, via road #9716 and #3500. The Reecer Sno-Park also offers access to these areas. They can also be accessed from parking areas at Mineral Springs and Liberty. Note- parking is very limited in the Liberty area. The Durst Creek Route, # 9705 out of Mineral Springs, connects with the other tie routes out of the town of Liberty in the Swauk. Those include Williams Creek, Cougar Gulch, and Snowshoe Ridge.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, telephones, lodging in Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Mineral Springs Restaurant and the Liberty Café located along Highway 97 are the closest restaurant options.
Blewett Pass Area Ski Trail Map and Information
Swauk Corridor/Table Mountain Sno-Park and Other Plowed Parking Areas:
*Durst Creek/Mineral Spring Plowed Parking: Off Highway 97, about 20 miles northeast of Cle Elum, permit not required.
Lion Gulch, #9712 near the Town of Liberty- just off Highway 97, about 13 miles northeast of Cle Elum, take a right, 1 miles to the town. Permit not required. Limited parking available, only 4-5 spots.
*Blewett (Swauk) Pass Sno-Park- 25 miles south of Leavenworth or about 26 miles north of Ellensburg on Highway 97, at the top of the pass, parking on the south side of the highway. 30 spaces, Sno-Park permit required. This popular jump off point fills quickly on weekends!
Reecer Creek Sno-Park- 13 miles north of Ellensburg, via County Reecer Creek Road, and forest road #3500. 50 spaces, Sno-Park permit required.
TANEUM -MANASTASH- Groomed routes in this area cover the area south of Cle Elum and west of Ellensburg and north of Manastash Ridge along South Cle Elum Ridge, Peoh and Osborn Points, Taneum Ridge, Manastash Ridge and Quartz Mountain. There are three Sno-Parks and two other plowed parking areas that service this area. Lower elevations in this area receive less snow, and generally melt out sooner in the spring. Watch for stumps and rocks. There are plenty of smaller play areas for novice riders right on up to expert riders. There are also tie routes over Manastash Ridge to the Naches Ranger District.
Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, telephones, lodging are located in Cle Elum (located due north of this area, but about 15 miles of road travel away) and Ellensburg, 15 miles east.
Taneum/Manastash Sno-Parks and Other Plowed Parking Areas:
Woods and Steele: Off I-90, Golf Course Road Exit 78, take a left on East Nelson Siding Road a follow for approximately X miles. Take a right onto Woods and Steele road, about 1.5 miles to staging area. 20 spaces.
*Elk Heights Sno-Park- Off I-90 Exit 93, south side of highway. Take a right and follow road to the right, go about 1 mile to the Sno-Park. Permit required.
*Taneum Sno-Park- Off I-90 Exit 93. Take a left and go north about 1/10th of a mile. At the stop sign take a right onto the Thorp Prairie road (which will be on the north side of I-90). Follow the Thorp Praire for a short distance, about 3 miles. Take a right at which point it crosses back over the interstate, then right on the Taneum Creek road #3300, 5 miles to Sno-Park. 25 spaces, permit required. If your coming from the east, it is possible to get off at the Thorp Exit 101 and reach this Sno-Park by either going through Thorp (north) or taking the Cemetary Road (south) to reach this location.
*South Fork Manastash Plowed Parking- Off I-90, Thorp Exit 101, take a right and follow Thorp Highway south about 2 miles, take a right onto Cove Rd. and continue for about 4 miles. Turn right on Manastash and follow 7 miles to parking area. 25 spaces, permit not required. If you are coming from Ellensburg or points east it is possible to reach this parking area via the Hanson or Dammon and Manastash roads out of Ellensburg.
Taneum/Manastash Groomed Routes: This area contains a network of inter-connecting trails, providing access to destinations such as Quartz Mountian, Buck Meadows, Tamarack Springs, South Cle Elum Ridge, Osborn Point, and Peoh Point, Easton.
The Barber Springs Groomed Route: provides access to the Naches Ranger District, including Whistlin' Jacks Lodge and the Greenwater system.
Easton Tie-Route:Provides access from the Woods and Steele parking area to the town of Easton via the powerline corridor roads.
Kittitas County Grooming Council Is a committee made up of one representative each from every snowmobile club that uses the area. The committee works in partnership with Forest Service and Washington State Parks and Recreation winter recreation managers, and provides feedback about the program to those managers. They meet monthly during the winter months, and sometimes pre-season to coordinate details for the snow-grooming program. They also prioritize and make decisions about the frequency of grooming that occurs on local routes and sometimes work on special projects to procure funding for specific program needs and cooperative efforts, and clean-up days.
Voluntary Non-Motorized Areas
The Cle Elum Ranger District, and winter recreation representatives (both engine-driven and those who prefer to get around under their own power) are trying something new! They've come to an agreement to sign eight winter recreation areas as "voluntary non-motorized", which is a nice way to ask snowmobilers to avoid riding in those places to promote cooperation between the user groups.
This effort provides a great opportunity for the two groups to work together to improve the quality of experience for non-motorized users. The hope is that this cooperative arrangement may also decrease or stop some of the typical conflicts so often heard about between recreation groups in other parts of the country.
The concept came about from a series of discussions that the Forest Service hosted between motorized and non-motorized winter recreationists during 1998 and 1999. Participants included snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, dog-sledders, landowners, and others. The purpose of these discussions was not to develop a "formal plan", as such, but rather to identify areas of consensus among users in order to (hopefully) avoid the conflicts. The result is an agreement to identify certain key areas as "Voluntary Non-motorized Areas" with signs asking snowmobilers to avoid riding in these areas.
Eight areas across the District were identified as important to non-motorized users because of location, access, and terrain. Snowmobiling representatives in the group pointed out that these areas are little used and not as important to them. Snowmobilers will be asked to avoid riding in these areas in the interest of promoting cooperation. The discussion group believes making it voluntary would be better received than hard and fast regulations imposed on everyone. The Kittitas County Snowmobile Grooming Council has endorsed this plan.
The intention is to try this for a season and see how it works. The Forest Service will evaluate its success one season at a time, and see if any changes need to be made. It's hoped that snowmobilers will avoid these areas so skiers and snowshoers can enjoy the quiet, and in the end everyone will be satisfied with this arrangement.
Areas to be identified as "Voluntary Non-Motorized" include:
- The "Trollhaugen" area between the John Wayne Trail and Interstate-90, south of highway exits 62 and 63.
- Howsen Creek/Salmon la Sac Creek- Cle Elum Valley
- East Red Mountain- Cle Elum Valley
- Wenatchee Ridge Road- Hwy 97- Blewett Pass
- Jungle Creek- Teanaway
- Beverly/Bean Creek- Teanaway
- Iron Creek/Bear Creek- Swauk/Teanaway (not the one in Cle Elum Valley)
- Wilson Rim Ski Trails
These areas will be identified with signs on the ground, and maps will be posted on SnoPark bulletin boards and available at the Cle Elum Ranger Station. Skiers, dogsledders, snowshoers, and walkers are all welcome to enjoy these areas. If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact Todd Stiles, Winter Recreation Coordinator, Cle Elum Ranger District, 803 W. Second Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922, 509-852-1077.
Additional Links or sources of information:
Northwest Avalanche Hotline (206) 526-6677.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission at 1-800-233-0321, (TTD only at 1-800-858-9659) for trail grooming conditions and Sno-Park pass information.
