Snow Peak Cabin

Backcountry skiing

Even though snow cover has been marginal, the Forest Service backcountry cabin on the Kettle Crest near Snow Peak has been booked with skiers every weekend.

Beginning Jan. 2, skiers can begin making reservations for 1998. The fee for the cabin, which sleeps six people, is $15 a night. Use of the cabin requires a ski trek of 11 miles round-trip. Make reservations by calling the Republic Ranger District, (509) 775-3305.

Republic-area skiers have set up a temporary shelter on the south side of Sherman Peak with room for eight. This shelter is roughly halfway between the Sherman Pass trailhead and the Snow Peak Cabin. The temporary shelter is available on a first-come basis.

, DataTimes