Make Your Own Tracks
Old Man Pass, Away from the Crowds
With groomed trails looping for miles in the surrounding woods,
Old Man Pass, just outside of Stevenson, Washington remains
an undiscovered, unheralded snow playground. Situated at almost
3000’ on the volcanic
plateau between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, the rolling
terrain of Old Man Pass harbors a full gamut of winter sports
opportunities. From challenging groomed cross-country trails,
to the peaceful quiet of untracked snow through mature forests
to the high-pitched laughter and shrieks of kids on a stellar
tubing hill, it’s all just a short drive out of Stevenson.
The Washington State Snow Parks fund pays to groom 20 plus miles of the snowshoe and cross-country trails. Primarily loops, these wide, well prepared trails lead skiers and snowshoers through mature forests with varying views of the mountains on either side of the pass. Taking the loops to the north offer clear vistas of 12,276’ Mt. Adams. (http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/adams.html) Dropping into the trails on the south side, across McClellan Meadows and others, offers equally impressive views of the north and east side of Mt. St. Helens (http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/msh) and the aftermath of the cataclysmic eruption of 1980.
When
you’re exhausted and ready for a meal and a bed, Stevenson
sits on the bank of the Columbia River, just a few minutes
away. With fine restaurants, an award winning brewpub, antique
and other shops, this little riverside town is perfect for
stepping out of the hurley burley pace of today’s world.
From the Skamania Lodge perched above town with expansive
views up the Columbia River, to the Columbia Gorge Riverside
Lodge nestled on the river, or the Econo Lodge in town, Stevenson
finishes any day in the woods perfectly.
Feb 18th and 19th join Skamania Parks and Recreation on Old Man Pass for WinterFest 2006. Skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and family fun 10-2 each day. For more information on WinterFest 2006 visit: www.geocities.com/skamaniawinterfest2006 or send an email to parks@co.skamania.wa.us
When Tea Cup Lake and Barlow Pass on Mt. Hood are packed with people, Old Man Pass just out of Stevenson Washington, lies half full. Waiting for you to make your own tracks.
For more information:
1-800-989-9178
509-427-8911
For Photos: www.cityofstevenson/oldman
Please credit photographer if used.
Other Links:
www.ciyofstevenson.com
www.skamania.com
www.cgriversidelodge.com
www.econolodge.com
www.skamania.org