Tag Archives: dogs

Kid- and dog-friendly skiing in the Pacific Northwest

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Since there are so few places to actually practice biathlon and to keep the cross-training process super-fun and positive for youth, here’s a guide to places in Washington State (and the Pacific Northwest vicinity) where you can hone your skate/skiing abilities — either on a trail or tour that’s fun for kids and/or in a system that allows dogs (e.g. for skijooring).

Google map

Interstate 90

Crystal Springs (dog-friendly)

  • Central Cascades Winter Recreation Council page on Crystal Springs
  • Nice topo map here —
  • http://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/washington/cross-country-skiing/crystal-springs-sno-park-trails
  • Erling Stordahl is not dog-friendly, but has some fun loops for kids — both flat and pretty steep.
    • http://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/washington/cross-country-skiing/erling-stordahl-ski-trails
  • Dog Power Trail 100  is located on the southwest side of the Sno-Park.  Separate parking is available for mushers and for non-motorized users who do not object to sharing the trail with dogs.  This trail is approximately 1 mile long and terminates at Lost Lake Road, where users can access the Iron Horse Trail.  NOTE:  ALL DOGS MUST BE ON A GANGLINE or LEASH.  There are no exceptions!  If a team is needs to pass or is coming head on, rein your dog in and mover to the side of the trail and restrain your dog(s).  This is NOT and OFF-LEASH area.  Please also note that a Special Grooming Sticker is needed in addition to your Sno-Park Pass to use this area and trail.

Connect Dog Trail to John Wayne, then go southeast past Stampede Pass Road until you can access the dog sled trail system below Meany Cabin.  Lots of fun loops in there!

Crystal Springs trail map (PDF)

Cabin Creek (no dogs)

Great conditions and varied trails for kids.  Kongsberger Ski Club maintains the trails.

Field guide from Outdoor Project (great “Adventure Description” with maps upon free registration)

 

 

Highway 2

Steven’s Pass

  • Skyline Lake trail from new downhill parking lot.  Not groomed, but dog-friendly.
  • Nordic Center (no dogs, but great skating and classic up valley, plus the WBA biathlon range)

Plain (no dogs?)

Ski Plain overview (lots of links to trail conditions and PDF maps, etc)

Chiwawa Sno Park – See & Ski (dogs ok after noon)

See Ski Plain link above for PDF map & conditions… or this nice overview of See N Ski trail.

Photos taken February, 2016:

Lake Wenatchee north and south (no dogs)

Click to access Lake%20Wenatchee%20North.pdf

Nason Ridge (no dogs?)

Click to access Nason%20Ridge.pdf

Leavenworth (26 km total; 3 km dog-friendly)

Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
PO Box 573
Leavenworth, WA
509-548-5477
www.skileavenworth.com
3km dog trails

https://skileavenworth.com/activities/nordic

Dog friendly trail —

https://skileavenworth.com/locations/waterfront-park

Waterfront Trail Map

 

Further away

Mazama/Winthrop

Methow Valley Sport Trails Association, www.mvsta.com, a nonprofit group that wove the network of trails on private and public land.

Nordic overnight adventure, ski from hut to hut along groomed trails at the Methow’s Rendezvous Huts. Bring your sleeping bag and food for stays in the bare-bones but cozy ski-in cabins. www.rendezvoushuts.com/

Methow Trails
309 Riverside Ave
Winthrop, WA
509-996-3287
www.methowtrails.org
40km dog trails

Handy, helpful links:

 

Other sites to explore

https://skileavenworth.com/activities/ski-jump

49 Degrees North Nordic Center
PO Box 166
Chewelah, WA (north of Spokane)
509 935-6649
www.ski49n.com
34km dog trails