Cross-country Ski - North Fork Tieton (winter)

6:30 AM, Fred Meyer parking lot, Tumwater

This is about a 7 to 10 mile out and back tour on a usually groomed trail.  At the 3 mile mark, there is an option for about a ½ mile exploration on ungroomed terrain to a lunch spot by the Tieton River.  Most of the side detour is open level meadow, but the last 50 yds. introduces folks to skiing in brush and timber.  It is still flat, but broken with some obstructions- interesting, but not terribly difficult.  Elevation gain is about 200’.  Snow conditions will influence whether we take this option or not.

Skis of choice would be touring nordic classic no-wax.  Metal edges are not needed.  Track skis will be harder work if the grooming is not current and will be more of a challenge in the ungroomed portion.  Wider back country skis are not necessary and will not fit in the tracks, if present.

Priority for the trip is given to current and last year Olympia Nordic Winter Travel Course students.

There is an option to stop at the White Pass Nordic Center to rent equipment for the trip.

A sno-park permit is required for vehicles traveling to the trailhead.  The groomed endorsement for the permit is NOT required. Forest Road 1200 is sometimes very icy, so good winterized vehicles are recommended.