Swampy Lakes Sno Park is a winter wonderland near Bend for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
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.
Swampy Lakes Sno Park: Must Know Information
Before embarking on your winter adventure, here are some key details you need to know:
- Location and Accessibility: Swampy Lakes Sno Park is easy to access from Bend. Just 16 miles from Bend, and right off the main road, Swampy Lakes 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 Swampy Lakes Sno Park. 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 not permitted: You cannot bring your dog to Swampy Lakes Sno Park. Learn more about which snow parks allow dogs in our full guide to snow parks near Bend.
Winter Activities at Swampy Lakes Sno Park
When you arrive at Swampy Lakes Sno Park, you’ll be greeted by a variety of fun winter activities. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cross-Country Skiing: Swampy Lakes Sno Park has access to both groomed and ungroomed nordic ski trails. These trails connect in with those at Virginia Meissner.
- Snowshoeing: If snowshoeing is more your style, you’ll find a variety of snowshoeing trails at Swampy Lakes Sno Park. The loop options allow you to customize your adventure. There are two different warming shelters you can access.
Overall, Swampy Lakes Sno Park is a great spot for nordic skiing and snowshoeing. With a large network of groomed and ungroomed ski trails, a variety of snowshoe trails, and several warming shelters, you can spend a whole winter here!
Swampy Lakes Sno Park Trail Map
There are a variety of groomed and ungroomed ski trails you can access from Swampy Sno-Park as well as several snowshoe loops.
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.
There are three different warming shelters you can access from Swampy Lakes Sno Park. See the trail map above.
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 maybe pack a lunch.
Parking and Facilities at Swampy Lakes Sno Park
- 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 one of the other snow parks near Bend, many of which have groomed nordic ski trails and snowshoe trails. Wanoga and Virginia Meissner are the closest to Swampy.
- Restrooms: Primitive restroom facilities are available and are typically well-maintained.
Trail Etiquette at Swampy Lakes Sno Park
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 Swampy Lakes Sno Park
There are many ways to enjoy Swampy Lakes Sno Park, 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 Swampy Lakes Sno Park. Just be sure to bring a light source if you stick around after sunset.
Family-Friendly and Welcoming Community:
Swampy Lakes Sno Park 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 although it may be best to stick to groomed trails, 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: Swampy Lakes Sno Park 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: The Central Oregon Nordic Club, a chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club, maintains the ski and snowshoe trails at Swampy Lakes Sno Park. 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.
How to Buy a Sno Park Permit
You must have a parking permit to park at Swampy Lakes Sno Park between November 1st and April 30th. You can buy the permit for three different intervals. Prices are as of October 2023, and retailers may charge a small additional fee.
- 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 weather forecast for Swampy Lakes Sno Park: 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
While Swampy Lake Sno Park has lots of nordic ski trails, there are plenty of 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, Swampy Lakes Sno Park in Central Oregon offers an ideal winter playground cross-country skiing and snowshoeing near Bend.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Swampy Lakes Sno Park, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable winter adventure. Learn more about Swampy Lakes Sno Park 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. Also, check out our guide to snowmobiling near Bend if you’re into that!
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.
