Maintenance Shed Road

Here is an easy snowshoe on a wide U.S. Forest Service road with spectacular views of Chimney Rock, Coyote Ridge and, at the end, Mount Rainier.

This snowshoe near White Pass follows Forest Service Road 1284. Closed to snowmobiles, it winds around the south slopes of Cortright Point to its end above the Clear Fork of the Cowlitz. The relatively low grade makes this a pleasant winter outing for all abilities.

From the parking area just off U.S. Highway 12 near the large WSDOT snowplow facilities (hence the name Maintenance Shed Road), the road climbs moderately through fir and hemlock forest for about 0.75 mile to a small, steep clearcut on the right, popular with snow tubers. The road then curves back on itself through a small drainage and continues through forest on a mostly level track 0.75 mile to another clearcut and grand views of the snow-covered cliffs of Chimney Rock and Coyote Ridge, a northern extension of the Goat Rocks.

Next, the road bends right and traverses above Millridge Creek though forest and clearcuts, with ever-expanding views up the valley of the Clear Fork and Coyote Ridge to the main body of the Goat Rocks. After another mile the road bends right again, crosses the Sand Lake Trail and ends in a large clearcut with views of Coyote Ridge, the Goat Rocks and, straight ahead, Mount Rainier in all its glory. This makes a good turnaround spot for stomping out a seat for lunch and enjoying the views.

WTA Pro Tip: White Pass on Hwy 12 can be closed at times. Check road conditions before heading out at wsdot.com/traffic/passes.