Ski the Loup Loup Nordic Trails

North Map  |  South Map  |  Trails Status  |   Information  |  Washington State Parks

Experience what the local folks have known for sometime, that there is excellent cross country skiing at the Loup Loup. You will find two trail systems hidden among the foot hills of the North Cascades. A true treasure with opportunities for the beginner to the most experienced skier.

Snowshoers are welcome to follow the groomed nordic trails and trek, along the side of the ski tracks.

When clouds cover the Methow and Okanogan Valleys, you can usually find the sun shinning on the Nordic ski trails at the Loup.  The morning sun casting its rays on the jagged edges of the rugged Cascade Mountain Range, offers a picture perfect backdrop. Sunsets can provide a magnificent sight to end a long day of skiing.
 
To get to the ski areas, travel Washington State Highway 20 heading west out of Okanogan for 18 miles or east from Twisp for 12 miles.  You will  reach the summit of the Loup Loup Pass, elevation 4,020 feet.

To get to the North Summit Nordic ski trails follow the Loup Loup Ski Area signs, turning North on FS road 42.

The Bear Mountain North Loup Loup Nordic ski trails begin at the Loup Loup Ski Area where parking is free and a daily use ticket is $15.00, or less depending on your age and if it is AM or PM. The ticket office opens at 8:30 and the road gate is locked after the lift operations close down at 4 PM. The funds collected assist in covering the cost of grooming and maintaining the trails. You will have the option to ski 22 km of groomed & track set ski trails, most of which are intermediate and advanced with a vertical rise potential of over 1,000 feet.

For the South Summit Sno-Park Nordic ski area turn off at  the summit and travel on forest road #41, 1/3 of a mile south until you reach the Sno-park parking area.
 
Remember that the purchase of a Sno-park permit provides the funding for both the grooming of the ski trials and the plowing of the Sno-park. Purchase the pass prior to traveling to this area unless the Loup Loup ticket office is open, a State permit is available there.

The South Summit Nordic ski trails take off from the Washington State Parks Sno-park. A seasons pass per vehicle is $40.00, or a day pass is $20.00. Your Sno-park pass covers the cost to ski the 46 km of groomed trails. For more information on Washington State Winter Recreation program visit their site at www.parks.wa.gov .

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