Originally Posted: April 11, 2025

Mt. Catherine Ski Loop

Summit East (Hyak) Ski Area
Grand Junction
Rockdale Dip
Windy Pass
Cold Creek Valley

Trip Report Summary

Region: Central Washington Cascades

Sub-Region: Iron Horse Mountains

Area: Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest

Starting & Ending Point: Hyak (Summit East) Ski Area base lodge off Interstate-90 at Exit 54 (Elev. 2600 feet)

Way Points: Creek Run ski trail junction & Milwaukee Junction & Grand Junction & Rockdale Creek culvert & Rockdale Dip & Olallie Creek culvert & Vista Junction & Windy Pass & Jim Brooks Warming Hut & Mill Creek Bridge & Hyak Ski Area (ski tour)

High Point: Windy Pass (Elev. 3800 feet)

Approximate Stats: 9.9 miles traveled; 1600 feet gained & lost.

Related Post

>>>  Windy Pass Ski Tour via Palouse-To-Cascades Trail—Cold Creek Trail (detailed route description)

Route Overview

The Mt. Catherine Loop is a popular cross-country ski tour in the Hyak area near Snoqualmie Pass. During the winter and early spring months, the Summit East Ski Area sells a Nordic Ski Pass that includes a chair lift ride to the top of Milwaukee Ridge, thereby reducing the elevation gain and distance required for the loop. However, the route that I am describing herein constitutes a “full loop” that starts at the ski area’s base lodge.

To avoid conflicts with downhill skiers, the loop is best done when the ski area is not operating. This could be before the ski area opens in the winter (typically late December), or after the ski area closes in the spring (typically late March or early April). Another option is to do the full loop during one of the ski area’s shut-down days (typically Monday through Thursday, except holidays).

A word of caution: As of the 2024-25 season, the ski area began requiring an uphill travel pass or an overpriced parking permit to use the parking lot and to ski up the initial snow slope. However, from what I can determine, the new policy does not require any pass or permit on the shut-down days.

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Full Route Description

From the base lodge area at Summit East Ski Area, begin skiing or booting up the right-hand side of the main ski run. Climbing skins are very useful if skiing up, but zigzagging usually works fine. Once past the highest residence but still below the large water tank, veer right onto the Creek Run alpine ski trail. Follow Creek Run as it initially climbs at a gentle grade, crosses under a chairlift, and then curves up to the left at a steeper grade.

At the top of the steep slope, Creek Run terminates at a relatively flat and narrow trail called Milwaukee Ridge. Turn left and follow Milwaukee Ridge for 200 yards to Milwaukee Junction. Here, look for a marked nordic ski trail called Outer Loop #14F heading off to the right. Follow this nordic trail as it wanders through dense forest. Eventually, you will break out of the forest and arrive at Grand Junction, which can be identified by a large signboard and a nice warming hut.

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At Grand Junction, look for Ripsaw Trail #7 heading off to the west. Take this trail as it curves around a hillside and then makes a very steep descent—probably the steepest descent of the entire loop. The trail levels off for a short distance before descending again. It finally bottoms out at Rockdale Dip, where it crosses under a set of powerlines and gives a view of Interstate-90 far below. From here, Ripsaw Trail begins climbing out of Rockdale Dip at a moderately steep grade.

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Ripsaw Trail crosses Olallie Creek and then arrives at Vista Junction. On a clear day, you can get a nice view by proceeding straight ahead on Vista Trail, which loops uphill and then drops to join the route described here. For a slightly more direct route, turn sharply left on the unmarked Ripsaw Trail and make a gentle ascent in a southerly direction. Soon you will pass Vista Trail coming in from the right. This junction marks the official end of Ripsaw Trail and the start of Cold Creek Trail #17. Continue straight ahead on a pleasantly undulating trail that skirts the lower edge of a vast, old clearcut known as Windy Acres.

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After several gentle ups and downs, you will arrive at 3800-foot Windy Pass—the high point of the entire loop. The actual pass is difficult to identify, but it is very close to a junction with Ollie’s Slide Trail #9. Windy Pass is a good place to stop for a snack and then don more clothing in preparation for a long descent.

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From Windy Pass, continue skiing along Cold Creek Trail as it makes a long, moderately steep descent into Cold Creek Valley. You will execute two tight switchbacks before the trail mellows out and passes the Jim Brooks Warming Hut. This is a nice place to stop on a cold, rainy, or snowy day; otherwise, just keep going.

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A series of flat areas and short hills delivers you to the Mill Creek Bridge. From here, Cold Creek Trail completely flattens out and makes a fairly level 1-mile traverse across the hillside above Keechelus Lake. At the end of this traverse, you will arrive back at the Summit East Ski Area. The only thing left to do is descend the steep ski run, angling toward the large condominium buildings at the bottom. Depending on your skill level and equipment capabilities, you might choose to ski or boot down the ski run, thereby ending your 10-mile loop.

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Route Maps & Profile

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