Stevens Pass

Stevens Pass is a popular ski area near Seattle.

Stevens Pass is 2-hours drive northeast of Seattle, in the spectacular Cascade Mountains. 

To get to Stevens Pass from Seattle, travel north to Monroe then east along US-2.  

The drive along US-2 is breathtaking with jagged peaks, towering conifers, and roadside waterfalls. Always check the snow report and road conditions along US-2 before visiting Stevens Pass. 

The Stevens Pass base area is at 4,061 feet above ocean level, and its top elevation is 5,845 feet at Cowboy Mountain.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops on the mountain, but the nearest lodging is 40-minutes east at the popular Bavarian tourist town of Leavenworth.

5 best things to do at Stevens Pass

1. Choose from 10 lifts and 52 primary runs. 

Stevens Pass accommodates all ski levels, with 11% beginner runs, 54% intermediate runs, and 35% advanced runs.  There are lots of beginner slopes near the base, perfect for little kids. 

Try to visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.

2. Sign up for ski school at Stevens Pass.

Book a snowboard or ski lesson in advance, with both private and group lessons for kids, teens and adults.

3. Visit restaurants and pubs at three day lodges at Stevens Pass (winter only).

The Stevens Pass base area has three day lodges next to each other, only open during the ski season.  Choose from a wide selection of restaurants, delis and pubs at the Pacific Crest Lodge, Granite Peaks Lodge, and Tye Creek Lodge.

• Granite Peaks Lodge:  Bull's Tooth Pub, Cascadian Kitchen, T-Bar Market
• Pacific Crest Lodge:  Iron Goat Pizza Station, Outer Limits Grill, Taco Stop
• Tye Creek Lodge:  Tye Creek Deli, Foggy Goggle Bar

This is the modern Granite Peaks Lodge at Stevens Pass, with comfort food at the Cascadian Kitchen, pub cuisine at the Bull Tooth's Pub, and a convenient expresso bar.  You can also purchase season passes, tickets and ski gear on Level 1.

Tye Creek Lodge is visible from the highway, and has snow and skiboard rental. The Foggy Goggle bar and grill is a fun place to stop by.

4. Avoid the crowds and book a backcountry skiing experience.

For thrill seekers, Cascade Powder Cats at Stevens Pass provides the ultimate backcountry ski and boarding experience. They offer multi-day yurt trips, catskiing trips with 7 to 10 runs a day, snowmobile skiing, and avalanche courses.

5. Stay overnight at the fun Bavarian tourist town of Leavenworth.

There's no lodging available at Stevens Pass, so drive 40 minutes east to the the bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth for a big selection of hotels.

Other ski fields near Seattle?

Snoqualmie Pass Ski field is 1-hour east of Seattle and extremely popular.  Crystal Mountain is 2 hours south of Seattle, and has restaurants, accommodation and a tourist gondola with a 10-minute ride to a mountain-top restaurant with incredible views of Mt Rainier.