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Snow Sports Guide

When the snowcaps start to show, there is no better time to experience the mountains of Stevens Pass or Darrington.

STEVENS PASS

Stevens Pass has many points of entry for exploration, whether it's for snowshoeing, alpine skiing, nordic skiing or even backcountry ski touring. This incredible area, on the crest of the Cascades, is just under an hour drive from the lower Snohomish River Valley town of Monroe, to the west, making this an excellent day-trip adventure. 

Snowshoeing
For those looking to learn more about the area and its ecology, consider a guided snowshoe tour with rangers from the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Tour last up to 90-minutes and with a suggested donation of $25 for adults, $15 for youth 16 and under. There is a shorter tour for kids age 6-12.

For more details check the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Guard Station site, or call the Skykomish Ranger District at 360-677-2414.

The Stevens Pass Nordic Center also offers 10km of dedicated snowshoe trails with rentals available.

Alpine and Nordic Skiing
With exceptional snowfall (averaging 450"/season) and incredible terrain, Stevens Pass is well worth the trip to Seattle NorthCountry in winter months. With 1,125 acres of well groomed trails, forested glads and steep cliff bands, much like the snow, Stevens Pass terrain doesn't disappoint.

A few miles further east is the Stevens Pass Nordic Center. With 30km of groomed trails, for both classic and skate skiing, there's no better way to appreciate the beauty of the Central Cascades than from Mill Valley.

DARRINGTON

Just northwest of Darrington is the Finny Creek-Segelson Creek Sno-Park on Mt. Higgins. This 63 mile groomed winter recreation trail is designated for snowmobiling and takes you to beautiful Cumberland Pass to the west and Finney Creek to the east. To use this winter recreational trail a Sno-Park Permit is required.

Wade T. Oberlin

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