It may say spring on the calendar, but local Sno-Parks have more snow now than they have had all winter. Nordic skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts are enjoying the best snow conditions of the year, but the end will come soon.
Public visitor information assistant Camden McMahon of the Mount Adams Ranger District near Trout Lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest says folks have really responded to the late storms, and the snow parks have been busy.
“People are trying to get in on the last snow of the season,” said McMahon. “It’s the best snow we’ve had all year.”
That being said, it is March and the snow won’t last too much longer.
“Get out in the next few weeks because it may be clear in a week or two,” adds McMahon.
Or, maybe not.
“It’s snowing heavily as I speak,” she adds.
McMahon had recently skied the Pineside Sno-Park, one of the lower elevation snow parks.
“It’s getting a little thin,” she said. “It might be clear of snow in a week or two.”
Heather Latham is the climbing and trails ranger for the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. She reports that the local snow parks have been bustling.
“It’s been very busy,” she said. “We had poor snow conditions until about the last two weeks.”
Conditions are currently good even at the lower elevation parks.
“Ape Cave is the lowest elevation park, and there is one to two feet of snow there right now,” Latham said,
Latham said that the roads to the parks are in pretty good condition, but there are still snow and ice patches in spots.
“We need to remind everyone that they need all wheel or four-wheel drive and chains,” she said. “They also need to bring a shovel.”
She also notes that the parking lots are filling up fast, espcially on the weekends. Drivers have to leave a clear lane along the outside edge of the parking lost to allow trucks and emergency vehicles in if needed. It is also recommended that parties should carpool whenever possible to lessen the crowding.
Marble Mountain is a very popular Sno-Park that is fairly high in elevation and is very popular.
“There is a 6 to 12 foot base up there right now,” said Latham. “Those trails get very busy.”
Brian Kimball of Oregon makes the trip north to Washington every year to sample the region’s snow parks. Kimball said Marble Mountain is one of his favorites.
“There is a good trails system there,” said Kimball. “One of the best is the trail to June Lake, an alpine lake with a waterfall. It has really cool views.”
While there are plenty of places to rent skis and equipment, the only Vancouver area outlet that rents snow shoes is Camas Bike and Sport, where associate Francis Ireland reports that this winter season business was slow to arrive.
“This snow season ran a little later than usual,” said Ireland.
While he said the snow season could run into June, things will be slowing down very soon.
“As soon as we get a few days of sunshine people forget that there is snow out there.”
A Washington State Sno-park permit is required at all of these parks until April 1.
Marble Mountain Sno-Park
This sno-park offers a trail system that includes 25 miles (snowmobile), and 78.4 kilometers ungroomed (ski). This area is shared with motorized and non-motorized recreationists.
As of Tuesday, a bit of ice and snow ws on the road, but passable. More snow expected. 4 feet of snow on the ground. Call the Monument Office, Monday-Friday, at 360-449-7800 for conditions.
Directions: From Cougar drive east on Lewis River Road, which turns into Forest Road 90. Continue on Forest Road 90 until the intersection with Forest Road 83. Turn left on Forest Road 83 and continue approximately 6 miles to the Marble Mountain Sno-Park.
Snow King
Ski/snowshoe conditions have deteriorated, so xpect bare patches of ground, unless new snow arrives. Parking is limited and has a 25 vehicle capacity.
Directions: From Stevenson, take state Highway 14 east for about 14 miles to Alt. Highway 141. Follow Highway 141 for about 23 miles. In Trout Lake, veer right and head north on Mount Adams Recreation Road (at the gas station). Follow Mount Adams Road north then stay straight on Forest Road 82 and follow for about another couple of miles.
Pineside Sno-Park
It is recommended to ski the Big Tree Loop in clockwise direction, due to thin snow coverage on the hill through the woods. Icy conditions in morning, softening up as the day progresses.
Directions: From White Salmon, take state Highway 14 west for a few miles to Highway 141 and turn north and travel about 23 miles. At Trout Lake, stay right at the gas station. Stay on Mount Adams Road for a few miles and go right on Forest Road 82. The Sno-Park is at the junction of Forest Road 82 and 8225.
