Hi, not a sledder, but have some questions about Hwy 20....

[yammadog]

Monte,
Way more challenging than spinning up the Yenta river but still, in the right conditions, realistic challenge.

Flakey, I have 3 mountain bikes and love to ride. Right now don't own a sled, does that make me a greenie?

Technically, I think it does make you a greenie Lynn....

Monte, don't let any of these guys negativity get in the way. go for it, sounds like a good challenge if you can catch the right snow conditions.

I know I've been up riding and it would be plenty hard pack enough off the trail to let you ride a bike easily. Like someone said earlier, I would think that Feb time frame would be that kind of time frame.

And for any help we provide that makes this a successfull trip will obligate you to post some pictures of the adventure....

 

[justadude]

I wonder how many times I've seen the words "sucking and Fordman" in the same setance???? 100's???

Time to start "sucking up" to Fordman.... Art say's he's a great sponsor!

 

[bryceg]

Since this thread is about HW 20, I've been pondering heading to Silver Star from the west along 20 via sled for a few days of ski touring back there. Is it more advisable to come from the east for the shorter/safer ride in? Also what about parking on the west side where they shut down the road, is there a spot to unload sleds or leave a rig for a few days?

 

[RMKcowboy]

It sounds to me like you haven't researched this very much. For starters if your coming from the west side and are worried about the liberty bell slides? They are on the east side of the summit. Let me know when your going to ride it because i want to come up and laugh at you.

I'll make the trip over to join you, it ought to be good entertainment.

 

[ericbigbore]

Since this thread is about HW 20, I've been pondering heading to Silver Star from the west along 20 via sled for a few days of ski touring back there. Is it more advisable to come from the east for the shorter/safer ride in? Also what about parking on the west side where they shut down the road, is there a spot to unload sleds or leave a rig for a few days?

No problem and a short ride from the East once you get past the Liberty Bell slides. Not sure from the West??

 

[Wapow]

Since this thread is about HW 20, I've been pondering heading to Silver Star from the west along 20 via sled for a few days of ski touring back there. Is it more advisable to come from the east for the shorter/safer ride in? Also what about parking on the west side where they shut down the road, is there a spot to unload sleds or leave a rig for a few days?

It's way closer to come from the E, and safer as well. Many of the Methow locals (including most of the guides at North Cascades Mountain Guides) have beater sleds that they use to access the goods from the end of plowing just past Mazama. Their favorite touring spot seems to be the basin accessed by the Cutthroat Creek turnoff (just past Silver Star), but they also often go all the way up to the hairpin. The slide paths around the hairpin can be pretty difficult to cross in midwinter conditions, not to mention dangerous. Then again, they can also make for killer coolie descents in the right conditions. So many good skiing lines up there.

 

[MVR]

snow bike

Hey Monte, contact Joe at Methow Cycle and Sport 509-996-3645, he would be a good local contact for your trip...he rides snow bikes too and would be psyched to hear about your trip...He or someone he knows may want to tag along.
Next, contact a west side snowmobile club to see when they might be making the trip so you know you will have some packed snow...
Then get good with the Northwest weather and avalanche center's site...they are the best at guessing the weather here and can give you an idea of the stability in the area...their site also has telemetry info on the current weather conditions from two locations in the Washington pass area.

If you set up a rescue plan (like a lot of skiers/climbers do in case they don't come back) Make sure your caller is well versed on the particulars of your trip...it can make a big difference.

 

[vwsprite]

you could do it, it takes a friend with a sled going exactly where you are wanting to go, multiple times, maybe even camping with you, if you are coming from the west and staying on that side, major avy chutes are not that big of a deal, but beacons are worth it(note beaconS, it takes two to save one) good luck