Nordic Northwest More Areas Offer Cross-Country Skiing

Washington’s winter arrived late this year, but the snowpack is building and promises to reward the patient cross-country skier with miles of powder trails.

For those interested in doing some skinny-ski touring, the number of locations continues to grow. Whether you prefer a groomed, slot-car-type track, skiing along a logging road or trail-breaking through knee-deep powder in a back country meadow there are plenty of choices available, especially in the mountains of Washington and Oregon.

The Stevens Pass Nordic Center, located on U.S. 2, offers more than 26 kilometers of groomed trails.

The 14 routes are rated from easy through most difficult and offer a variety of skiing opportunities. They vary in length from .25 to 3.5 kilometers.

Another spot for groomed trails is the Leavenworth/Lake Wenatchee area east of Stevens Pass. Leavenworth, with its Bavarian-style theme, has trails within minutes of downtown including a 2.5-mile scenic route along the Tumwater Campground trail.

Lake Wenatchee State Park has several loops within the park boundary (these are one-way, so follow the blue directional arrows to avoid traffic jams and possible collisions with other skiers).

A popular trail is the Nason Creek Loop, which winds four kilometers through the park and adjacent Forest Service land and connects with other groomed trails at Kahler Glen golf course south of the park.

Other trails in the area are maintained by the Forest Service. Along the Chiwawa Loop Road are many trails and roads available for touring. (Be aware, however, that many of these trails are groomed for snowmobiles and receive heavy use by them on weekends.) Check with the Forest Service for a complete list of roads used by snowmobiles.

Another choice for the groomed trail crowd is the Snoqualmie Pass ski area on Interstate 90.

The cross-country center offers 55 kilometers of trails with a chairlift service to take skiers into the upper trail system that includes the popular Mount Catherine Loop, a classic 12.5-kilometer trail. A new trail system links several trail loops to provide more variety for skiers.

For skiers who prefer to make their own trails, there are ample opportunities to explore the hundreds of miles of logging roads and backcountry areas in the Cascades.

The Mountain Loop Highway beginning at Granite Falls, in Snohomish County east of Everett, is plowed 23 miles beyond the town and affords excellent ski touring on Forest Service roads.

Popular routes include Beaver Creek Loop, a 6.6-mile route through gently rolling terrain; and the Mount Pilchuck ski route that follows the road up to the former downhill ski area. After skiing up to the slopes of Mount Pilchuck, consider returning down the lower ski run and taking the old spur road to the bottom.

Get a detailed map of the area from the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest before attempting this route.

For the truly adventurous skier there’s a route into the historic mining town of Monte Cristo. Drive from Granite Falls to Deer Creek at the end of the snow plowing. Continue on skis following the Mountain loop Highway to Barlow Pass and on into the ghost town. It’s a 24-mile round trip and recommended for more advanced skiers who want a longer and more strenuous experience.

Another area noted for its abundance of snow and miles of non-groomed skiing is Mount Baker. The Mount Baker Scenic Byway is located on the North Fork of the Nooksack River, east of Bellingham along Highway 542.

This region has numerous Forest Service logging roads open to skiers. The Heather Meadows area is located at the end of the plowed highway and provides access to backcountry skiing ranging from gentle to difficult in a magnificent setting of meadows, conifer forests and quiet beauty.

Farther afield (350 miles, give or take) is a truly classic ski area. Central Oregon’s Mount Bachelor Ski Area offers dry powder - often 300 or more inches during the season - and a chance to relax amid thousands of acres of ponderosa pine forests. The nordic center offers 12 trails ranging from a .2 kilometer warm-up trail on through a 12 kilometer expert course.

MEMO: These 2 sidebars appeared with the story: 1. IF YOU GO Information U.S. Forest Service Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, (206) 220-7450; supervisor’s office, (206) 775-9702. Lake Wenatchee Ranger Station, (509) 763-3103. Road reports, ski conditions Washington road/pass report, (206) 976-PASS (winter only). Northwest Avalanche Hotline, (206) 526-6677. Nordic Ski Report, (206) 632-2021.

Nordic ski centers Stevens Pass Nordic Center, (360) 973-2441. Leavenworth/Lake Wenatchee area: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, (509) 548-5807; Lake Wenatchee Ranger District, (509) 763-3103. Snoqualmie Pass: the two areas are called Ski Acres and Hyak. Call the Nordic Center, (206) 434-7669, or business office, (206) 232-8182. Mountain Loop Highway/ Monte Cristo area, call the Darrington Ranger District, (360) 436-1155. Check with the Mount Baker Ranger District, (360) 856-5700, for Mount Baker Scenic Byway. Mount Bachelor: cross-country information, (800) 829-2442; lodging information, Central Oregon Recreation Association, (800) 800-8334; ski/snow report, (503) 382-7888.

2. CROSS-COUNTRY TIPS Some advice before you hit the trail.

Ten essentials Bring along the ten essentials for outdoor travel. These are: extra clothing, extra food and water, sunglasses, knife, first-aid kit, fire starter, matches, flashlight, an up-to-date map and a reliable compass. If you remember to bring these items, you increase your chances of surviving almost any emergency.

Clothing In the wilderness, warmth is crucial. Wool or polypropylene fabric is considered the best; cotton, the worst, because it won’t retain heat if it gets wet. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather conditions. Always bring waterproof outwear to avoid the real possibility of hypothermia.

Avalanches Always ask the Forest Service about any hazardous areas or conditions in the vicinity of your trip. Avalanche danger is greatest during warming trends or after a heavy snowfall. Avalanche forecasting is not an exact science. You must exercise good judgment when evaluating the potential danger. If in doubt, stay home or select an alternate route.

Parking permits Most cross-country areas require a Sno-Park permit for parking your vehicle. These are issued by Northwest states and provide funds to construct and maintain plowed parking areas in most ski areas of the state. The Washington permits cost $20 for a season, or $10 for three days, or $7 per day, and are available at most places that deal in outdoor gear. You must display the permit on the dash of your vehicle or face a stiff penalty and the distinct possibility of having your vehicle impounded - not exactly the perfect end to a great day of skiing.

Snowmobile alert A word of warning for skiers seeking the mystical experience of complete isolation on the trail: The route you select may also be used by snowmobiles. Check with either the U.S. Forest Service or private operators to determine if your planned route will be shared by the mechanical beasts.