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Trip

Backpack - Naches Trail

This trip starts at the Greenwater Sno-Park and follows the Naches Trail, which saw a couple of wagon trains in the 1850’s. We’ll follow it eastward, up onto a ridge and continue for 3.5-3.8 miles to a camp. We’ll spend the second day on an excursion further east, to the Mike Urich cabin and Government Meadow below Naches Pass before returning to camp. We’ll return the third day.

Contacts

Mike Kretzler
Mike Kretzler
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Fri, Mar 8, 2024 — Sun, Mar 10, 2024
  • Olympia Snowshoe Committee
  • Snowshoeing, Backpacking
  • Adults
  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 5,000 ft
  • Pace: 1 mph

The Sno-Park is near Greenwater on SR 410. To get there, turn left onto FS 70 just south of the town’s fire station. Follow FS 70 for 9.3 miles to a right turn onto FS 7033 and a short way to the Sno-Park. A Sno-Park pass is required for all vehicles.

Besides being a three-day trip, this is a strenuous snowshoe, with 2100’ gain over 3.5 miles to camp and a few hundred the next day. In addition, we’ll occasionally have contact with snowmobile routes, especially around Government Meadow. Our route does not follow snowmobile routes, only crosses them from time to time. Everything should be quiet by the time we camp. Bring a tent as a snow cave is likely impractical here. A map of the area and the route is available here: https://caltopo.com/p/9CBS3

When requesting permission to register, please tell me about your snowshoe and winter camping experience and gear (shelter, sleep system, cooking system, and clothing) you’ll bring in order to stay safe.

We’ll carry out all of our waste, so bring a system for that (blue bag, WAG bag, or homemade). Also, bring a shovel for preparing your tent site and building a communal kitchen.

This is an interesting snowshoe, with marvelous views along the ridgetop and extensive meadows. The route-finding is fairly simple. Because we’re in woods and on top of the ridge, there is no exposure to avalanche terrain.

Route/Place

Naches Trail

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Snowshoes and poles
  • Tent - Four or solid three-season design
  • Shovel
  • Stove with a pot large enough to melt snow
  • Fuel - *at least* double what you'd bring in summer, to melt snow
  • Sleeping bag - winter weight
  • Sleeping pad - inflatable and insulated
  • Stuff sack and cord for hanging food
  • Toilet paper and means to carry out your solid waste
  • Lots of warm clothes
Trip Reports