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Fun in the Snow: Cle Elum Area's Top Trails for Winter Recreation
By: Shelby Walker
With the snow coming down, it's time to get outside and play. If for you that means non-motorized activities, then this list is perfect. All the trails here are great for snowshoes or cross-country skis. Ranging from beginner to intermediate skill levels, there is something here for you! From great views to snowball fights, it's time to get outside in the Cle Elum area!
Coal Mines Trail is a mild hike that winds from Cle Elum, through Roslyn, and on to Ronald with views of many different coal mining remains. Built upon the old Northern Pacific Railway, the trail passes several mine sites which can be identified using the interpretive signs placed along the way. This trail is open to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers, as well as hikers, horseback riders, and bikers.
With the snow coming down, it's time to get outside and play. If for you that means non-motorized activities, then this list is perfect. All the trails here are great for snowshoes or cross-country skis. Ranging from beginner to intermediate skill levels, there is something here for you! From great views to snowball fights, it's time to get outside in the Cle Elum area!
Coal Mines Trail
Coal Mines Trail is a mild hike that winds from Cle Elum, through Roslyn, and on to Ronald with views of many different coal mining remains. Built upon the old Northern Pacific Railway, the trail passes several mine sites which can be identified using the interpretive signs placed along the way. This trail is open to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers, as well as hikers, horseback riders, and bikers.
Jack Creek Snowshoe
Jack Creek Road spans 14.7 miles from the North Fork Teanaway River Road to Hwy 97. The long and mostly flat road can be used for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing for an exciting winter adventure. Be sure to check for current potential avalanche danger before your head out to the Jack Creek Snowshoe route.
Wenatchee Crest Snowshoe Trailhead
Located in Blewett Pass, this trail is perfect for entry-level snowshoers and comes with a gorgeous, expansive view. The whole trail is about six miles with a turnaround point that is great for lunch. If you want to do some more exploring, there are further trails that shoot off from the main path. If you want to cross-country ski, then this trail is also a great spot. With slow, steady incline, it traverses across the mountain to get you to the view of the valley.
Lake Easton State Park
This park is frequented during the summer months by families enjoying a day at the lake. A little known secret is that it is beautiful during the winter too! There are groomed trails so you don't have to work as hard. It's maintained for snowshoers and cross-country skiers, so come and explore the forest and lake. Families often have snowball fights, build snow forts, and enjoy the play equipment, even in the snow.
Salmon La Sac Sno-Park
This area is ideal for snowshoers, but just be aware of snowmobilers. Once you are on the non-motorized trails, you shouldn't have an issue. One of the main trails is about a six mile round trip, but you can easily make it longer or shorter with the number of trails.
