Thank goodness for snowmobiles! They pack the snow on the trail, with a unique corduroy pattern that makes skiing feel just exactly like the "Magic Fingers" at Motel 6. These tracks glaze over with a very slick layer of ice, making skiers' downhill rides even more exciting. Riders are free spirits, often unburdened with the need for control over their heavy, powerful sleds. Above all, if you ever get lost, just listen for the loud whine of a smoking machine doing 50 mph up a road past your fellow skiers doing 2 mph.
I don't generally write about ski trails that are "shared" with snowmobiles. Skiing is fun. Snowmobiling is fun. The two do not mix. Most riders are courteous, slowing to an idle and passing skiers single-file. A few are on their second sixer by noon, and their motto is, "What skier?"
I had occasion to venture into this area one spring, via the Swauk Pass Sno-Park, and found three very positive things to say about it: (1) the trailhead was at a higher elevation than was described in the book; (2) there were no snowmobiles, or even skiers, anywhere to be found, and (3) the view of the valley from Lion Rock was spectacular.
There's no real need to go that far to enjoy this trail. Anywhere from 3 miles on is good enough. There are good potential campsites after that point, and Lion Rock itself is a campground surrounded by open meadows.
Follow road 2008 to its end, then use a quad map to pick up road 35, or trail 1224, to Lion Rock.
One thing stops snowmobilers in their tracks: Dirt. A little gravel is OK, but a lot of bare spots on the road keeps the machines away. That makes their trails good destinations in the late spring, when some walking is unfortunately also required. The constant packing of the snow leaves excellent coverage on most of the road's surface, even when the forest floor is nearly bare.
Stats: Lion Rock is a long way from the (usual) trailhead, maybe 10 or 12 miles, with steady elevation gains in the beginning and in a few other stretches along the way. Elevation gain 2500', high point (Lion Rock CG) 6200'.
Getting there: The trail begins at the edge of Wenatchee NF, north of Ellensburg on road 2008, reached via Reecer Creek and Green Canyon Roads.
Note: Requires routefinding skills and avalanche experience to continue past the road.
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.
1997