Trail Overview
Little Salmon La Sac Road is a 6.4-mile out-and-back route that climbs 2,661 feet from Highway 903 into the mountains above Cle Elum Lake. The single-lane gravel road features switchbacks, moderate rutting, water damage, and a few steeper sections with loose surfaces. As the route gains elevation, drivers are rewarded with increasingly impressive views of the surrounding foothills and snow-capped Cascade peaks. Several sections traverse narrow shelf roads with significant exposure, creating a dramatic driving experience. Numerous established dispersed campsites are located directly along the route. The road ends at an open area suitable for turning around near an intersection where the former road corridor continues but is blocked by tank traps and extensive windfall.
Difficulty
Little Salmon La Sac Road is a generally easier trail featuring a sustained climb, narrow shelf road sections, and significant exposure. The route gains over 2,600 feet in a relatively short distance, resulting in steep grades and numerous switchbacks. Moderate rutting, water damage, and loose surfaces can require careful driving, particularly near the upper portions of the trail. Several sections feature steep drop-offs with little room for error, making this route unsuitable for drivers uncomfortable with heights or exposure. While most obstacles are not highly technical, the combination of elevation gain, narrow road width, and dramatic terrain can make the trail feel much more challenging than its surface conditions suggest. As with most trails in the area, bringing a chainsaw or equipment to clear fallen trees is recommended.
