Where are the good places to go this early? I saw Guy's report from Douglas Creek/Slack Canyon, and it looked pretty accessible. What about the areas just north of SR-2, say between Chumstick & Swakane? Is it passable up there?
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NWOL EST. 2006
ADVENTURE TRAVEL ENTHUSIASTS DEDICATED TO OVERLAND EXPLORATION
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By the way Ole - some of that mud we traversed was very difficult to negotiate. Just a caution, particularly if you're traveling alone.
We ended up using Max Trax, winches, recovery straps... It was not easy.
Guy
It is.... variable! How's that for a clear-cut answer Ole? Down lower, and on the south-facing slopes, Swakane Canyon and some of the other lower elevation roads are fine. A little muddy in places, but no problem.
HOWEVER... Gain a little elevation, or swing around to the north-facing slopes, and there is PLENTY of snow remaining. More than enough to bring most rigs to a halt. I can see Sugarloaf from my home, and it's still snowy.
I was recently snowshoeing at Mission Ridge, just a few miles outside of Wenatchee, and there was a lot of snow on that north-facing ridge, even at 5,000' elevation.
I'd say yes, areas are passable, but be prepared to turn back, rather than trying to force a rig through those old snow drifts.
Enjoy!