Originally Posted: March 2022
Updated: January 2024
Dungeon Point Snowshoe/Ski Ascent via Dungeon Ridge
Rocky Run Ski Loop: Dungeon Ridge to Wolfe Creek
Hyak Overlook
Dungeon Point
Rocky Run Culvert
Route Summary
Region: Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Keechelus Mountains
Area: Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest
Starting & Ending Point: South Gold Creek Sno-Park at end of plowed Road #4832 off Interstate-90 at Exit 54 (Elev. 2580 feet)
Typical Season: late December thru mid-April
Option 1: Rocky Run Ski Loop
Way Points: Lower Dungeon Road junction & Rocky Run Connector Trailhead & Upper Dungeon Road 141 junction & Rocky Run Culvert & Rocky Run Road 136 junction & Upper Wolfe Creek crossing & Resort Creek Road 4832 junction & Rocky Run Bridge & Lower Dungeon Road junction & South Gold Creek Sno-Park (ski tour)
High Point: Road 4832-136 (Elev. 3550 feet)
Approximate Stats (full loop): 5.6 miles traveled; 1100 feet gained & lost; 3 to 5 hours elapsed.
Optional Sidetrip: Hyak Overlook (ski tour)
Option 2: Dungeon Point Ascent
Way Points: Lower Dungeon Road junction & Rocky Run Connector Trailhead & Upper Dungeon Road 141 junction & Dungeon Point (snowshoe hike or ski tour)
High Point: Dungeon Point (Elev. 4440 feet)
Approximate Stats (round trip): 4.8 miles traveled; 2000 feet gained & lost; 3 to 5 hours elapsed.
Option 3: Rocky Run Ski Loop & Dungeon Point Ascent
Way Points: Lower Dungeon Road junction & Rocky Run Connector Trailhead & Upper Dungeon Road 141 junction & Dungeon Point & Upper Dungeon Road 141 junction & Rocky Run Culvert & Rocky Run Road 136 junction & Upper Wolfe Creek crossing & Resort Creek Road 4832 junction & Rocky Run Bridge & Lower Dungeon Road junction & South Gold Creek Sno-Park (ski tour)
High Point: Dungeon Point (Elev. 4440 feet)
Approximate Stats (full loop & ascent): 7.6 miles traveled; 2100 feet gained & lost; 4 to 7 hours elapsed.
Related Posts
>>> Mt. Laura Snowshoe Climb via Rocky Run–West Couloir – March 12, 2020
>>> Mt. Margaret Ski Ascent & Descent via Rocky Run–West Slope – February 2013
Information Sources
The following links provide helpful information for planning this snowshoe trek or ski tour. Even these information sources, however, should not be taken as a substitute for having the fitness, knowledge, equipment, and clothing required for snowshoe trekking or ski touring.
>>> WSDOT road reports for Interstate-90 and Snoqualmie Pass
>>> National Weather Service weather forecast for Snoqualmie Pass area
>>> Northwest Avalanche Center avalanche forecast for Snoqualmie Pass area
>>> Other easy to intermediate ski tours in the I-90 / Snoqualmie Pass corridor
>>> Other easy to intermediate snowshoe treks in the I-90 / Snoqualmie Pass corridor
Route Overview
The Rocky Run Ski Loop is a little-known backcountry ski tour in the Keechelus Mountains near Snoqualmie Pass. It involves approximately 2.9 miles of ungroomed forest road, 2.4 miles of groomed forest road, and 0.3 miles of forest trail. Due to the variety of terrain, the loop makes a satisfying backcountry ski tour in an easily accessible location.
A significant feature of the Rocky Run Ski Loop is that it crosses directly beneath Dungeon Point, a splendid view destination. Despite being very visible from Interstate-90, it is visited only by serious paragliders—who consider it to be the best launching site at the pass—and by a small number of hikers, snowshoers, and skiers. With the benefit of good snowcover, Dungeon Point serves as a highly rewarding out-and-back snowshoe ascent on its own or as a fine sidetrip along the Rocky Run Ski Loop. This provides winter travelers with three distinct options:
- A. Rocky Run ski loop only.
- B. Dungeon Point snowshoe ascent only.
- C. Rocky Run ski loop with a sidetrip to Dungeon Point.
Not too many years ago, there was the fourth option of doing Dungeon Point as an out-and-back ski tour. It wasn’t a great option, but it was doable. Nowadays, however, the lower access road is so clogged with standing trees and fallen logs that I can no longer recommend this option for a ski descent. Nonetheless, it is still available to skiers with a high tolerance for unpleasant conditions.
Because the groomed forest roads are intended for snowmobile traffic, the Rocky Run Ski Loop is recommended as a weekday-only trek. It can be completed on a weekend or holiday, but you will likely encounter numerous fast-moving snowmobiles during the second half of the loop. In contrast, a snowshoe ascent of Dungeon Point is reasonable to do any day of the week. Although the South Gold Creek Sno-Park is usually overrun with snowmobiles on winter weekends, the Dungeon Point snowshoe route follows roads and trails that are largely inaccessible to machines.
Be aware that there is some avalanche terrain along the ascent route to Dungeon Point. To a lesser extent, there is also some avalanche terrain along the Rocky Run Ski Loop. As such, these snowshoe and ski treks should be attempted only during periods of adequately stable snow conditions.
Parking Comments
The Rocky Run Ski Loop begins and ends at the South Gold Creek Sno-Park, which is located on the westbound side of Interstate-90 across from the Summit East (Hyak) Ski Area. To access this sno-park, take Exit 54 and drive southward on the freeway siding road until you reach a turnaround area at the end of the plowed stretch (approximately 2 miles from the exit). Expect to see lots of cars, trucks, and snowmobile trailers parked along the road, especially on weekends. A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required to park here.
