Snowshoeing is a great activity for all ages and ability levels. The sport can be as easy as walking or as
difficult as trekking, depending on your fitness level and goals. We offer guided tours through the
Snoqulamie Pass Visitor Center or you can explore our nearly 400,000 acres with friends or family. But
please be prepared before you head out. See Snowshoe tips below.
Where to rent Snowshoes
Mountain High Sports in Ellensburg – 105 East 4th - 509-925-4626
Roslyn Cyclery in Roslyn - 105 North 2nd Street – 509-649-2863
CWU Outdoor Pursuits – Central WA University in Ellensburg – 509-963-3537
Where to Snowshoe
These suggestions are from the Cle Elum Snow Rangers. For information about other opportunities,
contact the Ranger Station at 509-852-1100.
Easy Trails: Fairly Flat and easy to find –
Salmon la Sac – follow the groomed ski trail (staying off the groomed portion) past the historical Salmon la
Sac Guard Station to the Cooper River Trail or into Section 9. Salmon la Sac Campground is groomed for
skiers and is not the best choice for snowshoers. Sno-Park permit required, or park for free along the
county road. Be sure to observe parking signs.
Blewett Pass – North of Highway 97, follow groomed snowmobile route past the groomer shed to junction
with XC800. Take the left fork of the road, which is a marked ski trail (ungroomed). Beginners will want to
hike about 3.5 miles and return the same way. Sno-Park permits are required. The parking area fills fast on
the weekends, but the non-motorized route is not crowded. Got a dog with you? Please keep your pet safe
by keeping him on a leash while near the Highway.
Jungle Creek – Teanaway are. From 29 Pines campground, turn left and head up Jungle Creek Road
9701. The snowmobile trail (marked with orange diamonds) turns to the left at the bridge. The trail to the
right enters the Jungle Creek Voluntary non-motorized area, and follows Jungle Creek Road to the Way
Creek trailhead, about 4 miles. Free parking.
North Fork Teanaway – From 29 Pines campground, follow the groomed snowmobile route on the 9737
Road. At just over one mile, the Stafford Creek Road 9703 takes off to the right. This is not a groomed
route, but is easy to find and follow. Or continue up the 9737 Road to Beverly Creek. Expect snowmobile
traffic. Free parking.
More Difficult Trails: More route finding, more up and down.
Pipe Creek system – Numerous loop opportunities out of the Pipe Creek Sno-Park through an official non-
motorized area. Sno-park permit is required.
Iron Creek – Park at the junction of Highway 97 and 9714 Road. Follow the road alon Iron Creek through
the Iron Bear Voluntary Non-Motorized area. Free parking; may not be plowed during or immediately after
storms.
Swauk Campground – Explore the campground trail, or the Sculpture Rock trail. Sno-Park pass required.
Most Difficult trailsCreate your own trail, find your own route.
Explore the 4330 Road (Fish Lake) or up the Jolly Mountain Road 4315 from the Salmon la Sac Sno-Park
(Sno-Park permit required; busy on weekends), or head up Howson Creek Road 128 from the Salmon la
Sac highway (free parking).
Pipe Creek and Swauk Campgrounds (both located near Blewett Pass off of Highway 97) are reserved
for non-motorized only users. All other Sno-Parks on the District are shared with other users.
difficult as trekking, depending on your fitness level and goals. We offer guided tours through the
Snoqulamie Pass Visitor Center or you can explore our nearly 400,000 acres with friends or family. But
please be prepared before you head out. See Snowshoe tips below.
Where to rent Snowshoes
Mountain High Sports in Ellensburg – 105 East 4th - 509-925-4626
Roslyn Cyclery in Roslyn - 105 North 2nd Street – 509-649-2863
CWU Outdoor Pursuits – Central WA University in Ellensburg – 509-963-3537
Where to Snowshoe
These suggestions are from the Cle Elum Snow Rangers. For information about other opportunities,
contact the Ranger Station at 509-852-1100.
