How is the road to Alpental?

ride-rider

ride-rider

Active member
Hey,

I usually ride Stevens, but I go to CWU and Alpental is closer for me now. I am curious what the road is like up there? Is it steep like crystal? I ask because I drive a 2wd ford ranger. I have studded snow tires with weight in the back, but I don't wanna fucking put on my chains. Especially if there isn't anywhere to put them on.
 
There are definitely places to put on chains, though you won't need them if its not storming. It's a four lane highway, one of the least sketchy roads you could imagine, in good conditions. Lots of people who don't know how to drive in snow end up there though, which is a problem if it gets really bad. Just drive defensively in that case.
 
well I know the road up to summit west is a piece of cake, so the section from summit west to Alpental is easy too?
 
yeah, there's literally nothing you could get hung up on... I've seen some not-very-snow worthy cars in the Alpy parking lot.
 
I think this is the first time this question has ever been asked, but just so you know that road is full of yetis who leapt off the snowbanks onto your car. I thought this was common knowledge~
 
theres one little hill going up to the lots that sometimes gives people trouble when it snows. Some people don't understand that you need to maintain speed on hills.
 
Related:

Do they close the roads if it snows too much? like this week for example? or will they just require everyone to chain up? Do you have to chain up even if you have 4wd?
 
They usually close it for avy control, or danger, not snow on the road. That said I have seen it when i90 has a little snow on the road with chains required, and hw2 has 6 in of snow and ice all the way from index to the pass with traction tyres advised.
 
All the information you need regarding conditions and requirements can be found here; www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes/snoqualmie/

Regarding the actual road to Alpental off of I90 exit 52, it's usually freshly plowed, so predominantly snow and ice covering the road. Not much elevation change, so any vehicle driving with common sense should be able to make it just fine.
 
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