Contrary to some people's perception, Ashford has much more to offer than the last flush toilets before Mount Rainier National Park.
"Ashford is a great place to escape the city," said Phil Freeman, owner of Copper Creek Inn. "It's the perfect place to wake up in a cabin with the snow falling around you. . . . There's plenty to do."
Still, Rainier overshadows all these things, so when the park closed because of flooding in late 2006 and early 2007, Ashford went quiet.
Here are 10 suggestions for experiencing Ashford this winter.
1. Klennert Sculpture Park
Dan Klennert's resourceful sculptures will catch your eye as you approach Ashford, so you might as well stop and walk though his park. Klennert creates sculptures of dinosaurs, fish and other creatures from recycled iron. His art was even featured in the 2004 Disney movie "America's Heart and Soul."
Cost: Free. Donations accepted.
More info: Call 360-569-2280, or go online to danielklennert.com.
2. Nicholson Horse Trails
You won't find much snow on these trails, but if you are looking for a winter hike, this is a good place, says Nancy Barker of the Department of Natural Resources. "They get a lot of hikers in the winter," Barker said. The trails are most popular for horseback riding and are closed to all motorized vehicles and mountain bikes.
Cost: No charge.
More info: Call 360-825-1631.
3. Elbe Hills ORV Trail System
With 13 1/2 miles of trails for 4x4 and quad enthusiasts, this is the largest off-road vehicle trail system in Western Washington. "You're not going for a country drive," Barker said. "It is a hard-core challenge." Barker says you should have a 4x4 vehicle with a short wheelbase and a wench. If your vehicle is not street legal, an ORV tag is required.
Cost: No charge.
More info: Call 360-825-1631.
4. Sahara Creek Campground
It takes a hardy family to get excited about winter camping, but for these people, Sahara Creek, off Highway 706, is an easy, inexpensive getaway. The campground has 20 sites, water and hookups for small RVs.
Cost: No charge.
More info: Call 360-825-1631.
5. MTTA
The Mount Tahoma Trails Association lost access to its southern trails during the floods, so it is focusing all of its resources on its northern trails. The trails are popular for Nordic skiers and snowshoers. Copper Creek Hut with in-your-face views of Rainier is an ideal place to stop for lunch or spend the night.
Cost: A $9 per-vehicle Sno-Park pass is required. You can reserve huts with a $25 deposit per person per night Friday-Sunday nights and $10 Monday-Thursday nights. Deposits are refunded by mail in six to eight weeks, minus a $5 processing fee.
More info: Go online to skimtta.com.
6. Catt Creek Road
Near Skate Creek Road, this is another popular Forest Service road closed to traffic but open for winter play. Foust has been sending most families here who are simply looking for a place to play in the snow. The road has a gentle uphill grade and often has snow even when Ashford does not. It is an ideal place for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing or a snowball fight.
Cost: Free.
More info: Go online to mt-rainier.com.
7. Skate Creek Road
This winding road between Ashford and Packwood closes and becomes a state Sno-Park in the winter. The road offers 27 miles of terrain for Nordic skiers, snowshoers and snowmobiles. "And it's a good way to get to the snow fairly quickly," said Jeremy Foust, president of the Mount Rainier Visitor Association.
Cost: A $9 per-vehicle Sno-Park pass is required.
More info: Go online to parks.wa.gov/winter.
8. West Side Road
This road, about mile inside the park, is the most substantial area for recreation open at Rainier right now. Always popular with snowshoers and cross-country skiers, the road also draws hikers when it's not covered with snow. It's also one of only three areas in the park open to mountain bikes.
Cost: Free.
More info: Call 360-569-2211.
(Published Dec. 21, 2006)
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