Your Guide to Cross-Country Skiing Washington State
Punctuated by glaciated volcanoes and what some might call “above average” precipitation, the Evergreen State has no shortage of great skiing.
Indeed, there are several good areas to cross-country ski within reach of the Seattle area (our favorites below), but you might just find yourself looking east of the mountains for your next ski weekend. Out here, the trails stretch on for miles—so many that in fact, that here you’ll discover the largest Nordic trail system in all of North America.
While this is by no means a comprehensive list of all the Nordic skiing available in Washington, we’ve included areas we are most familiar with and would like to share with our Sisu friends and family. Let’s dive in!
Hyak Sno-Park
CLOSE TO SEATTLE, BEGINNER FRIENDLY, GREAT VIEWSKMs of Trail: 11.2
Rentals: None
Wax Tent: None
Ski With Your Dog: No
Ticket Price: $25 Sno-Park Permit and $70 Groomed Access Season Pass
Technically a part of the 278-mile Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, this area is lovingly referred to by old-timers simply as the “John Wayne Trail.” Just under an hour from downtown Seattle, it’s also the flattest segment of groomed Nordic ski trail you’ll probably ever discover thanks to the fact that it runs alongside Keechelus Lake on an old railroad grade. That means that what it lacks in diversity, it makes up for in opportunities to practice your “Zone 2,” V2. (The lake and surrounding Cascade Mountains also make for beautiful views along the way!) The only drawback to this area is its congested trailhead, which shares parking with a popular sledding hill, and of course the fact that it is the closest Nordic skiing from Seattle. But as with all cross-country areas, once you get a mile or so down the trail, any crowds thin out dramatically.
☝🏼 Need to Know: You’ll need a Sno-Park Permit and a Special Groomed Access sticker to access this area. Cabin Creek Sno-Park
CLOSE TO SEATTLE, FUN FOR EVERYONE, NO FLUSH TOILETKMs of Trail: 40
Rentals: None
Wax Tent: None
Ski With Your Dog: No
Ticket Price: $25 Sno-Park Permit and $70 Groomed Access Season Pass
Find the Trail Map Here
Located just a few exits down I-90 from Hyak, Cabin Creek is more of your “standard” Nordic area in the sense that there is a full trail system full of options to explore. The well-marked system has something to offer for every skier–from flatter green runs to some exciting climbs and descents–and is edged in with towering pines and firs the entire way. Keep in mind that, like at Hyak, there is no Nordic center here to lace up your boots or wax your skis before heading out. Make your car your base camp. We recommend having some Rex Liquid Glider with a nylon brush (Blue and Red would be our go-to’s) for a quick wax if needed, and for your return, pack a warm drink and dry layer for the drive back down the pass! You never know how damp you’ll be after a day skiing in the Pacific Northwest.
Plain Valley
SMALL TOWN, BEGINNER FRIENDLY, QUAINT VIBESKMs of Trail: 23
Rentals: Yes! Find both rentals and day passes at Plain Hardware.
Wax Tent: None
Ski With Your Dog: No
Ticket Price: $28 Day Pass
Find the Trail Map Here
Our favorite part about the Plain Valley Ski Trails is that you purchase your day pass from the hardware store. Really! The definition of small town, the skiing in Plain draws curious Nordorks from far and wide. (In fact, we hosted our first Washington Sisu Ski Retreat in Plain in 2022!) Located just 20 minutes outside the tourist hub of Leavenworth, this area is definitely worth a weekend trip. With 23 km of grooming, it’s not a gigantic area, but its novelty makes up for the humble mileage. You’ll ski past quaint cabins and lodges, yield to horse-drawn sleighs, and glide across meadows and beneath evergreens. Just make sure you budget some time for shopping at Plain Hardware before or after you hit the trails—it’s less hardware store than it is a boutique retailer.
☝🏼 Need to Know: Kids under the age of 18 ski free in Plain!Echo Ridge, Lake Chelan
REMOTE DESTINATION, WINERIES, WILDLIFEKMs of Trail: over 30 (exact number unsure—we had to count)
Rentals: Available in town at Lake Chelan Sports or Lakeland Ski Rental.
Wax Tent: None (wax service available at LakeRider Sports).
Ski With Your Dog: A small portion of the trails allow dogs.
Ticket Price: $15 Day Pass
Find the Trail Map Here
The most remote location of our round-up, Echo Ridge is an exciting Nordic ski destination for those who want to get somewhat “off the grid.” Located on a hilltop above one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States, Lake Chelan, this Eastern Washington trailhead is both scenic and adventurous. Lake Chelan Nordic maintains the area and offers a host of information on their site such as where to rent and service your skis, as well as up-to-date grooming reports. (Just one look at the website gives you a great feel for what to expect from the area.) We recommend making a weekend out of an Echo Ridge ski trip and enjoying all Lake Chelan has to offer, including a historic main street with shopping, old timey movie theater, and tasting rooms—or, post up in Leavenworth and make day trips to Plain and Echo Ridge. One thing is certain: after a few peekaboo views of the lake, you’ll definitely want to book a return trip in the summer! (When this area transforms into mountain bike trails.)
The Methow Valley
ALL DAY SKIING, BUCKET LIST DESTINATION, MOST TRAILS IN NORTH AMERICAKMs of Trail: 200
Rentals: There are a number of places you can rent in the Methow Valley. Methow Valley Ski School and Rentals is our go-to as the most convenient.
Wax Tent: Unknown
Ski With Your Dog: Yes: 40 km of the trails in the Methow Valley are dog-friendly. Learn more here.
Ticket Price: $30 Day Pass
Find the Trail Map Here
The home of our previous two Washington Sisu Ski Retreats, the Methow Valley is the largest cross-country ski area in North America. The best part about this is that many people from Washington State have never even heard of “the Methow,” giving it the unusual double moniker of both “world famous” and “hidden gem.” Practically the entire valley floor is groomed for skate and classic skiing, translating to 200 kilometers (about 120 miles) of pristine trail. Between the two bookend communities of Winthrop and Mazama, skiers will pass a number of eateries, stunning modern residences and quaint log cabins, picturesque horse herds, and endless views. Of course, the gurgling Methow River is a constant companion and photo op. And at only 2,100 feet elevation, intermediate and advanced skiers can truly go all day. (And beginners have lots of room to practice on the flat valley floor.) This world-class ski destination is a true bucket list location for any Nordic skier, beginner or expert alike!
☝🏼 Need to Know: It’s pronounced “Met-how,” and “Mazama” like “gamma.” (Go on, we’ll wait.)Curious about joining us in the Methow Valley next year? Learn more, here.
