Old Pass Hill
Central CascadesBest Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep
A bushwhack summit near Blewett Pass with Teanaway views, best tackled on snowshoes.
About This Trail
Old Pass Hill is a 4,885-foot summit near Blewett Pass, reached by following the Wenatchee Crest snowshoe route and then bushwhacking up game trails and decommissioned logging roads. The standard approach starts from the Blewett Pass Sno-Park (or Pipe Creek Sno-Park when Blewett fills) and follows the groomed Scotty Creek Road before turning off toward the summit. Blue blazes mark sections of the route, but slide alder on the old roads can make navigation tricky, especially with snow cover.
The summit panorama takes in the Teanaway peaks and Tronsen Ridge. Trip reports describe the bushwhack as easier and less impactful than nearby Cairn Hill. In winter, snowshoes are essential and the route makes a solid half-day objective for experienced snowshoers looking for something beyond the groomed corridors. In summer, the old roads and game trails are more straightforward but the destination is less compelling without snow.
The east-side Cascades location means cold, exposed conditions in winter. Avoid this one on bitterly cold days when wind chill on the summit becomes dangerous.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
March 2022 reports describe snow-covered approaches. Summer 2021 report describes the bushwhack as manageable via game trails and decommissioned roads. Winter is the primary season, with snowshoes required.
“I preferred this route as it does not involve the long road snowshoe.”
Last report: Mar 26, 2022
Scorecard
The Blewett Pass Sno-Park can fill by 9am on winter weekends, but very few people continue beyond the groomed routes to Old Pass Hill. Total solitude is common on the summit.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Slide alder on decommissioned roads, especially difficult under snow
- East-side exposure creates dangerously cold wind chill in winter
- Routefinding required on the bushwhack sections
- Potential avalanche terrain in winter; carry appropriate gear
Getting There
Blewett Pass Sno-Park fills early on winter weekends. Pipe Creek Sno-Park is a backup option. Sno-Parks Permit required.
From I-90 exit 106, take Highway 97 north toward Wenatchee. Park at Blewett Pass Sno-Park on the west side of the road. Follow Scotty Creek Road (FR 7324, groomed for snowmobiles in winter) and then depart onto game trails and old roads toward the summit. Blue blazes mark some sections.
Recent Reports
I always text my wife where I'm going. Her reply this morning was, "Are you going to Old Fart Hill' and your phone just auto corrected?
Got up to Old Pass Hill this morning taking a more direct approach than the usual way from the Sno-Park at Blewett Pass via the Wenatchee Crest Snowshoe -Cairn Hill route. I preferred this route as it does not involve the long road snowshoe.
Old Pass Hill is a mini bushwhack near Blewett Pass following mostly game trails and decommissioned roads. This was much easier and less impactful than Cairn Hill was IMHO.
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