Headed out on the Wenatchee Crest Showshoe today. The snow park was a little crowded but we were still able to park on the North side. We arrived between 9:30 and 10:00 and snowed the entire time we were out. It was a beautifull but we didn't get views of the enchantments due to fog and falling snow. The recent snow was pretty powdery so getting out of the established trail was pretty hard going although not steep. We didn't go the entire way because one member in our party had to drive to Portland in the afternoon but we had a great time while we were there. Other than us we saw three different groups of x-country skiiers. We mostly had the trail to ourselves.

Reached the Blewett Pass Sno-Park just after 10am, and managed to fit the car between two trucks with snowmobile trailers.

The trail was well trenched, but we eventually put on snowshoes anyway. Continued until about a quarter mile beyond the bump, where we had lunch before turning back.

The roundtrip distance ended up being closer to 8 miles than the 6 miles stated in the book--we may have ended up on a different spur of the road towards the end.

There were great views of the Enchantments all along the trail, as well as occasional glimpses of Diamond Head Mt Rainier, and even Mt Adams.

Despite the full parking lot, we encountered few parties on the trail, and didn't see or hear any snowmobiles (perhaps they stick to the south side of the pass).

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/[…]/WenatcheeCrestJanuary2012
Tracklog: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/140221932

Actually did this 1 year ago to the day. Went with a friend and she had never done before. It was fogged in, so no views today. Snow shoes were needed. Saw only a few groups of people. We had alot of fun, and lots of snow.

As billed in Dan Nelson's Snowshoe Routes Washington book (and on this website), this snowshoe trek is fairly easy, with minimal avalanche risk and excellent views. What more can you ask for?

Well, you can ask for great weather, which we had in spades today. Not a cloud in the sky! You could ask for a bit more snow too. There was only about a half-inch of snow at Blewett Pass and most south-facing slopes were bare. But no worries here - we strapped our snowshoes to our pack, and only put them on two miles later when we started to post-hole a bit.

The Wenatchee Crest route follows the road. It provides a bit of a workout, rising up and sloping down as the road hugs the hillside just below the crest. The views start early and appear often. Tronsen Ridge is impressive, and as you gain elevation you can see more snow-covered ridges beyond. On the other side of Blewett Pass, Diamond Head beckons - but climbing that peak will have to wait for another day (and will someone please write up a Trip Report for it?!).

I'm guessing we were a bit more than two miles in when we decided to have some lunch. We spotted a narrow road to the left which appeared to go up to the ridge, so we branched off on it. What a good choice! Just about 100 feet in, we topped out on a knoll that was out of the wind and sported fantastic views to Mount Adams and Mount Rainier as they nosed over another nearby ridge. We soaked up the sun during our lunch and returned to the car.

I'll be coming back to Blewett Pass for more winter fun some day soon.

As a footnote, I can't believe there aren't lots of Trip Reports for this place. We only saw two cross country skiers on our way out in the morning, but passed a dozen small parties upon our return.