Make Your Own Tracks
Old Man Pass, Away from the Crowds With groomed trails looping for miles in the surrounding woods, Old Man Pass, just outside of Stevenson, Washington remains an undiscovered, unheralded snow playground. Situated at almost 3000’ on the volcanic plateau between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, the rolling terrain of Old Man Pass harbors a full gamut of winter sports opportunities. From challenging groomed cross-country trails, to the peaceful quiet of untracked snow through mature forests to the high-pitched laughter and shrieks of kids on a stellar tubing hill, it’s all just a short drive out of Stevenson.

The Washington State Snow Parks fund pays to groom 20 plus miles of the snowshoe and cross-country trails. Primarily loops, these wide, well prepared trails lead skiers and snowshoers through mature forests with varying views of the mountains on either side of the pass. Taking the loops to the north offer clear vistas of 12,276’ Mt. Adams. (http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/adams.html) Dropping into the trails on the south side, across McClellan Meadows and others, offers equally impressive views of the north and east side of Mt. St. Helens (http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/msh) and the aftermath of the cataclysmic eruption of 1980.

When you’re exhausted and ready for a meal and a bed, Stevenson sits on the bank of the Columbia River, just a few minutes away. With fine restaurants, an award winning brewpub, antique and other shops, this little riverside town is perfect for stepping out of the hurley burley pace of today’s world. From the Skamania Lodge perched above town with expansive views up the Columbia River, to the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge nestled on the river, or the Econo Lodge in town, Stevenson finishes any day in the woods perfectly.

Feb 18th and 19th join Skamania Parks and Recreation on Old Man Pass for WinterFest 2006. Skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and family fun 10-2 each day. For more information on WinterFest 2006 visit: www.geocities.com/skamaniawinterfest2006