Smithbrook — Friday, Nov. 25, 2016

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Hearing that there had been meaningful snow in the Mountains, and one of our regulars itching to try out some new snowshoes, we headed up to Stevens Pass and Smithbrook Rd to check out the conditions. For snowshoers and skiers, it's probably best to wait for more snow. We left our snowshoes in the cars and road walked up toward the summer trail. There was less than a foot of snow on the road and surrounding woods, so snow shoes really weren't needed. The road is still open to motor vehicles and some hearty souls were pushing up toward the summer trailhead. Also, the road is still easily accessed by snow machines so you will have that traffic on the road until the snowpack blocks access and it is closed. We are still several feet of snow away from that happening. Regardless, it was a nice walk through a winter scene and to our way of thinking, a better way to spend the day than playing mall commando. Conditions can change fast, but for now Summit Lake might be a better snowshoe option.