|
Deer Creek Road
"100 Best Cross-country Ski Trails in Washington"
by Vicky Spring & Tom Kirkendall
|
More Washington cross-country skiing
 |
 |
Open to: nonmotorized
Surface: forest road
Rating: more difficult
Round trip: 9 miles
Skiing time: 6 hours
Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
High point: 3,100 feet
Best: January - March
Avalanche potential: low
Map: Green Trails Silverton #110
Permits: Learn about
Sno-Park permits
Description:
Deer Creek is the one and only road in the Verlot area reserved for nonmotorized sports. Beyond the throngs of enthusiastic snow-players, skiers and snowshoers will find peaceful forests, snow-shrouded clearcuts, and awesome views of knife-edged peaks.
Access: Drive the Mountain Loop Highway east from the Verlot Forest Service Information Center for 12.1 miles to Deer Creek Road No. 4052. Park in the large lot on the left, if plowed, or along the edge of the road (1,600 feet).
The Tour: Taking care to dodge exuberant and sometimes out-of-control sledders, head up Deer Creek Road, climbing steeply through dense forest to a small knob. In the first 1/2 mile, two unsigned spur roads branch off; stay left at both. At 1 mile (2,000 feet), the sadly overgrown Double Eagle Road heads east. Continue left on Deer Creek Road, climbing steadily northwest, heading deeper into the long, narrow valley. Ahead, Bald Mountain, majestic in its cloak of snow, dominates the skyline.
By 1 1/4 miles, the views are impressive and, amazingly, by 2 1/4 miles, the views have expanded to include Big Four and the jagged summits of the Monte Cristo group. Near 3 1/2 miles, the road crosses Deer Creek and soon after turns abruptly north to ascend along the base of Bald Mountain. Deer Creek is recrossed at the 4 1/2-mile point and, immediately after, you will pass the Kelcema Lake trailhead (3,100 feet). The road continues up through another old clearcut. The return is a long, fun glide.
If you enjoy a little challenge and adventure, head up the trail to Kelcema Lake. The lake is located a scant 1/2 mile from the road and is easily negotiable by snowshoers and experienced skiers. If you lose the trail, simply follow Deer Creek to the lake. Several sheltered campsites are located on the east shore.
Copyright © 2002 Mountaineers Books
|
|
|