Easy Trails: Fairly Flat and easy to find –
Salmon la Sac – follow the groomed ski trail (staying off the groomed portion) past the historical Salmon la
Sac Guard Station to the Cooper River Trail or into Section 9. Salmon la Sac Campground is groomed for
skiers and is not the best choice for snowshoers. Sno-Park permit required, or park for free along the
county road. Be sure to observe parking signs.
Blewett Pass – North of Highway 97, follow groomed snowmobile route past the groomer shed to junction
with XC800. Take the left fork of the road, which is a marked ski trail (ungroomed). Beginners will want to
hike about 3.5 miles and return the same way. Sno-Park permits are required. The parking area fills fast on
the weekends, but the non-motorized route is not crowded. Got a dog with you? Please keep your pet safe
by keeping him on a leash while near the Highway.
Jungle Creek – Teanaway are. From 29 Pines campground, turn left and head up Jungle Creek Road
9701. The snowmobile trail (marked with orange diamonds) turns to the left at the bridge. The trail to the
right enters the Jungle Creek Voluntary non-motorized area, and follows Jungle Creek Road to the Way
Creek trailhead, about 4 miles. Free parking.
North Fork Teanaway – From 29 Pines campground, follow the groomed snowmobile route on the 9737
Road. At just over one mile, the Stafford Creek Road 9703 takes off to the right. This is not a groomed
route, but is easy to find and follow. Or continue up the 9737 Road to Beverly Creek. Expect snowmobile
traffic. Free parking.
More Difficult Trails: More route finding, more up and down.
Pipe Creek system – Numerous loop opportunities out of the Pipe Creek Sno-Park through an official non-
motorized area. Sno-park permit is required.
Iron Creek – Park at the junction of Highway 97 and 9714 Road. Follow the road alon Iron Creek through
the Iron Bear Voluntary Non-Motorized area. Free parking; may not be plowed during or immediately after
storms.
Swauk Campground – Explore the campground trail, or the Sculpture Rock trail. Sno-Park pass required.
Most Difficult trailsCreate your own trail, find your own route.
Explore the 4330 Road (Fish Lake) or up the Jolly Mountain Road 4315 from the Salmon la Sac Sno-Park
(Sno-Park permit required; busy on weekends), or head up Howson Creek Road 128 from the Salmon la
Sac highway (free parking).
Pipe Creek and Swauk Campgrounds (both located near Blewett Pass off of Highway 97) are reserved
for non-motorized only users. All other Sno-Parks on the District are shared with other users.
Snowshoe Safety Tips and Trail Etiquette
Choose a Safe Route:
Winter travelers are strongly encouraged to attend avalanche awareness training. Did you know that snow on slopes between 25 and 40 degrees is most prone to
slide under the right conditions? You should! The winter environment is beautiful, but it can also be deadly. Choose your route carefully and according to avalanche
and weather conditions. Check the daily avalanche forecast and plan accordingly. Practice with avalanche beacons, shovels and probes, and carry them when you
travel. Do not travel alone in avalanche terrain and make sure your partner know how to use all their avalanche equipment. Your life could depend on their ability to
respond in an emergency.
Use caution at water crossings. Snow bridges and ice on lakes may not hold weight. Cross these hazards one at a time.
Avoid tree wells. Low branches on a tree create sheltered areas around base of the tree where a well of loose snow can form a hole. Falling into a tree well may
cause injury or death, and a person may need help getting out. Tree wells may also form around small trees which become completely snow-covered.
Good Behavior:
Many trails are shared with other winter recreationists. Respect and cooperation is necessary for everyone to get along. Snowshoers should stay out of set ski tracks
and create a trail to the side. Skiers coming downhill have the right-of-way. Be alert for snowmobiles and be prepared to get out of the way. Travel on the right side of
shared-use routes.
