Cross-country Ski - Stampede Pass

We will explore the trail to Stampede Pass from the Crystal Springs Snopark, exit 62 off I-90. The route is mainly uphill after we cross the Iron Horse/John Wayne trail and we will descend by the same route. The elevation gain is approximately 1,300 ft.

Very little of our trail will be groomed for Nordic skiing and if present at all tracks will be cut on the first part of our route. The trail is normally groomed for snowmobiles but may not have been done so since the weekend before. The number of snowmobiles we encounter is likely to be small as this is a midweek trip. We will probably have lunch at Lizard Lake, just beyond Stampede Pass. 

Please note: This is a demanding, 10 mile N3 level round trip, so you will need to have good herringbone climbing skills and wedge including wedge turns for the way down. Also, the descent can be quite tricky if the trial is icy and rutty, especially for those using classic track skis without metal edges and normal Nordic track ski boots. The conditions we will find on the day are often difficult to predict in advance. When found difficult on past trips, some have opted to take off their skis and walked part of the way on the steeper sections. That's fine but it can be tiring. Nordic Classic no-wax skis or backcountry skis recommended. Please consult the leader if you wish to use other types of ski.

If you  are uncertain of your ability and stamina to manage this type of trip please consult the leader.

You may carpool from our meeting place at Preston P&R, meeting at 8:45 am or meet us at the Crystal Springs or Cabin Creek Snopark (to be determined) an hour later.

All vehicles taken to the trailhead will require WA Snopark Passes. Passes need to be purchased in advance: contact the leader for more information. Taking everyone who signs up will be dependent on enough drivers with suitable vehicles for winter snow conditions volunteering. Full directions to both locations and other trip information will be provided several days prior to our trip. 

8:45 AM at Preston P&R, I-90, exit 22