Intermediate Backcountry
Tour: This fun and moderately strenuous loop begins and ends at Blewett Pass. Our route follows ungroomed ski trails up Tronsen Creek to summit of Tronsen Head, which makes a scenic lunch spot. After lunch, we descend a series of glades and schuss into Haney Meadow. From there, we duck through Haney Gap and descend the open slopes below Tronsen Head, then wind through Tronsen Meadow on ungroomed roads to close the loop. 9 miles total; 2100-foot gain; 2100-foot loss.
Meeting Time & Place: 7:00am at Eastgate Park & Ride
Registration required. Party limit of 8. Contact: Jim Brisbine (
trailcatjim@mac.com)
Terrain: Easy to intermediate forest trails and roads; gentle to moderately steep forest glades
Starting/Ending Point: Blewett Pass Summit Sno-Park (Elev. 4200 feet)
High Point: Tronsen Head summit (Elev. 5980 feet)
Estimated Stats (car to car): 9 miles, 2100 feet gained, 2100 feet lost
Expected Conditions: Lots of fresh snow over old crust
First Meeting Time & Place: 7:00am at Eastgate Park & Ride, underneath the north-side bridge (Take 150th Avenue exit off I-90 at Eastgate, go to north side of freeway, go west on Eastgate Way for ½ mile to Park & Ride)
Second Meeting Time & Place: 8:30am at Pioneer Coffee in Cle Elum
Estimated Return Time: 4:30pm at trailhead; 8:00pm at Eastgate
Required Gear: Tele or Rando touring skis & boots, poles, skins, avy beacon, shovel
Logistical Details: We will arrange carpools at the Park & Ride; drivers will need a Sno-Park Permit (but not a grooming sticker). Coffee stop in Cle Elum on way over. Dinner stop in Cle Elum on way home.