8 ways to spend winter in Ashford
Craig Hill; The News Tribune
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)
