Wanoga Snow Play Area, also called Wanoga Sno Park, is a winter wonderland for sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Wanoga Snow Play Area is truly a family friendly winter destination near Bend Oregon. The diversity of activities are great for everyone. Plus, dogs are welcome!
In this guide, we’ll give you local tips to help you make the most of this vibrant and accessible outdoor snowy paradise near Bend.
Wanoga Snow Play Area: Must Know Information
Before embarking on your winter adventure, here are some key details you need to know:
- Location and Accessibility: Wanoga Snow Play Area is easy to access from Bend. Just a 20 minute drive, and right off the main road, Wanoga Sno-Park is easy to reach in all but the worst of winter conditions. Of course, you should have snow-worthy tires. The roads and parking lot can be icy and snowy.
- Parking Permit: You must have a Sno-Park Parking Permit to park at Wanoga Snow Play Area. In fact, the permit is required at most of the sno-parks near Bend. You must buy it at local outdoor stores or you can purchase the annual version online (more info below).
- Dogs are permitted: You can bring your dog to Wanoga Snow Play Area. They are allowed on all trails. Just keep them under control at all times.
Winter Activities at Wanoga Snow Play Area
When you arrive at Wanoga Snow Play Area, you’ll be greeted by a variety of fun winter activities. Here’s what you can expect:
- Sledding Hill: A main draw of Wanoga Snow Play Area is the sledding hill. The hill has variable slopes and usually some jumps for the daredevils!
- Cross-Country Skiing: Wanoga Snow Play Area also has groomed cross-country skiing trails. There are a few small loops suitable for both classic and skate skiers. Also, the trails are open to dogs!
- Snowshoeing: If snowshoeing is more your style, you’ll find a small network of snowshoeing trails at Wanoga Sno-Park. The loop options allow you to customize your adventure. Of course, you can also go off trail.
- Snowbike/Fat Bike Trails: There are several fat bike trails at Wanoga Snow Play Area. Believe it or not you can bike on snow. Learn more about fat biking.
- Snowmobiling: Wanoga Sno Park is a popular launching spot to access over 180 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. There are a large network of snowmobile trails in Central Oregon that are accessible from a variety of snow parks.
Overall, Wanoga Snow Play Area is a great spot for families and groups who are into different winter activities. The kids can sled and parents can take turns skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or hanging out in the warming hut.
Wanoga Snow Play Area Trail Map
The Warming Hut Experience
Many snow parks near Bend have warming huts (also known as shelters) that usually have a wood stove and benches. These warming huts serve as a cozy refuge for visitors and are especially delightful during stormy weather.
The warming hut at Wanoga Snow Play area is right next to the parking lot and is a great place to hang out while the kids sled.
There are usually other folks warming up around the wood stove, so the shelters are also a great place to socialize. We recommend bringing a hot drink and even a good book.
Parking and Facilities at Wanoga Snow Play Area
- Parking: The parking lot can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arrive before 9:00 am or after 2:00 pm for the best chance to secure a spot. If the lot is full, here is a backup plan: check out the Swampy Sno Park or Virginia Meissner Sno Park, both of which have groomed Nordic ski trails and snowshoe trails.
- Restrooms: Primitive restroom facilities are available and are typically well-maintained.
Trail Etiquette at Wanoga Snow Play Area
It is important to maintain proper trail etiquette, especially when the trails become crowded. Follow these guidelines to ensure you help keep the trails safe:
- Ski on the right hand side of the trail
- Pass on the left side and say “on your left”
- Move to the side of the trail when stopped
- Snowshoers are encouraged to follow marked trails and not use the groomed ski trails. It breaks up the groomed trail which can be dangerous for skiers.
- Respect the classic ski tracks. Don’t walk or mess up the tracks.
Other Highlights of Wanoga Snow Play Area
There are many ways to enjoy Wanoga Snow Play Area, including these you may not have thought of.
- Night Skiing: Consider packing your headlamp (and some batteries or second light source) and take to the trails at night for a unique experience. It is recommended to bring a buddy.
- Stargazing: Another benefit of going at night is the potential for excellent stargazing. Of course, try to pick a clear night.
- Sunrise and Sunset: Sunrise and sunset are a great time to explore Wanoga. Just be sure to bring a light source if you stick around after sunset.
