At 5,000 feet elevation in the Chiwaukum Mountians of the Cascade Range, the Scottish Lakes area gets lots of snow and sunshine for ski-touring and telemarking. Located on the "dry side" of the Cascades, this area's ski season lasts from November into May.
Terrain is vaired--rolling, subalpine meadows for learning to telemark; 15 miles of trails to ridgetops for ski-tourers or snowshoers; and, for skilled skiers, the unmarked routes to the high mountian lakes and wide open slopes of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
For something easier to reach, check out Stevens Pass Nordic.
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Stats: 15+ miles of trails.
Getting there: Scottish Lakes is located approximately two hours east of Seattle on U.S. Highway 2, halfway between the summit of Stevens Pass and Leavenworth. A private parking lot for guests is located just south of the highway. The ride up the eight-mile restricted Coulter Creek Road is provided either in a 12-passanger Sno-Cat or by snowmobile (depending on snow conditions ). Departure from the parking lot is 9 am. (although special arrangements can be made). At the end of your stay , choose either to ride the Sno-Cat or ski the 8-mile run back. Gear transport down the mountian is provided.
Note: This is backcountry winter travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Hazards include hypothermia, disorientation and avalanche. Information source: Scottish Lakes web site, linked on our Bearings page.