Route Descriptions
Detailed route descriptions for the Rocky Run Ski Loop and the Dungeon Point Snowshoe/Ski Ascent are presented in the following two sections.
Rocky Run Ski Loop
From the South Gold Creek Sno-Park, head due south on Resort Creek Road #4832 for about 250 yards. Just before the road begins to ascend a bit, look for a large wooden sign and and a vague road on your left. This is the start of Lower Dungeon Road, which does not appear on some maps.
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Continue snowshoeing or skiing up Lower Dungeon Road, first on a long southerly traverse and then via four closely spaced switchbacks. When presented with the choice of going straight ahead or switchbacking to the right, take the right-hand option. This abandoned road has lots of young trees and fallen logs to work around, as well as a few small creeks to cross, but nothing too difficult.
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After a short mile, Lower Dungeon Road abruptly ends at a small clearing. This marks the beginning of the primitive Rocky Run Connector Trail, which provides the best continuation route for backcountry skiers. It proceeds through moderately dense forest on a northeasterly bearing, generally following a series of corridors through the trees. There are a dozen or so blue diamonds along the trail to aid navigation. Snowshoers can either follow the connector trail or make a more direct ascent directly uphill to the north.
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The Rocky Run Connector Trail makes a slightly rising traverse for approximately ¼ mile until the trees ahead become closely spaced. Here, switchback uphill for about 50 vertical feet until you see a large rock outcrop up to the left and a large, open slope to the right. Keep traversing up to the right until you intersect Upper Dungeon Road #141 at an elevation around 3550 feet (1100-foot gain from Sno-Park).
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For an easy ½-mile sidetrip to Hyak Overlook, turn left on Upper Dungeon Road and follow it around a corner. When you come to a switchback, go straight ahead on a slightly overgrown road until coming to a large clearing at 3850 feet. This overlook provides a nice view of the Hyak and Snoqualmie Pass areas.
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To complete the ski loop, remove your climbing skins and glide down Upper Dungeon Road to the Rocky Run culvert at a sweeping curve, then quickly come to an oblique intersection with Rocky Run Road #136. Continue straight ahead on Road #136, which proceeds southwestward on a gently undulating traverse. Skiers with fishscale-base skis will easily be able to make this traverse, whereas those with smooth-base skis might struggle a bit. Either way, take a look back across Rocky Run and you can see Dungeon Point rising up to the north.
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Approximately 1 mile from the Rocky Run culvert, Road #136 rounds a corner and crosses Wolfe Creek, then dips down to an intersection with Resort Creek Road #4832 at a sharp bend. This latter road is a major snowmobile arterial that gets groomed several times per week during the winter months. When in good condition, the groomed road provides a fast and fun descent, but keep your eyes and ears alert for fast-moving snowmobiles.
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Resort Creek Road makes three big switchbacks down Wolfe Creek before flattening out adjacent to Interstate-90. The final mile of your trek crosses Rocky Run on a narrow bridge and goes over a broad hump before delivering you back to the South Gold Creek Sno-Park.
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Dungeon Point Ascent
For an ascent of Dungeon Point, follow the preceding description to reach Upper Dungeon Road #141. Turn left and head uphill on the road as it curves around the nose of Dungeon Ridge. Cut back to the right where the road makes a switchback at 3800 feet, then continue northward for 300 yards. Just ahead, you will see that the road crosses a steep hillside with rock outcrops above. This is a potentially dangerous hillside, but fortunately, there is a much safer alternative.
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Rather than continuing toward the steep hillside, leave the road and turn sharply back to the left, entering a young forest. Curve around the ridge nose on moderately angled terrain and look for Dungeon Point approximately 400 vertical feet above. This is a good place to assess the snow stability. If the snow is very stable, you can head straight up the nose on open slopes, but if stability is a concern, it is safer to aim for dense forest over to the left (west). During times of serious instability, enjoy the view from these lower slopes rather than going any higher.
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Moderately steep, open slopes converge at 4440-foot Dungeon Point (2.4 miles + 2000 feet from Sno-Park). Snowshoers or skiers who schedule their ascent during a day of stable snow and clear weather will be rewarded with marvelous views. The 180-degree panorama includes Mt. Rainier far to the south; Tinkham Peak, Abiel Peak, and Silver Peak (the “Iron Horse Triplets”) closely to the west; and Granite Mountain and Snoqualmie Mountain to the northwest. Keechelus Lake lies directly below, and the Snoqualmie Summit ski areas stretch out to the right.
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Equipment Comments
The ascent of Dungeon Point is better suited to mountain snowshoes than simple trail snowshoes, due to the presence of steep slopes at several places along the route. Trekking poles are highly recommended, and an ice axe is advantageous if snow conditions are hard or crusty.
The Rocky Run Ski Loop is well-suited to medium-width backcountry nordic touring skis with a fishscale base, along with compatible touring boots and full-length climbing skins. The ski ascent and descent of Dungeon Point, however, is better suited to wider backcountry telemark touring skis with a fishscale base, along with telemark boots and full-length climbing skins. Alpine touring (AT, or randonnee) skis and boots can also be used, of course, although the flat and slightly uphill parts of the loop will be less enjoyable.
For more information regarding the various equipment that I use for this particular trip and that I typically use for other trips of this type, see my gear discussions and reviews on the following pages:
>>> Trail & Mountain Snowshoes
>>> Backcountry Nordic Ski Touring Gear
>>> Backcountry Telemark Ski Touring Gear
>>> Backcountry Ski & Snowshoe Packs
>>> Wintertime Comfort Accessories
Route Maps & Profiles
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