Three Creeks Sno Park, split into Upper and Lower Three Creeks Sno-Parks, is a winter wonderland with ungroomed ski and snowshoe trails, a snowmobile launch area, and excellent views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top.
Three Creeks Sno Park is a great option for people coming from Sisters, as it is a shorter drive.
In this guide, we’ll give you local tips to help you make the most of this outdoor snowy paradise near Sisters.
Three Creeks Sno Park: Must Know Information
Before embarking on your winter adventure, here are some key details you need to know:
- Location and Accessibility: Three Creeks Sno Park is 50 minutes (33 miles) from Bend and 20 minutes (10 miles) from Sisters. It is accessible via 3 Creeks Lake Road (NF 16), which is maintained and plowed regularly, but you should not attempt to drive this road in the winter without snow-worthy tires and 4-wheel drive. The roads and parking lot can be icy and snowy. Lower Three Creeks is designated as an overflow lot and is not plowed regularly.
- Parking Permit: You must have a Sno-Park Parking Permit to park at Three Creeks Sno Park. In fact, the permit is required at most of the snow 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 Three Creeks Sno Park. They are allowed on all trails. Just keep them under control at all times.
Winter Activities at Three Creeks Sno Park
When you arrive at Three Creeks Sno Park, you’ll be greeted by a variety of fun winter activities. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cross-Country Skiing: Three Creeks Sno Park has access to 14 miles of ungroomed cross-country skiing trails with many marked trails and one unmarked difficult nordic trail. Also, the trails are open to dogs!
- Snowshoeing: If snowshoeing is more your style, there is a marked snowshoeing trail at Three Creeks Snow Park that leads to the Jeff View Shelter. Of course, you can also go off-trail but be aware of snowmobiles (it’s easy to hear them).
- Snowmobiling: Three Creeks Snow Park is a popular launching spot to access miles of groomed snowmobile trails some of which climb and circumnavigate Tam McArthur Rim. There is a large network of snowmobile trails in Central Oregon that are accessible from a variety of snow parks.
Overall, Three Creeks Sno Park is a great spot for nordic skiers and snowmobilers who love a good view and don’t mind a few hills.
Three Creeks Sno Park 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. The shelters are sometimes close to the parking lot, but some you have to trek to. The warming hut at Three Creeks Sno Park is around a mile from the parking lot via the snowshoeing trail.
These warming huts serve as a cozy refuge for visitors and are especially delightful during stormy weather.
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 or even a picnic lunch.
Parking and Facilities at Three Creeks Sno Park
- Parking: The parking lot rarely gets too crowded and Lower Three Creeks provides additional parking, but it may be worth showing up before 9 am or after 2 pm if you are looking to ski at Upper Three Creeks just in case.
- Restrooms: Primitive restroom facilities are available and are typically well-maintained for visitor convenience.
Other Highlights of Three Creeks Sno Park
There are many ways to enjoy Three Creeks Sno Park, including these you may not have thought of.
- Great Views: Three Creeks Snow Park is one of the more exposed snow parks in Central Oregon. Therefore, there is potential for great views of the Three Sisters mountains.
- 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.
Grooming and Volunteer Support
Maintaining the park’s trails is a collaborative effort:
- Nordic Ski Trails: The Central Oregon Nordic Club, a chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club, maintains the ski and snowshoe trails at Three Creeks Sno Park. Consider donating on their website.
- Snowmobile Trail Grooming: The Sisters SnoGofers Club grooms the snowmobile trails accessible from Three Creeks Sno Park.
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 Three Creeks Sno Park 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
Use the table below to see the most up to date NOAA weather forecast for the corresponding sno-park. You can also find some road cameras and road conditions on TripCheck.
Up to date weather forecast for Three Creeks Sno Park: NOAA weather forecast
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, Three Creeks Sno Park in Central Oregon offers an ideal winter playground for outdoor enthusiasts and view seekers. With access to Tam Macarthur Rim via snowmobile and 14 miles of nordic trails, easy access from Sisters, a cozy warming hut, and a welcoming community, this is a sno park may be just what you are looking for.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Three Creeks Sno Park, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable winter adventure. Learn more about Three Creeks 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.
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.
