Winter Sports
Choose from the following to find a site:
- Ice Skating
- Mushing/Skijoring
- Skiing/Snowboarding
- Sledding/Tubing
- Snowmobiling
- XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
The Umpqua National Forest transforms into a winter wonderland each November. Activities radiate from the Sno-Parks in each area. You can find cross-county ski trails, snowmobile trails, and places for sledding and snow play.Explore a Winter Wonderland
Be sure to plan ahead and prepare for your trip to ensure the best possible time for you and others who will be sharing the snow with you. Remember, conditions change quickly, so check the forecast ahead of time. Days are short and dark comes early, so always carry a winter survival kit and know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Winter Travel Information
Drive carefully when accessing the Forest in the winter. The Forest Service does not plow roads or clear them for downed trees or boulders in winter, so call the ranger station ahead of time to check for current conditions. For winter travel tips and road conditions, check the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck.com.
Sno-Parks
There are five Sno-Parks on the Umpqua National Forest: Mt. Thielsen, Cinnamon Butte, North Crater Lake, South Diamond, and Three Lakes.
All Sno-Parks require a Sno-Park permit. Permits are sold at all Oregon DMV offices and by permit agents in resorts, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Funds from the permits go to the State of Oregon to pay for plowing the parking areas. For information about permits as well as locations and winter travel, visit the Oregon DMV Sno-Park Permits page.
Tripcheck.com has an interactive map with a regional list of Sno-Parks and the activities available at or near each Sno-Park.
Avalanche Safety
Take nature seriously. Know your gear; know your limits. Avalanches can strike anyone. Understanding avalanche risk is important for everyone, whether their recreation activities take place in the front-country or the backcountry. Remember that avalanche equipment is only as helpful as your corresponding training in avalanche terrain.
- Northwest Avalanche Center posts regional mountain weather & forecasts.
- Avalanche.org connects the public to formal avalanche information and education in the United States.
Snow Levels
Find snow levels for sites across Oregon from the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Snotel website.