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Cross-country Ski - Crystal Springs Dog Sled Trails

Trip

Cross-country Ski - Crystal Springs Dog Sled Trails

Change of route from White Road due to lack of interest. Groomed Erling Stordahl and Dog Sled trails from Crystal Springs Sno-park. Easy pace suitable for beginners and ski students, possibly with some stops for instruction. Intended for current basic ski students but open to registration by all with at least beginner skills, willing to travel at beginner pace.

Contacts

Mike Forsyth
Mike Forsyth
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • G-XC 1 Beginner Groomed, Easy/Moderate
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 120 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,500 ft
  • Pace: 2 mph moving.

We'll meet at the North Bend Safeway Mt. Si Blvd. shopping plaza parking lot at 8:30 a.m. by the tall sign that says "Safeway - O'Reilly Auto Parts". Please take care of rest room needs and last minute shopping at Safeway before meeting time. Participants can carpool from there to the Crystal Springs Sno-Park.  Sno-park permit with special groomed sticker required to park  at Crystal Springs.  Day pass is $25.  Purchase at Chevron station at corner of Mt. Si Blvd and Bendigo Blvd, or on line at https://epermits.parks.wa.gov/Store/SNO/SnoChoice.aspx

More info will be sent to registered participants evening before trip.

For info on good practices and how to contact other participants for carpooling, please see this Mountaineers article on "Carpooling and Mountaineers Activities/Courses":  https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/how-to-opt-in-for-carpooling

All vehicles intending to travel mountain highway passes in snow season should carry tire chains, cables or auto socks, and be prepared to use them.  See WSDOT  requirements: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/tiresandchains.  

The trails around Crystal Springs currently have sufficient base and some new snow, and are scheduled to be groomed Friday PM (Dog Sled) and Saturday and Sunday AM.  Plan A is a loop from the Sno-park on 54 Road, 420 Road, Iron Mountain Cut-off or Three Dog Cut-off, Palouse to Cascades Trail and the Erling Stordahl trails.  Some of the trails may be shared with snowmobiles or dog sleds.  Route will be determined by conditions, time and group's wishes and ability.

We will stop every 45 minutes or more often as needed for hydration and snack breaks, clothing and equipment adjustment, bathroom breaks, and at junctions and intersections as needed to maintain group cohesion.  Pack snacks, a lunch, a foam sitting pad and maybe a thermos for a trailside lunch.  We plan to finish up between 2 and 3pm.

Please contact the leader or assistant leader with any questions, especially about gear, clothing, or whether this trip is right for your level of ability and conditioning.

Route/Place

Crystal Springs Dog Sled Trails

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Cross-country skis. Touring skis are okay.  Wider skis, 70 to 75 mm are better.  Even wider is okay.
  • Poles with powder baskets
  • Boots and gaiters.
Trip Reports