Winter Sports
SnoParks on the Deschutes National Forest
There are numerous SnoParks to begin your winter activities from. Follow the guidance below.
Camping & Overnight Parking
- Visitors should not camp on snow or in a snow cave within 300 feet of the perimeter of the snopark. This distinction is to provide for public safety during snow plowing operations.
- Visitors should not camp within 300 feet of a snow shelter.
- Overnight camping is allowed in snoparks along the Cascade Lakes Highway with the exception of Dutchman SnoPark (please see Dutchman SnoPark section below).
- The Deschutes National Forest Occupancy & Use / Camping Forest Order applies.
- Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
- The Deschutes National Forest Occupancy & Use / Camping Forest Order applies.
- Snopark plowing often occurs during the night. If you’re leaving your vehicle in a snopark overnight, please park in a location that maintains ample access for plowing operations.
- If camping at a snopark for multiple nights, please move your vehicle after plowing to allow for unplowed areas around your vehicle’s prior parking spot to be plowed during the next plowing cycle.
Parking
- A valid Oregon Department of Transportation SnoPark Permit is required for parking November 1 - April 30.
- If parking a regular vehicle in a space designated for the length of a vehicle towing a trailer, please pull forward to allow two vehicles to park in the space. This maximizes parking opportunities for everyone.
- Many snoparks regularly reach capacity – have a “Plan B” or alternative option if the snopark of your choice is full. Consider planning your trip for times that might be less busy.
- DO NOT park in areas marked with “No Parking” signs. This can impact ingress and egress for other visitors and emergency vehicles. Vehicles that are incorrectly parked may receive citations.
Dogs
- Dogs are prohibited on the north side of Cascade Lakes Highway November 1 through May 1.
- An exception to the rule is for a permitted working dog in harness on a groomed snowmobile trail. Permits are obtained at Forest Service offices.
- Dogs must be on leash at developed recreation areas on the south side of Cascade Lakes Highway.
Winter Trail Etiquette
- Please do not walk or snowshoe on top of groomed ski tracks or skin tracks.
- People traveling downhill have the right-of-way as they have more speed, and it can be difficult for them to stop.
Specific SnoPark Guidelines
Dutchman SnoPark
- Overnight camping is NOT permitted.
- Overnight parking is NOT permitted from 6 p.m. on Tuesday through 6 a.m. on Wednesday and from 6 p.m. Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday to allow for plowing operations.
- Vehicles and/or vehicles and trailer units parked at Dutchman SnoPark may not be longer than 40’ in length.
Wanoga Snow Play Area
- Vehicles parked in the Wanoga Snow Play Area (lower parking lot) may not exceed 24’ in length.
- No trailer parking in the Wanoga Snow Play Area (lower parking lot).
- The Wanoga Snow Play Area is intended as a sledding hill and is not designed for snowboarding, skiing or building jumps.
10 Mile SnoPark
- Please limit camping to the lower parking lot.
- Non-motorized recreationists are encouraged to park in the lower parking lot to help maximize the amount of parking space available for everyone.
Skiing/Snowboarding
Go skiing at Mt. Bachelor!
Sledding/Tubing
Enjoy sledding from the Wanoga Snow Play Area SnoPark and at Mt. Bachelor.
Snowmobiling
Explore several snowmobiling areas in Deschutes National Forest.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Strap on some skis or snowshoes and explore the many SnoParks and areas with crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.
Search for Winter Sports Opportunities
10 Mile Sno-Park
Site Open
This snopark offers access to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation activities in and around Newberry Caldera. The parking lot generally fills up on weekends during the winter. It can…
6 Mile Sno-Park
Site Open
This sno-park offers access to both motorized and non-motorized winter recreation activities. It can also be used as a base for summer hiking/biking ventures.View a winter trail snowmobile map…
Crescent Lake Sno-Park
Located near Crescent Lake, this snopark is less than an acre in size. Amenities include a toilet, forest information and access to nearby roads.View a snowmobile trail map here.
Deschutes NF-Bend/Sunriver/La Pine Area
Snow-capped peaks, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and trails in this high desert area makes for some of the best recreation in Oregon. Skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and riding…
Deschutes NF-Crescent Area
Quiet and remote area of the Deschutes National Forest
Deschutes NF-Sisters-Metolius Area
Near the beautiful town of Sisters and the Metolius River on the Deschutes National Forest.
Dutchman Sno-Park/Trailhead
This site offers parking and access to many trail opportunities. Winter usage is extremely heavy as the small sno-park quickly fills up.Provides access to:Central Oregon snowmobile trails and Nordic…
Edison Butte Sno-Park/Staging Area/Trailhead
This site is a large paved parking area, with ample room for large groups, RVs and trailers. There is a toilet located in the center of the parking area and an information kiosk with trail maps at…
Junction Sno-Park
This large, 3-acre sno-park is near Crescent Lake Junction and Highway 58. Toilets are available at the site.View a snowmobile trail map here.
Kapka Sno-Park
This site is a large paved parking area with ample room for large groups, RVs and trailers. There is a toilet located in the center of the parking area and an information kiosk.Provides access…