For snow sports enthusiasts this has been a difficult season. Warm weather has kept snow levels high, and weak storms have brought little or no snow to the area’s Sno-Parks.
However, recent storms have changed that, and there is now plentiful snow out there. The only problem is that there is too much of a good thing, and it might be hard to get to the Sno-Parks.
“We are definitely light on snow right now,” said Chelsea Muise, the recreation program manager at Mount St. Helens right before the storms hit. “We have a lot less snow than we would like to have.”
She reported only about 6 inches of snow at Marble Mountain, and at the Cougar Sno-Park it was even worse.
Muise said they were expecting to get 3 to 4 feet of snow on Mount St. Helens from last weekend’s storms.
Sno-Parks in the Trout Lake area were also suffering from a lack of snow, as were the parks in the Wind River area.
Justin Ewer, a recreation specialist for the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest (GPNF), reports that following the storms the picture is far different.
“There is three feet of snow in Trout Lake,” said Ewer. “The Sno-Parks got the same amount, or even more. In the past week or so we have received anywhere from two to five feet of snow out there.”
Of course, such largess creates its own problems.
“To some degree we are still digging out after the storm,” he said. “The Trout Lake Ranger Station has been closed the last two days.”
“The roads to the sno-parks are covered in two to three feet of snow, and are plowed by Skamania County. And, we are their last priority,” added Ewer.
While the roads should be clear in time for the weekend, it would be a good idea to check the county websites or call before heading out. Ewer said that Skamania County, at least, reports when they have plowed the roads to the parks on their website, usually within a few hours of it being completed.
Snowshoeing
For the novice, or for those that have physical limitations, snowshoeing may be the best way to get out and enjoy the winter landscape.
“It’s the least expensive, and it takes the least amount of skills to go out and try it,” said Ed Fisher of Camas Bike and Sport. “We rent (snowshoes) for $15 a day, and that is reduced if you do two days. It’s $8 for the second day.”
They sell snowshoes for about $140 dollars, and there are few extras needed. If you enjoy getting off the groomed trails you might need ski poles and a pair of gators.
“They are useful if you get off the trails, or there is deep powder,” said Fisher.
You do not need specialty clothing, although Fisher said it’s a good idea to dress in layers.
“Be prepared for winter weather and dress in layers so you can remove some and keep from sweating and then getting cold.”
He said it’s a good idea to bring water and food, since you will be burning calories out in the cold.
Nordic skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts have had the hardest time this winter, since they require more snow than snowshoes. People that enjoy these activities are understandably happy for the new snow. Hopefully the roads will be cleared of snow by this weekend, allowing them to reach the parks.
Sno-Parks
There is no shortage of nearby Sno-Parks, and they all offer a mix of trails for different skill levels.
The two most popular in the Mount St. Helens Monument are Marble Mountain and Cougar Sno-Park.
There are four Sno-Parks in the Cowlitz Valley area, and over 20 parks or snow trails in the Mount Adams area. They are listed on the GPNF website, along with directions on how to get there.
Sno-Park Passes
You will need a Sno-Park Pass to park at the recreation sites, and it is best to purchase them from local vendors or forest service ranger stations before you head out. Most parks do not sell them on site.
A day pass costs $20, and a season pass is $40. Some sites require a Seasonal Special Groomed Sticker for an additional $40 a season. This permit is required for Non-Motorized users at Sno-Parks with high use, or special groomed trails.
Other permits are required for motorized users, and some parks require a Discover Pass. For a full list of permits needed see the Gifford Pinchot NF website at : https://fortress.wa.gov/parks/ecomm/prod/Store/SNO/SnoChoice.aspx
You do not need to access a Sno-Park if you just want to get out into the forest with snowshoes or Nordic skis. If you are experienced and do not need groomed trails, there are plenty of areas on the national forest where you can get out and enjoy a day in some of the country’s most beautiful winter-time scenes right here in Southwest Washington.
And now, finally, there is snow enough to do that.
