Van Epps Pass

4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Ronald, Washington (Kittitas County)
Last Updated: 06/20/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

Located in the Salmon La Sac Recreation Area of the Okanogan - Wenatchee National Forest, Van Epps Pass trail is just North of Roslyn, Washington, home of the hit TV show Northern Exposure. The trail is only accessible for four-wheel-drive vehicles from the middle of June till November. This trail, combined with several other great trails in the area, makes for an excellent day trip. Van Epps Pass has several technical sections that can present the driver with some challenges, including a drive up a dry creek-bed and some stream crossings. The fantastic views of the surrounding snow-covered mountains and picturesque alpine meadows reward those that take on the challenges of Van Epps Pass.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (8)
1800
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 07/21/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Hit this trail on the way back from Gallagher Head Lake. I had hoped it only take an hour or so, but it ended up taking a little longer. Definitely more challenging, lots of rocks to navigate around the whole way up. This trail doesn't get a whole lot of traffic, so be prepared for northwest pinstriping.
200
Open
Visited: 07/10/2021

Completed this trail twice, 7/4/21 and again 7/10/21. The duration of 1.5 hr seems laughable, even if I didn't spent a lot of time on the trail down to the mine removing a large tree off the trail. No issues with any of the obstacles. Saw a few small piles of snow well off the trail down near the mine.
Official Crew
23200
Partially Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/20/2021

I was up on this trail checking its condition and its not "Ready for Prime-Time". We encounter impassible snow about half way as well as downed trees. We removed a few trees on the way up but I'm sure there are more beyond the snow line. I would think this trail will be ready at least to the top of the pass by July 15th......the backside may not be accessible until well into August. The first section of the trail was in good condition with good flow on the creek crossings. Definitely a fun visit if you are in the area.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/09/2020

Gorgeous Trail. Take extreme caution in the winter months. Bring chains for your rig and every vehicle should be prepared for winching if necessary. More technical than the Fortune Creek run.
Official Crew
23200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/24/2020

This is a great trail with some technical areas and really awesome meadows and views. If you are doing Fortune Creek, you need to make this one a must-do.

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial