FR 23 from Randle to Trout Lake

Tried 'em all (including the Jarvis variation, not mentioned above). FR 23 is shorter, faster, more interesting. Why drive the long way around on endless, generic interstate highways, surrounded by everything that is obnoxious and ugly, when you can cruise swiftly through the forest, sliding around gravelled corners, bounding through potholes, and in other respects staying alert and amused?<br><br>The foregoing is personal opinion, and should in no way be taken to indicate that the author fails to appreciate the existence of other, equally valid perspectives.

From Marysville we will be taking our standard route. It is longer for sure, but cuts down on risk (traffic jams, blown tires from sliding around gravelled corners, etc.).<br><br>I-90 East. <br><br>R. on 82 @ Ellensburg.<br><br>R. on cutoff to 97. Not sure the name of the town and don't want to guess at exit # (51? or 54?) <br><br>R. on 142 at Goldendale.<br><br>R. on Goldendale-Glenwood Rd. (views of Adams begin here).<br><br>I don't think there are anymore turns after that.<br>The Klickitat River area is immensely beautiful. The road clings to the side of a gorge for a couple of miles.<br><br>As far as time goes: We left Marysville last year at 1:30am. (lots of traffic at that hour I know). We were on the trail with Volcano passes in hand at 7:30am. This would have been good timing since as we passed pikers peak the circus animals were dropping into SW Chutes.<br><br>

Where and how do you get volcano passes between 1:30 and 7:30 AM?

I thought there was a self-issuing station at the Trout Lake ranger station so the forest service can take your money 24/7. <br>Driving down tomorrow after work to ski the SW chutes on saturday...anyone else going to be down there?<br>

Actually there is a self-issuing station.  They were out.  We paid anyway.  We did not see any rangers last year, but the year before we were checked just below the Crescent Glacier.<br><br>Hi Bud. Busy morning here...darn customers.<br><br>Yeah. We will be heading in to camp around Timberline Sat. afternoon. Hoping to time it so people are leaving as we are arriving. Then ski the chutes Sunday.

Bud - we have a group going down on Friday. Some earlier in the day, but at least one person can't leave til the end of the day. You're welcome to hook up with us. Plan is to go up Saturday and return to Seattle that evening. Let me know if you're interested. - Russ