Family-Friendly and Welcoming Community:
Wanoga Snow Play Area welcomes visitors of all ages and skill levels. The people in Bend and within the skiing community are typically friendly and welcoming.
Families will find the park to be a great choice. The trails are suitable for kids, and the friendly community atmosphere ensures a welcoming environment for young adventurers.
Grooming and Volunteer Support
Maintaining the park’s trails is a collaborative effort:
- Well-Groomed Trails: Wanoga Snow Play Area is known for its well-groomed trails, a testament to the dedication of volunteers who work hard to keep them in top condition.
- Volunteer Contributions: Dogpac, a local organization focused on dog and human freedom, grooms the ski trails at Wanoga Snow Play Area. Consider donating on their website.
Renting Winter Equipment
Where to Rent Cross-country Skis and Snowshoes in Bend
For those without their own equipment, renting cross-country skis and snowshoes is a breeze. Check out the following places to rent gear in Bend:
- Powder House Ski & Snowboard: As one of the long-standing Bend local shops, Powder House is a go-to for winter gear rentals.
- Mountain Supply: Mountain Supply has been a fixture in the Bend ski and snowboard scene for over 40 years, and offers a wide selection of winter gear rentals..
- Pine Mountain Sports: Another great option for renting winter gear in Bend.
Where to Rent Snowmobiles in Bend
You can rent snowmobiles in Bend from Cascade Lakes Adventures, Central Oregon Rentals, or Adrenaline Rentals.
How to Buy a Sno Park Permit
You must have a parking permit to park at Wanoga Snow Play Area between November 1st and April 30th. You can buy the permit for three different intervals. Prices are as of October 2023.
- Annual Sno-Park Permit (November 1 – April 30) – $25
- 3-Day (consecutive) Sno-Park Permit – $9
- Daily Sno-Park Permit – $4
There are two ways to buy a sno-park permit in Bend. The first is from permit agents in retail stores. The retailers in Bend that sell the permit can be found at Oregon.gov.
The second way is to buy an annual permit online at DMV2U which includes a printable interim permit that you can use immediately.
More sno-park permit information:
- You can move a Sno-Park permit from one vehicle to another.
- You can use California and Idaho Sno-Park permits in Oregon.
- You can use Oregon Sno-Park permits in California and Idaho.
- You may get a fine for parking in a Sno-Park without a permit.
Learn more about sno-park permits at: Oregon.gov
Weather Forecasts and Other Resources
Here is the forecast for Wanoga Snow Play Area: NOAA weather forecast.
You can also find some road cameras and road conditions on TripCheck.
Other Places to Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Near Bend
Whether you’re skiing or snowshoeing, these sno-parks are sure to keep you busy for a while! However, there are other options to snowshoe and cross-country skiing near Bend.
Don’t pass up other snow parks near Bend. There are 11 sno-parks within 35 miles of Bend and most have cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Learn more in our full guide to sno-parks near Bend.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort has an expansive network of nordic trails that range in difficulty. They also have a variety of snowshoe trails. These trails are maintained to the highest quality, as a result, require a cost to use. You can also rent equipment at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center.
Hoodoo Ski Area also has a variety of nordic trails. They groom during the weekends and charge a fee. However, when they don’t groom the trails are free.
Winter Tours and Lessons in Bend
Tours and lessons are a great way to get into the winter activities near Bend.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Tours and Lessons
Wanderlust Tours hosts a variety of tours year round. Their winter tours include daytime and nighttime snowshoeing options.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers cross-country skiing lessons. This is probably the most flexible option for one-time cross country skiing lessons near Bend.
The Bend Endurance Academy offers nordic skiing lessons for all ages. These lessons are hosted weekly as part of an 8 week program. This option is great for locals who are able to attend one session each week.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wanoga Snow Play Area in Central Oregon offers an ideal winter playground for outdoor enthusiasts and families. With a fun sledding hill, easy access from Bend, nearby equipment rental options, a cozy warming hut, and a welcoming community, it’s no wonder this destination is so popular.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable winter adventure. Learn more about Wanoga Snow Play Area on the USFS webpage.
If you are interested, learn more about other places to cross country ski near Bend or check out our full guide to skiing near Bend.
We also have a lot of other articles about Central Oregon. If you are in Bend in the winter, learn more fun things to do in Bend in the winter.
