Harts Pass

[Tony skagen]

I agree not looking good for avi danger Forsure, thanks for the heads up! Any suggestions on a place to ride?

 

[catlsled]

Anywhere over in the Methow Valley would still probably be fun just Harts is bit sketchy to get to. Wouldn't expect great anywhere yet but probably better than the rain we will have over here by Sunday. Out of same Yellowjacket SnoPark you can head out other direction from Harts into trail system and lots safer areas to play off trail and still at decent elevation - just personally wouldn't try to go back into Harts area as pretty unforgiving. Haven't been over this year so not sure overall coverage but saw they have been grooming so must have some base and it is spectacular scenery. Search Methow Valley Snowmobiling as they have club over there you could probably find on Facebook for status. http://www.parks.wa.gov/443/Mount-Baker-Methow#Yellowjacket

 

[wakeska813]

Couple things.... First, count on 4.5 hours to Yellowjacket snowpark from Bellevue. Secondly and most important - be smart as I really don't want to read about snowmobiler getting wiped out this weekend. NWAC has issued EXTREME Avalanche danger warning (highest level) now through weekend in all Cascades so probably not good idea going in there right now and would find safer area. If you aren't familiar with place this is not the weekend to figure out - there is a reason they specifically call out Avalanche danger on the road in/out. Search Harts Pass in Google images and you will see why - the road ride in/out is pretty serious exposure and nothing to mess with in extreme avy conditions - even if you don't actually get caught in avy getting out of there if big one comes down across road while you are in there would definitely not be fun. www.nwac.us - be sure to use it! Now I will get off my soapbox...

Thank you for all the real good info. A post like that really makes the membership fee a bit better. Sounds like once there's a good base and some fresh it would be a great idea to find someone who rides there to show a guy or two around. Thanks again for all the info!!

 

[YAMA S]

BTW..... nwac site states their NOT starting Avalanch predictions till Dec. 19th! The avy danger isn't up to date yet as their system is still in "seasonal" mode.

 

[Summit057]

If harts pass is going to be a bit sketchy this weekend there is another trial right from the yellow jacket snow park that hooks up with the entire tail system of the methow. There is some ok places to play around in off trail. Either that or you could go to the goat peak trail head (Just south of the mazama store) which has some better off trail terrain and less of an avalanche danger.

 

[KMMAC]

trailers

Are trailers still forbidden on Fs road to Harts Pass?

 

[gorilla]

Are trailers still forbidden on Fs road to Harts Pass?

Well, the road is closed about 1/2 mile past the Yellowjacket snow park. If you go post the snow park, it's a tight turn around.

 

[ROKRIG]

Summit057,

Am I reading the maps correctly and seeing the Goat Peak is similar in elevation to some of the mtn's around the Hart's Pass riding zone?

 

[Tony skagen]

Rode harts pass yesterday,snow was great up top but a long whooped out road up for miles! Today I'm going to ride goat creek. Locals tell me it gets the same elevation without the whooped out road!

 

[Tony skagen]

 

[Summit057]

Summit057,

Am I reading the maps correctly and seeing the Goat Peak is similar in elevation to some of the mtn's around the Hart's Pass riding zone?

Yes the peak is similar but the places that are actually rideable are a bit lower. my sled was saying 5600 feet at the place where we were riding today. There i less snow than last year but we were definitely able to make some nice turns!