A popular Sno-Park, as seen on a rainy spring day, would make a good scene for Duke Nukem: It's a little like walking through an abandoned city. Trash on the ground, exhaust-stained snowbanks, lost gloves on the signposts, wind in the trees, emptiness.
Photo: The catwalk on Keechelus Dam.
Leslie and I braved the heavy rain and parked at the Price Creek eastbound Sno-Park (there is a westbound one, too, with access to different trails and no access to this side). When we skied away from Mae Westfalia, she was the only car in the parking lot.
There are two trails from this trailhead, both very easy. The interesting route is to the right, toward the Keechelus Dam. In a short loop trip, you can ski up onto the dam (even walk out on a catwalk over the ice), down into the valley, and back to the car.
The other route is to the campground a mile up the highway. The sound of I-90 traffic is ever present.
Fortunately, the rain let up and we had sunshine for the two hours we skied. We were peeling off raingear as fast as we could. When we got back to the car, the sky socked in and it began to rain again.
Stats: Groomed trails, most of the year, until funds run out. About 50 parking spaces, 8 empty oil bottles, and lots of discarded MacDonald's cups and wrappers. Ski only, no snowmobiles.
Getting there: Price Creek is a pair of rest areas 7 miles east of the Snoqualmie Pass summit. This trip report describes the eastbound side.
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.