The logging road to Kendall Knob is crowded all winter and well into the spring. When state-run grooming money runs out, the track becomes a chopped-up mess of footprints and dog droppings, all of which freezes solid nightly. If you don't mind these conditions, you can get to some good telemark slopes, quickly and easily.
Photo: (Top) Open telemark slopes lure pinheads upward; (Bottom) Basking in rare sunshine.
After breakfast at a cafe in North Bend (I have my favorite, but I'm not telling), we jumped in the VW and headed on up to Snoqualmie Pass and the Sno-Park near Hyak. Most of the track was still frozen, so we slipped and chopped our way up to the base of the knob. By the time we got there, the snow had begun to soften into prime telemark corn. Other pinheads were beginning to gather, some using their climbing skins to go straight up the hill instead of trudging up the road's switchbacks.
About two miles up the road, you can go three directions. Bearing left will take you up a very obvious trail along the shoulder to the top of the knob, almost joining the Pacific Crest Trail. The right-hand road will take you east, out onto a 4400' point overlooking Lake Kachess. Both hilltops, oddly, are known as Kendall Knob, and both have good telemark slopes. In fact, almost all of the elevation you gain can be carved on the way back down. Straight ahead the road goes up valley, where the end of the road is the beginning of backcountry excursions, like Kendall Peak Lakes.
It's important to hit these slopes at the right time. If the snow is too thin, the stumps poke through. If it's too cold, the crust is glare ice. If it's too warm, these south-facing slopes become dangerous avalanche hazards.
There are some enjoyable trails nearby for beginners. The Gold Creek trail, my favorite place to take novice skiers, starts near the east end of the parking lot. Farther east, the Mt. Margaret trail is fun, but open to snowmobiles. Gas and food are sold at the ski area.
Stats: The knob is about 4 miles one way. Elevation gained 2100 ft. High point 4700 ft.
Getting there: Drive to Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, take the Hyak exit, 54, just east of the summit, and park at the Sno-Park on the north side of the freeway. Near the entrance to the Sno-Park, the trail (road) crosses Gold Creek and turns left, up the hill. On a weekend day during the season, the lot will be full early. A Sno-Park permit is required, and you can buy one at the Snoqualmie Recreation Visitor Center at the ski area.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.