Crystal Springs Sno-Park
Location: Near Cle Elum, WA
Features: Snowmobiling, X-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Dog Sledding
Pass Required: Seasonal Sno-Park permit, with a special grooming sticker or a one day pass.
Adventure Report
Miles of groomed and ungroomed snow trails.
Used for snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and dog sledding.
Ample parking and countless trails to choose from.
A Winter Paradise. With Trails of all kinds…
…Crystal Springs Sno-Park is a hub of winter activity. Twenty-two miles east of Cle Elum, and less than 90 minutes from Seattle, this spot makes for a great place for a weekend adventure no matter what your favorite way to enjoy winter recreation is. From this single sno-park, there is access to trails of all varieties. There are both groomed and ungroomed trails, suitable for cross country skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. The snow can get pretty soft when the air temperature is in the 30s and it is raining, but this year (2020) there is about a 4' solidly packed base, so if you head up on a day when the temp is below freezing, the trails are excellent. You can ski through the woods or along the shore of Lake Keechelus, and there are some extensive loops for snowmobilers. Skiers can enjoy tours up to Lost Lake, Stampede Pass, or Dandy Pass, but if you take these trails, expect to be sharing it with some snowmobilers. You can also take the “Palouse to Cascade Park Trail” all the way to Lake Easton State Park.
In addition, from this sno-park you can catch a lift up to the Meany Lodge, where you can go for the day or spend overnight with access to downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
The parking area was redone last year—with lots of spaces, good parking for trailers, and two separate parking lots for non-motorized users—a lot in the back for dogsledders (and snowshoers and skiers who want to do those trails), and a parking area in the front for the network of trails just south of the sno-park.
