(Colville National Forest, Wash.)
Frater Lake SnoPark is a day-use only trail system maintained for winter access via the SnoPark system (permit required) and easily accessible from Highway 20 just west of Tiger/east of Colville. The main trail system consists of 16 kilometers of trails that are groomed for Nordic ski access as conditions allow. Since this SnoPark sits at 3,180’ elevation, sometimes there is not sufficient snow to allow for grooming. It’s best to watch weather conditions or bring extra equipment to best match the snow level. Sometimes the trails are hardpacked and icy under the trees, best-suited for traction devices on boots or riding fat bikes. When conditions do allow for grooming, snowshoe (and fat bike) users are asked to stay off the groomed trail but can set a snowshoe trail alongside the groomed path.
The parking area is located on the north side of Highway 20, and the majority of the trail distance and most challenging trails are also on this side of the system. The trail’s maximum elevation is at Coyote Rock at 3,483’. A small warming hut is located next to Frater Lake. Bring a headlamp, as it can be dark inside. On the south side of the highway there is a smaller interconnected loop trail system. The trails here lack big climbs but have many short ups and downs that can be very fun on skis when conditions are good.
For a more challenging snowshoe hike or backcountry ski tour requiring navigation skills and understanding of avalanche conditions, it’s also possible to follow the summer trail to Granite Peak. This route is not marked or maintained for winter access, so map and compass skills are necessary.
Getting There:
Frater Lake SnoPark is located on the north side of Highway 20 in Northeast Washington: 6.8 miles west of the township of Tiger, or 29.4 miles east of Colville north of Spokane.
Holly Weiler is the Eastern Washington Region Senior Coordinator for Washington Trails Association and is pretty sure this will finally be the winter to successfully summit Granite Peak on either snowshoes or skis, after turning around a bit shy of the top on the last two trips.
