The Cle Elum Ranger District (west end of 2nd St., 509/674-4411, www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee, Mon.–Fri. 7:45 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.) office of the Wenatchee National Forest has information on more than 750 miles of hiking trails. Stop by their office for maps, a detailed trail guidebook, and camping, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling information.

Take Highway 903 from Cle Elum northwest to Cle Elum Lake; a number of forest roads branch off to backcountry hiking trails, including access to the south end of Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. From the north end of the lake, take forest roads 4308 and 4312 to the Thorp Creek trailhead for a 3.1-mile hike to tiny Thorp Lake and Kachess Ridge.

A six-mile one-way hike on Trail 1307 leaves Salmon la Sac Campground and follows a ridge to an excellent view atop Jolly Mountain.

For horseback trips into the backcountry, contact Three Peaks Outfitter/Guide Service (509/674-9661,www.3peaksoutfitters.com) for day rides or multiple-day pack rides. They even provide guided fishing and hunting trips. High Country Outfitters (509/674-6852 or 888/235-0111, www.highcountry-outfitters.com) will bring along everything you need for an overnight pack trip, ranging $90–350 depending on the level of service you’d prefer. The area offers choice cross-country skiing at Cabin Creek Nordic Ski Area, a groomed “sno-park” at exit 63 off I-90, and west of Lake Easton State Park. Permits for day-use will cost you $11 and are available at any ranger station, REI store, or a variety of other retailers.