We visited the White Pass Nordic center for the first time this week. It is only groomed on weekends, so we did not need to pay to use the trails on a Wednesday. A few inches of fresh snow had fallen since the last grooming, but the trail conditions were good for our classic skiing style. Before lunch, we explored the North Loop, which climbs to a nice viewpoint over Leech Lake and the alpine ski area across the highway. On the way back down we took a shortcut on the ungroomed Pacific Crest Trail. I would only recommend taking the shortcut if there is plenty of snow cover and you have some off-trail skills. After lunch we headed out to "The Hill" which is the only black diamond route in the nordic area. They were not lying; it is a long, very steep, and winding hill. After that we took the easy Dog Lake Loop to round out the day. Skiing in the open, mature forests was delightful, and the varied terrain made for interesting routes.

This is my 300th trip report for WTA.

DRIVE: 2:20 hours from Puyallup to Eatonville, Morton, then HWY 12. Be cautious of elk herds through Randle and Packwood.

PARKING: The parking does fill around 9 am. No pass required.

NORDIC/SNOWSHOE RENTALS: Opens at 8:30 am at the yurt. Grab a trail map. You'll also need a purchased day pass to ski. Nordic Center

LUNCH: There is a cozy indoor lunch area in another yurt with a few items for purchase. The baked goods looked yummy.  There is also wine and beer for sale.

TRAIL: Is a gentle combination of green, to blue with grooming and tracks Friday, Sat, Sun. Fantastic for beginners and to practice. Bathrooms are conveniently dotted around the trail.

HAZARDS: Today the course was groomed with perfect conditions for beginners practicing new skills. 

Minimal elevation gain 5 miles out and back.

Well hidden from the hustle and bustle of the downhill skiers, this was my third time to the nordic center at White Pass with Olympia Mountaineers. 

DRIVE: 2:20 hours from Puyallup to Eatonville, Morton, then HWY 12. Be cautious of elk herds through Randle and Packwood.

PARKING: The parking does fill around 9 am. No pass required.

NORDIC/SNOWSHOE RENTALS: Opens at 8:30 am at the yurt. Grab a trail map. You'll also need a purchased day pass to ski. Nordic Center

LUNCH: There is a cozy indoor lunch area in another yurt with a few items for purchase. The baked goods looked yummy.  There is also wine and beer for sale.

TRAIL: Is a gentle combination of green, to blue with grooming and tracks Friday, Sat, Sun. Fantastic for beginners and to practice. Bathrooms are conveniently dotted around the trail.

HAZARDS: Today the course was groomed with just about perfect conditions for beginners practicing new skills. 

Minimal elevation gain 5 miles out and back.

Snow shoe hike around lake and to the falls. Beautiful day, snow shoe trail was compact snow and ice and rut/ path is easy to follow. Snowshoes or microspikes needed. XC ski trails well groomed. See White Pass website to purchase access. Snowshoe or xc ski rentals available on site, but must be returned by 4pm. 

First time skiing at White Pass. Amazed by how extensive and well-maintained the trail network is. Parking was tight, but crowds headed to the slopes, and Nordic trails were quiet.