Trip Date: April 18, 2021
Nason–Smith Ski Traverse: Nason Creek to Lichtenberg Pass to Smith Brook
Nason Creek Valley
Lake Valhalla
Lichtenberg Pass
Smith Brook Meadow
Trip Report Summary
Region: North-Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Upper Wenatchee Mountains
Area: Henry M. Jackson Wilderness
Starting Point: PCT-Northbound Trailhead at Stevens Pass on Highway 2 (Elev. 4000 feet)
Way Points: Stevens Pass Railroad Grade & Nason Creek & Lake Valhalla & Lichtenberg Pass & Smith Brook Meadow & Smith Brook Road (ski tour)
High Point: Lichtenberg Pass (Elev. 5100 feet)
Ending Point: Smith Brook Roadhead on Highway 2 (Elev. 3200 feet)
Approximate Stats: 10 miles traveled; 1400 feet gained; 2200 feet lost; 8.0 hours elapsed.
Related Posts
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – May 21, 2022
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – April 28, 2018
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – April 6, 2013
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – March 19, 2011
>>> Nason—Smith Ski Traverse – March 17, 2007
Full Trip Report
Todd and Debra joined me for the classic Nason–Smith Ski Traverse on a day of delightfully summer-like weather. In fact, the graphic weather forecast during the week leading up to our trip had a level of climatic purity that I have rarely seen in the springtime!
After dropping a car at the Smith Brook Roadhead pullout on US-2, we drove up to Stevens Pass and began our traverse at the northbound trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT was easily followed for 2 miles along the old railroad grade except for a recent avalanche swath near Yodelin.
We continued contouring westward into Nason Creek Valley, then turned northward and ascended forested slopes toward Lake Valhalla. The snow was hard and crusty in shady areas, but soft and mushy in sunny areas.
A final steep slope led to a high bench directly beneath the towering rock horn of Lichtenberg Mountain and adjacent to Lake Valhalla.
We glided across the lake and zigzagged up one last steep slope to 5100-foot Lichtenberg Pass (5.5 hours + 1400 feet from Stevens Pass). This slope had been baking in the sun for several hours and exhibited much surface instability.
We took a long break at the pass and enjoyed excellent visibility in all directions. It was discouraging, though, to see that snowmobiles had high-marked and tracked every slope on the eastern side of the pass, despite the fact that most of it lies inside a wilderness area.
Heading down from Lichtenberg Pass, we picked our way through the upper slopes and lower glades as best we could. There were a few good turns to be had in between the snowmobile tracks.
Upon reaching Smith Brook Meadow, we jumped onto the well-traveled Smith Brook Road and made a quick glide down to US-2 (8.0 hours + 1400 feet from Stevens Pass).
Equipment Comments
For more information regarding the various equipment that I used for this particular trip and that I typically use for this type of trip, see my gear reviews on the following pages:
>>> Backcountry Telemark Ski Touring Gear
>>> Backcountry Ski & Snowshoe Packs
>>> Wintertime Comfort Accessories
Route Map & Profile
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Photo Gallery
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