Date Created: 03/10/2010

Last Updated: 03/10/2010

A trip into Snowgrass is a very remote wilderness experience. This is probably best done in the spring, but it is good to go either in a big snow year, or mid-winter during good stability. All but the hardiest of souls will spend a night on the trip and can catch a ski off Big Chiwaukum while in the area. Stunning scenery, untracked snow, and the opportunity to make turns where few have are what this trip is good for.

The Icicle Creek Road is closed at Bridge Creek, 10 miles from Leavenworth. Use a snowmobile to go from Bridge Creek to Chatter Creek on the Icicle Road if going while the road is still snow covered. Start at 2700' at Chatter Creek and follow the path of the summer trail up to 4400' before working to the North into the big basin under the East slopes of Grindstone Mountain. Follow steepening south facing slopes to a pass NE of Grindstone at 6560'. Cross over this pass, ski down about 400' and then work NW to Cape Horn and another pass at 7000." There is a great 700' descent on this north facing slope. From here you can gain a moderately steep, broad ridge that allows you to access the East slopes of Snowgrass. The main summit is the easiest to reach, but the N. summit can also be reached if competent in the use of ice axe and crampons. A wide variety of descent options exist, with most lines getting very steep below 6000'.

From any point on the summit ridge descend to the East into the South Fork of Chiwaukum Creek drainage. If headed to Big Chiwaukum, it is best to traverse down to the East skirting the base of the cliff bands at 6400' so that you can ascend to the broad Col SE of Lake Charles. In good visibility the descent lines are all plainly visible. Note that things tend to be very steep on the skiers right, and less so on the skiers left.

As this is in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, you will need an overnight camping permit for the trip. Permits can be obtained at the Leavenworth Ranger District ranger station at 600 Sherbourne Street Leavenworth, WA 98826 (509) 548-6977. No permits are needed for day trips. It may be possible to self register. No parking pass is needed for parking at Bridge Creek, but you will need a pass if parking at any of the USFS trailhead parking areas along Icicle Creek.

Vert Tracker

You need to login or sign up to add an external reference.

Backcountry skiing is dangerous. Use our online backcountry skiing guide at your own risk.