Winter Recreation
On this page:
Avalanche Info
SnoParks
Cross Country Skiing
Snowmobiling
Downhill Skiing
Winter Suggestions
Specific Ranger District Information:
Naches Winter Recreation Information
Cle Elum Winter Recreation Info
Lake Wenatchee and Entiat Valley Map and Safety Guide
[PDF, 3 pages]
Snowshoe Walks at Snoqualmie Pass start January 3
The forest offers a wide variety of winter sports opportunities. Following are some winter sports tips and information to make a trip to the woods more enjoyable and safer. Additional information, detailed maps, or assistance in planning your trip may be obtained from any Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest Ranger Station.
Avalanche Conditions
No matter where one might decide to enjoy an outdoor winter fun activity, always, always check to see what the avalanche conditions are before heading into the woods. Current snow avalanche information is available from the Northwest Avalanche Center by calling (206) 526-6677 or from their web site at nwac.noaa.gov Click here for the latest Pacific Northwest Weather and Avalanche information.
Always remember to notify someone of your trip, your planned route of travel, and your estimated time of return.
Sno-Park Permits
Sno-Park permits allow recreationists to park at special winter recreation facilities, adjacent to winter sports areas, maintained through State funding. These permits, which are either daily or season passes, may be purchased at all Wenatchee Forest offices and local ski shops and stores. The funds generated through permit sales pay for snow removal, grooming, signs, sanitary facilities, parking lot construction, and other benefits for winter recreationists. So as not to catch those parties interested in purchasing a Sno-Park pass for the season or day use off guard, the Forest Service and other vendors are required to add $1.00 to the initial cost of the pass. An $8.00 day pass therefore will cost $9.00 and a $20.00 seasonal pass will be $21.00. The seasonal grooming sticker will also increase by $1.00 making it $21.00. The grooming sticker is for non-motorized use and is used in conjunction with the Sno-Park pass. The following areas require both passes: Cabin Creek, Chiwawa Loop, Crystal Springs, Kahler Glenn, Lake Easton, Lake Keechelus/Hyak, Lake Wenatchee State Park, and Mount Spokane.For more information about the new seasonal grooming sticker, please check out the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission winter recreation website or call them at 360-902-8500.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
The Wenatchee National Forest has over 100 miles of maintained, signed ski trails. The mapped ski routes consist of a combination of logging roads and trails designated by blue diamond signing. Trail signs indicating level of difficulty are for normal conditions. Remember that changes in snow and weather will affect the difficulty rating of trails. For current information about individual cross-country ski trails or locations to snowshoe, please check Ranger District links above or the recreation report or call any Wenatchee National Forest Ranger District office.
Snowshoe Walks at Snoqualmie Pass start January 3
Methow Valley
With nearly 200 kilometers of machine-groomed trails surrounded by more than a million acres of national wilderness and forest lands, the Methow Valley comprises one of the largest nordic centers in North America. Novice or expert, you'll find skiing here to match your interests and abilities.
Echo Ridge Nordic Area
The Echo Ridge Nordic Area has 20 miles of groomed ski trails and is located on the Chelan Ranger District (about a 30-minute drive from the town of Chelan). Echo Ridge accommodates skiers with 20 miles of groomed classic and 10 miles of groomed skate ski trails, and the Ridge offers 2.4 miles of snowshoe trails and even allows dogs on some trails out of the Zoom Trailhead. Skiers 18 and over pay a fee of $10 per day and skiers 17 and under ski free. Season passes are available for $70 at the Chelan Ranger District.
Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club [Echo Ridge]
Cle Elum District Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Info
Naches District Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Info
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Snoqualmie Pass Snowshoe Walks
Ranger led interperetive snowshoe walks on Snoqualmie Pass offer a chance to experience winter's beauty while learning about snowshoeing and winter ecology. The walk meanders through old growth forest with occasional views of the surrounding Cascades. We set a moderate pace with periodic stops to discuss winter ecology and basic snowshoeing techniques.
For more information, call the Visitor Information Center at (425) 434-6111. The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Snowmobiling
Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails plus un-groomed forest roads are available each winter for snowmobiling opportunities. Please remember that snowmobiles are NOT permitted on roads still used by conventional vehicles or plowed for logging. Wilderness areas, specific trails, and downhill ski areas are closed to snowmobile use.
Actual locations of groomed trails will depend on winter logging activity, snow conditions, movement of big game herds, and other factors. Trail grooming schedules depend on a variety of factors including weather and level of trail use. In the Lake Wenatchee and Entiat Valley areas, call the snowgrooming hotline for the latest info: 509-763-3103 ext. 5. Winter recreationists using other roads and trails must be aware of any hazards, posted private property, or other impediments to safe passage. Call the local Ranger Station for more information or check out the current snowmobile conditions in the recreation report.
Snowmobile safety and survival tips
Snowmobile Maps:
Lake Wenatchee/Entiat Valley Area
Downhill Skiing
There are five ski areas located on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
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Mission Ridge Ski Area—approximately 12 miles southwest of Wenatchee, has four chairlifts and two rope tows. Phone (509) 663-6543; snow line 800-374-1693.
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Stevens Pass Ski Area—78 miles northeast of Seattle and 35 miles east of Leavenworth, has 15 lifts (six doubles, four triples, one quad, and four rope tows). Phone (360) 973-2441.
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Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas—30 lifts located on four separate ski areas, approximately 52-54 miles east of Seattle. Phone (206) 236-7277; snow line (206) 236-1600.
- White Pass Ski Area—located 50 miles west of Yakima and about 16 miles east of Packwood, has five lifts (one quad, three doubles, and one rope tow). Phone (509) 453-8731; snow line (509) 672-3100.
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Loup Loup Ski Area—located at the summit of Loup Loup Pass on Highway 20; 12 miles east of Twisp, 18 miles west of Okanogan. The hill is serviced by a year-old Poma Quad chair lift, and a Poma surface lift and beginner rope tow. The Loup Loup also provides 25k of groomed cross-country trails from beginner to expert to telemark, with another 50k only 5 minutes away. We also have a tubing area and tube rentals for your enjoyment.
Visit other web sites at skiwashington.com
Winter Fun General Recreation Suggestions
When recreating in the Wenatchee National Forest it is a good idea to always carry some type of emergency safety equipment. The ten essentials that are suggested are:
- 1. Extra Food
- 2. Extra Clothing
- 3. Map
- 4. Compass
- 5. Knife
- 6. Matches
- 7. Fire starter
- 8. First aid kit
- 9. Sun glasses
- 10. Flashlight
Winter Recreation Code of Ethics
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1. I will respect the rights of all winter recreationists to enjoy the beauty of the winter wonderland. I will respect public and private property.
2. I will park considerately, taking no more space than needed, without blocking other vehicles and without impeding access to trails.
3. I will keep to the right when meeting another winter recreationist. I will yield the right-of-way to traffic moving downhill.
4. I will slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking another.
5. I will respect designated areas, trail use signs, and established ski tracks.
6. When stopping I will not block the trail.
7. I will not disturb the wildlife. I will avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of wildlife.
8. I will pack out everything that I packed in and will not litter.
9. I realize that my destination objective and trail speed should be determined by my equipment, ability, the terrain, weather, and the traffic on the trail. in case of emergency, I will volunteer assistance.
10. I will not interfere with or harass others. I recognize that people judge all skiers and snowmobilers by my actions.
