Silver Star high route - Varden creek?

[jordansahls]

Anyone ever done the Varden creek high route in the winter time to approach silver star peak? There is a brief mention in the CAG about the route. It says it starts at the foot of Cedar creek and cuts cross country. Any more specifics? Anyone done it before?

 

Thanks for you help!

 

 

[AlpineK]

Never done that approach, but have considered dropping into the upper part of Varden Creek after climbing the standard Silver Star approach.

 

The upper Varden basin looks good for skiing, but not sure if it's worth following the creek from the highway or traversing in from Cedar Creek.

 

Possibly it's worth it in the winter if the road hasn't been cleared to Silver Star Creek.

[JBo6]

DOT has been plowing to Silver Star this winter so the standard approach would not require road skinning or a snow machine.

[jordansahls]

Thank you both for the info. I wasn't sure if the DOT was plowing all the way to silver star creek. I checked the Methow trails report and just figured that the road was un-maintained after Early winters campground.

 

Still would be fun to checkout the high route but the regular route is always a good time.

Edited January 31, 2017 by jordansahls

[JBo6]

Sounds like 20 is now unmaintained past Early Winters. Hope you got your ski in.