Snow Report
CONDITIONS UPDATE: MARCH 20, 2026
This is the final snow conditions update for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Happy Spring! - although it hasn't felt like much of a winter here in Oregon. This last week was quite warm and melted a good amount of snow on the mountain. Snow that remains is generally hardpacked by travel and wet, although some less-trafficked areas still have softer, squishy snow. Conditions are variable across the mountain, depending on elevation, user traffic, and tree cover.
Temperatures cool down some this weekend and sunshine is expected. Precipitation is forecast for next week, but will likely be a mix of rain and snow. Keep an eye on the forecast.
Areas that typically have an abundance of snow this time of year have very little. We've heard reports of visitors traveling down roads that are still gated shut for seasonal closures. Remember, many roads on the Forest remain closed through at least March 31. You can find more information by reviewing our motor vehicle use maps.
We strive to provide conditions updates on a regular basis, generally Friday each week during the winter months. Contact your local district office for the most current information.
Current Snow Conditions
Forest Service staff snap some photos when possible during their fieldwork, with the hopes to show a realistic depiction of the conditions at Sno-Parks and Forest Service Roads. Click on the photos in this gallery for details!
Do you have your Sno-Park Permit?
A Sno-Park permit is required to park at most Sno-Parks in Oregon and all ski areas on the mountain November through April. Purchase your permit at a local vendor or online from Oregon Department of Transportation well in advance. Note that vendors often sell out of permits – don’t wait! Sno-Park permits are not available for purchase on-site.
Sno-Parks on Mt. Hood
With 20+ Sno-Parks on Mt. Hood, there are many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the winter. Make sure you're aware of Sno-Park rules about parking, camping, and more before you visit.
Know Before You Go: Winter Edition
Most of us know that adventuring in the great outdoors has many benefits. The outdoors can help us relieve stress, exercise the mind and body, and connect to not only nature but ourselves and each other. Visiting the outdoors comes with responsibility, especially when it comes to safety and ethics. Please remember, you are responsible for the safety of yourself and for those around you.
Ensure your visit to Mt. Hood is a positive one. Know what you’re doing, how to do it right, and how to do it safely.
TripCheck is the Oregon Department of Transportation primary traveler info tool, offering live traffic maps, construction/accident alerts, and roadside cameras across Oregon. It's the best way to check highway conditions before traveling over the mountain pass!
- US 26 at ODOT Sandy Maintenance
- US 26 at Forest Road 35
- US 26 west of Mirror Lake Trailhead
- US 26 at Skibowl West
- US 26 at Government Camp Loop Road
- US 26 at Government Camp
- US 26 at Trillium Lake
- US 26 at OR 35
- US 26 at Frog Lake
- US 26 at Blue Box Pass Summit (Forest Road 2660)
- OR 35 at Mt. Hood Meadows
- OR 35 at ODOT Parkdale Maintenance
Ski areas on Mt. Hood operate on National Forest System lands under a permit from the USDA Forest Service. Ski resort websites provide the practical, up-to-date information on snow quality and operations tha tmost people are looking for - learn more below!
Always carry these items in your vehicle when visiting the Forest in winter:
- Tire chains
- Shovel
- Forest maps
- Water & Food
- Blankets
- Extra layers
- Flashlight
Parking on Highways is Illegal
Lines of vehicles parked illegally on either side of OR Highway 35 at White River Sno-Park.
Sno-parks frequently reach capacity, especially after recent snowfall or on holiday weekends. This is not an excuse to park on highways. Parking on the highway is very unsafe and impedes snowplow and emergency vehicle access. It's also illegal - you may be cited or towed.
Have one or two back-up plans in case the Sno-Park you visit is full. Consider planning your trip for times that might be less busy, especially weekdays.