Drysider Cascades: Washington's Lake Wenatchee State Park.

Each winter, huge storms spin like vast whirlpools off the North Pacific and crash into Washington State's Cascade mountain range. However; while western Washington is known for its ceaseless rain and gray skies, just east of the Cascade crest sun and snow prevails.

Sheltered by a rugged wall of 7,000 to 9,000 foot peaks, Lake Wenatchee State Park lies in the protected lee of the North Cascades. While only 100 miles from Seattle, the weather is dramatically different. Here, on the east side of the mountains, snowstorms interspersed with periods of bright winter sunshine are the rule rather than the exception. Locals, who sometimes call themselves" Drysiders," jokingly refer to the soggy west side of the state as the "Wetside."

Because of its location in Cascade rain shadow, Lake Wenatchee receives less than half the precipitation of the range's western slope. Still, in an average year, that adds up to an impressive 150 inches of snow. Because the mountains shield the park from warm ocean air, snow tends to fall as light, dry powder of skier's dreams.

The result is a small jewel of a park located in a unique climactic niche perfectly suited for cross country skiers. Combine favorable weather conditions with a quality groomed trail system, a spectacular setting, convenient access and a wealth of nearby lodging and entertainment …