Trip Report
Cross-country Ski - John Wayne Pioneer Trail (winter
A shake-out, season-opener, out-and-back nordic ski trip on flat, groomed terrain.
Danielle Graham
- Sat, Dec 23, 2017
- Cross-country Ski - John Wayne Pioneer Trail (winter)
- Palouse to Cascades Trail
- Cross-country Skiing
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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The conditions were fantastic for skiing. It was cold at the start, around 20F, but warmed up throughout the morning. There are a few, very tiny spots along the John Wayne Trail that are low on snow, but no need for "rock" skis at all. Entry to the parking lot was very icy and cars were lined up as we were leaving around 12:45. Best to go early in the day on the weekend to avoid the crush of people wanting to use this Sno-Park. We arrived around 9:15, and there were no lines. The groomer had made one pass earlier and returned from Crystal Springs as we were on our way out.
We had 12 skiers ranging from a first-timer to a nordic ski instructor to a participant who was returning to skiing after a 10-year break. Having two leaders allowed us to break up into two groups. An out-and-back style, with a firm turn-around time, allowed the skiers to move at their own pace. The fastest group covered 10.5 miles in just under 3 hours. Photos by Chris Ensor.