Cross-Country Skiing

A world apart from the race of alpine skiers and snowboarders, spend the day weaving through peaceful forests and meadows on cross-country skis. The White Pass area offers an intricate web of groomed cross-country trails at the White Pass Nordic Center, as well as along scenic logging roads and forest trails. The peace and quiet of the Byway’s ski trails offer breathtaking vistas as well as classic, forested snow scenes. Experience the magic and beauty of the season gliding through the wilderness.

Here are a few top picks for cross-country skiing along the Byway.

Cross-Country Skiing Hotspots

White Pass Nordic Center

Length: 10 total miles

Elevation Gain: 290 feet

Trail Type: many options

Skill Level: novice to advanced

Season: late November to early April

Trailhead Elevation: 4,500 feet

Offering some of the most enjoyable rolling and winding groomed trails in the Northwest, spend the day at the White Pass Nordic Center. Tour among 18 kilometers of double-track trails weaving through the Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot National Forests. The terrain is available for cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoeing for individuals of all skill levels. Lessons and equipment rentals are available, and friendly staff members are available at the Nordic Center yurt near the trailhead to answer your questions. For more information, visit the White Pass Nordic Center.

Download a printable map of the Nordic Trails.

Directions: Drive US Highway 12 to the White Pass Ski Area.

Burley Mountain Lookout

Length: 18 total miles

Elevation Gain: 3,931 feet

Trail Type: out-and-back

Skill Level: most difficult

Duration: 2 days

Season: Nov – Dec & March – April

Top Elevation: 5,304 feet

Other Uses: snowshoes

Up, up, up… An arduous route, the trek to Burley Mountain Lookout follows a narrow section of rock through the trees, never ceasing in its direction to the top. Views are spectacular – look upon vast snow-covered meadows and see the mighty mountains of the Cascade Range – Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. Route finding becomes difficult as snowdrifts become common towards the top. Those reaching the summit are rewarded with the opportunity to stay overnight in the Burley Mountain Lookout (advanced reservations are required). Always carry a map and compass. Prior to your trek to Burley Mountain, contact the Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station at 360-497-1100 for road conditions and more information.

Directions: From Randle, drive one mile south on Forest Road 25 and then turn left (east) onto FR 23 (Cispus Road). Continue on FR 23 to its junction with FR 28/21. Bear right on FR 28/21, cross the Cispus River, turn right onto FR 76, and continue past the Cispus Environmental Center to FR 77 on the left. Follow FR 77 for about 7.5 miles, then turn left onto the dirt track of FR 7605. Drive to the snowline.

Round Mountain

Length: 9 total miles

Elevation Gain: 1,280 feet

Trail Type: out-and-back

Skill Level: more difficult

Duration: 5 hours

Season: Jan – Mar

Top Elevation: 4,320 feet

Other Uses: snowshoes

If you are searching for a trail meandering through the woods, Round Mountain is a great choice. As you shush along the trail, catch glances every so often of the stunning, snow-capped Goat Rocks. Pinegrass Ridge and Clear Lake are other landmarks as you weave in and out of the forest. Always carry a map and compass. Always carry a map and compass. Prior to your trek to Round Mountain, contact the Naches Ranger District at 509-653-1400 for road conditions and more information.

Directions: Turn south off US Highway 12 at 7.6 miles east of White Pass or 26.2 miles west of the junction with State Route 410. Follow Tieton River Road for 3.3 miles to the North Fork Tieton River Sno-Park. Ski ΒΌ mile to Round Mountain Road No. 830.

Lost Lake

Length: 10 total miles

Elevation Gain: 1,250 feet

Trail Type: out-and-back

Skill Level: more difficult

Duration: 6 hours – 2 days

Season: Jan – Mar

Top Elevation: 3,800 feet

Other Uses: snowshoes and snowmobiles

Trek through the forests of ponderosa pine as you make your way up to pretty little Lost Lake and a small campground skirting its shores. Take some time at the campground destination to explore a few of the roads and trails in the area. This is not a trip full of panoramic views; instead, it’s a journey through a forested winter wonderland. The exception is at 2.5 miles when snow-covered Bethel Ridge comes entirely into view. Always carry a map and compass. Prior to your trek, contact the Naches Ranger District at 509-653-1400 for road conditions and more information. Find more information here.

Directions: Travel US Highway 12 16.4 miles east from the summit of White Pass or 0.6 miles west of Hause Creek Campground and turn south on Tieton Road. Drive 0.2 miles to a large sno-park on the right, where signs mark the beginning of the Goose Egg Trail. If there is snow here, park and begin your journey. If not, turn left on Lost Lake Road No. 1201 and drive to the snow line.

North Fork Tieton River

Length: 9.5 total miles

Elevation Gain: 140 feet

Trail Type: many options

Skill Level: easiest to more difficult

Duration: up to 5 hours

Season: Jan to mid-March

Top Elevation: 3,300 feet

Other Uses: snowshoes

There are several options for snow touring at North Fork Tieton River. Five different routes to be exact – and they all offer beautiful views and fairly easy, level routes. The one exception is the difficult mountaineering route to the summit of Round Mountain; a route for only the most experienced skiers. Always carry and map and compass. Prior to your trek, contact the Naches Ranger District, 509-653-1400 for road conditions and more information. Find more information here.

Directions: Travel US Highway 12 7.6 miles east of White Pass or 26.2 miles west of the Highway 410 junction and turn on Tieton River Road No. 12. Drive 3.3 miles to the North Fork Tieton River Sno-Park.

White Pass – Pacific Crest Trail

Length: 16 total miles

Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet

Trail Type: out-and-back

Skill Level: backcountry

Duration: 1 – 3 days

Season: Jan – April

Top Elevation: 5,600 feet

Other Uses: snowshoes

You choose the length of your trip while skiing the Pacific Crest Trail near White Pass. Ski past little alpine lakes and climb rounded hills, tour wide open meadows and travel through dense forests. Those going for the day will find an easy turn around point at Deer and Sand Lakes, while others will ski on into the William O. Douglas Wilderness. Always carry and map and compass. Prior to your trek, contact the Naches Ranger District, 509-653-1400 for road conditions and more information. Directions: Drive US Highway 12 to the summit of White Pass and park in the overnight parking lot not far from the motel.

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