Home to one of Washington’s most popular downhill ski centers, Stevens Pass is synonymous with winter recreation where scads of shredders and schussers descend upon its frosty slopes.
Cross-country skiers also take to Stevens, skating and kicking on a series of groomed trails at the Stevens Pass Nordic Center tucked in a valley just five miles east of the ski resort.
But what about winter recreationists who prefer to track a snowy slope via snowshoes? Does the apex of US 2 offer these enthusiasts room to roam? Absolutely! And, snowshoers who take to the ridges and valleys surrounding Stevens Pass will find a much less crowded backyard playground than Snoqualmie Pass.
So what are you waiting for? Grab the Gore-Tex, wool tuque, lip balm, hot chocolate and of course those snowshoes — and let’s track some terrain! Here are three routes that are sure to please.
Skyline Lake
Roundtrip: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,050 feet
Avalanche concerns: Stay away from east slopes
Green Trails Maps: Stevens Pass, No. 176, Benchmark MT- No. 144
Tucked on a ridge high above the hustle and bustle of Stevens Pass, little Skyline Lake offers a quiet retreat from the nearby ski area. A little tarn and not much of a lake, it won’t matter much because Skyline will be buried deep in snow among equally shrouded berry patches.
Reached by following a steep jeep track from behind an electric substation and some residences, the way wastes no time gaining elevation. En route take in excellent views across the highway to Steven’s ski slopes and west to Windy Mountain’s string of avalanche slopes.
At about one mile, just beyond an interesting weather station tower, veer left to the lake. The way right leads to a cell tower; a good side trip for its excellent views east to Nason Ridge and frosty peaks beyond.
Surprise Lake
Roundtrip: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Avalanche concerns: slight above creek crossing
Green Trails Map: Stevens Pass, No. 176
A gorgeous alpine lake flanked by towering evergreens and slopes of shiny granite ledges, Surprise Lake makes for an adventurous all day trek for experienced snowshoers.
From the parking lot, walk a short distance down a road; and then a short distance up a power line service road before locating the way taking off left into a magnificent forest of ancient cedars and giant hemlocks. Soon enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a designation guaranteeing that those giant arboreal elders won’t be cut and no snowmobiles will go buzzing by disturbing their tranquility.
After crossing the creek at about 1.5 miles, skirt beneath some avalanche slopes. Be sure to check conditions (see “Getting you on your way”) before continuing. At about 3.5 miles the way turns steep climbing out of the valley to reach Surprise Lake perched in a 4,500-foot basin between Spark Plug and Thunder Mountains. An electrifying site indeed even if it is all covered in deep heavy snow!
Lanham Lake
Roundtrip: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,140 feet
Avalanche concern: slight
Green Trails Map: Benchmark MT, No. 144
With its easy access, spectacular scenery and fairly safe route, Lanham is a popular snowshoe destination and a great place to bring along strong young adventurers. The small lake sits under a big mountain and is reached by a short but steep route alongside a pretty creek.
Starting from the base of the Nordic Center, enter thick forest and commence climbing aside Lanham Creek. Pop out from under the cool canopy crossing beneath buzzing high tension wires. Then enter second-growth forest, climbing steadily. Re-enter impressive old growth and get a little reprieve from steep climbing. Continuing up a narrow valley veer well away from avalanche slopes to the east and emerge at little Lanham Lake near its outlet.
Stare up at impressive 6,765-foot Jim Hill Mountain named for James J. Hill, “the empire builder.” It was Hill’s Great Northern Railroad which helped open up the Pacific Northwest to settlement and ultimately recreation, too!
Heather Romano and Michael Fagin admire an old growth giant on the Lanham Lake Trail.
Getting you on your way
Trailhead Directions
Skyline Lake: From Everett, head east on US 2 for 65 miles to Stevens Pass. Park on the north side of the pass.
Surprise Lake: From Everett head east on US 2 for 60 miles turning right (just beyond the Iron Goat Interpretive Center) into the old railroad community of Scenic. Cross railroad tracks and turn right to parking area.
Lanham Lake: From Everett head east on US 2 to Stevens Pass. Continue east for another 5.8 miles turning right into the Stevens Pass Nordic Center on Upper Mill Creek Road. Trail begins from lower parking area.
Stevens Pass Nordic Center: 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sun.; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon.– Wed. (206) 812-4510.
Contacts:
Skyline and Surprise Lakes; Skykomish Ranger District: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest (360) 677-2414; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.
Lanham Lake: Wenatchee River Ranger District (Leavenworth): Wenatchee National Forest; (509) 548-6977; http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/ .
Sources: Snowshoe Routes: Washington: Nelson (Mountaineers Books)
Day Hiking Central Cascades: Romano (Mountaineers Books)
And always consult the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (www.nwac.noaa.gov) before heading out to determine conditions.
Craig Romano is Trails Editor of Outdoors Northwest and is the author of a half dozen Northwest hiking guidebooks including his latest "Winter Hikes of Western Washington card deck" (Mountaineers Books). Visit him at http://CraigRomano.com. |
