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Oregon Sno Park and Winter Recreation Areas

Cross-Country Skiing, Snowmobiling, & Sledding Fun in OR Mountains

Oct 10, 2008 Aurae Beidler

Winter recreation in Oregon is fun and affordable at one of Oregon's Sno Parks, located near Mt. Hood, in the Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake and other mountain locations.

Visitors and adventurers enjoy Oregon’s bountiful opportunities for winter recreation. From sledding to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling or just playing in the snow, visitors find Oregon Sno Parks accessible and affordable. Some visitors even chose to solely enjoy Oregon Sno Parks, instead of the more popular mountain resorts. For a fun-filled day, snow parks offer affordable prices and opportunities for fun and adventure. At Oregon Sno Parks, guests can make their own adventure, trekking off on a multitude of trails and sites.

Oregon Sno Park Recreation Areas

Winter recreation opportunities are found along the length of the Cascade Mountains and the mountain ranges of Central, Northeast and Southeast regions of Oregon. Oregon Sno Parks are arranged within the following regions:

Mt. Hood
Northeast Oregon
Santiam Pass
Central Oregon
Southeast Oregon
Crater Lake/ Diamond Lake
Lake of the Woods/ Siskiyou Summit

These parks provide opportunities for winter recreation such as cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledding, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snow play. Most of these parks are located just off major highways and roads, providing easy access. Trails take off from the parking lots into wilderness areas, offering many opportunities for winter adventure. Trails range in length from short distances to longer trail loops of 15 to 20 miles. Trail elevation also varies at each site. Once out in forested and wilderness areas, mountain peaks, alpine lakes and streams and beautiful scenery surrounds winter explorers.

Oregon Sno Park Permits

Oregon Sno Parks do require a permit that can be obtained from DMV offices across the state or at sporting goods stores and retail centers. Permits are available in three options:

Annual permit $20
3-day permit $7
1-day permit $3

Snow Park permits are required from November 1st through April 30th. The annual permit is worth the cost, if visitors chose to make frequent visits to Oregon Sno Parks. One benefit to purchasing a snow park permit is that the permits are honored in Washington, California and Idaho and these states also honor the Oregon Sno Park permit. Another benefit is avoiding the $30 fine for not having a permit displayed in the vehicle windshield while parking at a snow park. Area resorts and winter recreation areas also require the Sno Park permit, such as Mt. Hood Meadows and other Oregon ski areas and resorts.

Visitors and travelers to Oregon’s mountains should know and follow Oregon’s chain law for winter travel. Visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s website for more information on traction and chain requirements for safe winter travel. Travelers can call 511 for Travel Information in Oregon.

The copyright of the article Oregon Sno Park and Winter Recreation Areas in NW U.S./Alaska Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Oregon Sno Park and Winter Recreation Areas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.