The Snowberry Bowl Campground, where the trailhead for this trail outing is located, is still open for a late fall weekend getaway. The campground features a total of nine beautiful campsites (seven single sites and two double sites). All sites have sand tent pads for your sleeping comfort. No water or garbage services are available during the winter, so be sure to bring your own water and toilet paper and pack out all garbage.

Access: The trailhead is located at Snowberry Bowl Campground (which replaced the closed Ramona Campground) off Stormy Mountain Road No. 8410. From the South Shore Road on Lake Chelan, take Shady Pass Road to its junction with Slide Ridge Road. After taking a left at the “Y,” Snowberry Bowl Campground is about one-eighth of a mile from the old Ramona Park site. The route should be signed from the South Shore Road.

Fees: None

Length: 9.5 miles from the trailhead to its junction with Devil’s Backbone Trail No. 1448.

Use allowed: Hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

Not allowed: Three- or four-wheeled ATV’s.

Elevation gain: Approximately 2,700 feet (from 2,000 feet at the trailhead to 4,708 at Pot Peak).

What you will see: The trail takes off rather steeply from the trailhead — which more experienced bike riders will enjoy — and maintains a fairly narrow tread along Pot Peak Ridge. This is a dry route, so taking along extra drinking water is recommended. Road and trail conditions are currently muddy; expect to encounter snow at the top of Pot Peak.

The Devil’s Backbone Trail No. 1448 provides access to a significant amount of additional trip mileage and outstanding views to enjoy. Be prepared for all types of weather this time of year.

Information: Chelan Ranger District, 682-4900

— U.S. Forest Service