Dogs are prohibited on groomed ski trails. They can punch holes in the track with their paws. The Cle Elum Ranger District offers one of the only Dog Power (100)
trails in the Northwest. It is located on the west side of the Crystal Springs Sno-Park. A special grooming permit is required to park at the staging area. Dogs must
be leashed while on the trail. Please remember that this trail caters to dog teams both big and small. Free running dogs are prohibited. They can become
entangled in dog teams and injured. For more information, please go to our Dog Sled page.
Pack out whatever you pack in, plus litter left by others. Avoid leaving human waste near any water source. When snow melts, buried litter, toilet paper, and human
waste will be revealed.
Getting Lost:
Notify a reliable person of your planned route and times of departure and return. Remember to check in with that person when you return.
Become proficient at route-finding and using a map and compass. Stay on marked trails if you are inexperienced at traveling off trail. Designated ski and snowshoe
trails are marked with blue diamonds. Snowmobile routes are marked with orange diamonds. If lost, remain calm, decide on a plan, and do not abandon your gear.
Backtrack if possible; if not, seek shelter from precipitation and wind. Try to stay dry and warm. Always carry waterproof matches, lighter, small candle or firestarter,
knife, first aid kit, flashlight, extra food, and water.
Choose a Safe Route:
Winter travelers are strongly encouraged to attend avalanche awareness training. Did you know that snow on slopes between 25 and 40 degrees is most prone to
slide under the right conditions? You should! The winter environment is beautiful, but it can also be deadly. Choose your route carefully and according to avalanche
and weather conditions. Check the daily avalanche forecast and plan accordingly. Practice with avalanche beacons, shovels and probes, and carry them when you
travel. Do not travel alone in avalanche terrain and make sure your partner know how to use all their avalanche equipment. Your life could depend on their ability to
respond in an emergency.
Use caution at water crossings. Snow bridges and ice on lakes may not hold weight. Cross these hazards one at a time.
Avoid tree wells. Low branches on a tree create sheltered areas around base of the tree where a well of loose snow can form a hole. Falling into a tree well may
cause injury or death, and a person may need help getting out. Tree wells may also form around small trees which become completely snow-covered.
Good Behavior:
Many trails are shared with other winter recreationists. Respect and cooperation is necessary for everyone to get along. Snowshoers should stay out of set ski tracks
and create a trail to the side. Skiers coming downhill have the right-of-way. Be alert for snowmobiles and be prepared to get out of the way. Travel on the right side of
shared-use routes.
Dogs are prohibited on groomed ski trails. They can punch holes in the track with their paws. The Cle Elum Ranger District offers one of the only Dog Power (100)
trails in the Northwest. It is located on the west side of the Crystal Springs Sno-Park. A special grooming permit is required to park at the staging area. Dogs must
be leashed while on the trail. Please remember that this trail caters to dog teams both big and small. Free running dogs are prohibited. They can become
entangled in dog teams and injured. For more information, please go to our Dog Sled page.
Pack out whatever you pack in, plus litter left by others. Avoid leaving human waste near any water source. When snow melts, buried litter, toilet paper, and human
waste will be revealed.
Getting Lost:
Notify a reliable person of your planned route and times of departure and return. Remember to check in with that person when you return.
Become proficient at route-finding and using a map and compass. Stay on marked trails if you are inexperienced at traveling off trail. Designated ski and snowshoe
trails are marked with blue diamonds. Snowmobile routes are marked with orange diamonds. If lost, remain calm, decide on a plan, and do not abandon your gear.
Backtrack if possible; if not, seek shelter from precipitation and wind. Try to stay dry and warm. Always carry waterproof matches, lighter, small candle or firestarter,
knife, first aid kit, flashlight, extra food, and water.
| Snowshoeing |
| Sno-Park passes and Snowmobile registration tags are strictly enforced. Don't ruin your visit by getting an expensive citation. Remember your passes. |
