Tieton Pond Snowshoe

Take a moderate snowshoe to a beautiful frozen pond just outside of Yakima.

Head up Bethel Ridge Road, just past the Oak Creek Wildlife Refuge. After a little more than a mile of walking, turn off onto Road 312, which claims it is 1 mile to the pond (it's actually more like 2), then a short spur road 315 that leads to the small pond.

This is snowmobile country, so be aware of fellow trail users on motorized vehicles. However, because this is a lower-elevation hike, this location sometimes gets overlooked. On quiet days, you may spy elk in the forest on the way to the pond.

If it is early or late season, or if there's thin snow cover, look for areas where the creek flows down the road. Sunshine breaks through the thick forest cover, and you may even see some Western Larches -- pine trees that lose their needles in winter.

Their outlines are a stark contrast to the rich evergreens that line the road. At the pond, you'll enjoy a view of Bethel Ridge as you enjoy lunch before heading back the way you came.