BREATHTAKING VIEWS AND CHEST THUMPING RIDES

Stevens Pass is a Treat for Nature Lovers and Thrill Seekers

Mountains near Chelan, with Big Chiwaukum rising 8,081 feet into the heavens. The seven-mile hike to Lake Valhalla is accessible in the fall, with rich autumn colors abounding, and in winter the trek is made for snowshoes. The first mile of the trail is an old rail bed. Continue on to emerge from between Mounts Lichtenberg and McCausland to catch sight of Lake Valhalla and its sandy shores; Snow camp and commune with the stars.

“I have never seen so many stars! It was breathtaking!” shared Renae James of Marysville, who made the trek with her friends on their annual backpacking trip.

“Bridal Falls is easier than Lake Serene. They’re both spectacular hikes.” She added that the latest trend for skiers to get into the backcountry is to put “skins” on skis, allowing them to hike up before traversing down on their skis. Remember, backcountry in the winter, whether snowshoeing or skiing, can be dangerous to the unprepared.

“If you’re going to do these winter hikes, bring your ten essentials and a beacon, not just a cell phone,” Shepherd said. “Know the terrain and be prepared with the right gear.”

Even mountain biking is fair game in the snow. Fat tire biking is perfect for snowy trails. Mountain Bikers gain amazing views on Alpine Baldy; and Nason Ridge is a “thigh-pumping, brake-burning type of ride that no sane person would attempt if it were not for the awe-inspiring views at the top,” according to an Evergreen Mountain Bike trail review.

A great place to begin playing

Know Before You Go

Stunningly beautiful wilderness can also be unforgiving. Never go into the wilderness unprepared, pack out what you take in, and always tell a friend where you’ll be and how long you’ll be gone. And that’s just the beginning. Here are some tips for your trip to Stevens Pass.

Ask the Experts: You may not want to buy the cheapest hiking shoes you can find. In fact, the hiking shoes you wear on one snowy trail may not work on the icy one. Talk to an expert in one of the local shops like Pacific Mountain Sports (www. pacificmountainsports.com).

Recreation Passes: If you’re going to the National Forest, you’ll need a pass to park at the trailhead. In Monroe, you can get these at Big 5 Sporting Goods, Red Barn, and Monroe Chevron. Find your location here: www.fs.fed.us/portaldata/r6/ passes/vendors.php. State Parks require a Discover Pass (www. discoverpass.wa.gov) and the Nordic Center at Stevens Pass requires a trail pass which can be purchased at the center’s Cascade Depot.

BY ELLEN HIATT

If it’s winter bliss you’re looking for, you have arrived. Central Cascades are nothing short of glorious. Lace up those hiking boots and pack the snow cleats, grab the Nordic skis and find a trail, pull into the ski resort and hit the slopes. Whatever activity brings you to the mountain will offer you spectacular views, a solid workout, and a day, or night, to remember.

The storied Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs the ridge of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, and passes through Stevens Pass for some of the most spectacular views you’ll find anywhere on Earth. To the south of the pass, the craggy Alpine Lakes Wilderness is like the ice queen herself, beckoning with her beauty, but foreboding with her dangers. To the north are the Henry M. Jackson and Glacier Peak wilderness areas known for vast glacial basins, spires, towers and ridge lines that have earned it comparisons to the Swiss Alps.

The Stevens Pass trailhead for the PCT grants Pacific Northwesterners access, and within just two miles you’ll find crisp and clear views of the Chiwaukum

For mountains that look like they’re dressed for prom with a dusting of snow, check out the Washington Trail Association’s recommendations for Heybrook Ridge and Beckler Peak. Skyline Trail is Tonya Christofferson’s favorite midnight snowshoe trail. It’s just across from the ski slopes and “is incredibly gorgeous at night,” says Christofferson, who is on the mountain every chance she gets and revels in introducing new hikers to it.

Avid hiker Kelly Shepherd enjoys snowshoeing in the area.

Download Apps Ahead: Before you get out of cell service or away from wifi, download helpful apps. The Washington Trails Association app (WTA Trailblazer) is useful; search for the hike you plan to take in advance. Get what3words and help a rescue team pin your exact location within a 3 square meter area. Also get the Avalanche Forecasts app for more critical information.

The Ten Essentials: No excuses — whether you’re out for a day trip or overnight — bring the ten essentials. Google for a list and go prepared.