Old Blewett Pass Highway

Old Blewett Pass Highway follows the abandoned roadbed of the original highway over Blewett Pass, climbing 1,030 feet over 8.2 miles round trip to the old pass at 4,064 feet. In winter, the route starts from the Swauk Campground Sno-Park and makes a solid snowshoe outing on a wide, consistent grade. In summer, you can drive to the pass itself and poke around the remains of an old restaurant and a 1930s rope-tow ski lift.

The road traverses private property near the pass, so stay on the right-of-way. As an unplowed Forest Service road rather than a maintained highway, expect rockfall and downed trees in places. The grade is steady and the footing is generally good, making this accessible to snowshoers of any fitness level who do not mind the distance.

Trip reports are a mix of recreational snowshoers and search-and-rescue volunteers. The Blewett Pass area sees regular winter use from snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers, so the approach road is usually packed down. Dog-friendly and suitable for anyone looking for a long, mellow winter walk on the east side of the Cascades.