Edison Butte Sno Park, also called Edison Sno Park, is a winter wonderland for ungroomed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
In this guide, we’ll give you local tips to help you make the most of Edison Butte Sno Park near Bend.
Edison Butte Sno Park: Must Know Information
Before embarking on your winter adventure, here are some key details you need to know:
- Location and Accessibility: Edison Butte Sno Park is easy to access from Bend. Just 22 miles from Bend, and right off the main road, Edison 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 Edison Butte 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 permitted: You can bring your dog to Edison Butte Sno Park. They are allowed on all trails. Just keep them under control at all times.
- Parking: The parking lot can get crowded, especially on weekends. This is one of the closer sno-parks to Sisters. Arrive before 10:00 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 other sno-parks near Bend.
- Restrooms: Primitive restroom facilities are available and are typically well-maintained for visitor convenience.
Winter Activities at Edison Butte Sno Park
When you arrive at Edison Butte Sno Park, you’ll be greeted by a variety of fun winter activities. Here’s what you can expect:
- Cross-Country Skiing: Edison Butte Sno Park has ungroomed, marked cross-country skiing trails. There is a large network of trails, with a variety of loops that allow you to customize your route. Also, the trails are open to dogs! There are no groomed trails.
- Snowshoeing: If snowshoeing is more your style, you’ll find a network of dedicated, marked snowshoeing trails at Edison Butte Sno Park. The loop options allow you to customize your adventure. Of course, you can also go off trail, or follow the ski trails.
- Snowmobiling: Edison 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. See a full map of snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
- Warming Shelters: There are two warming shelters accessible via the ski and snowshoe trail network at Edison Sno Park.
Overall, Edison Butte Sno Park is a great spot for ungroomed Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a launching area for snowboline trail access.
Edison Butte 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. These warming huts serve as a cozy refuge for visitors and are especially delightful during stormy weather.
There are two different warming shelters you can access from Swampy Lakes Sno Park. Although one is closed for repairs as of October 2023. 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 or even a picnic lunch.
Other Highlights of Edison Butte Sno Park
There are many ways to enjoy Edison Butte 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 Edison Butte Sno Park. Just be sure to bring a light source if you stick around after sunset.
Maintenance and Volunteer Support
Maintaining the park’s trails is a collaborative effort:
- Shelter and Ski/Snowshoe Trail Maintenance: The warming shelters and ski/snowshoe trails at Edison Butte Sno Park are maintained by the Central Oregon Nordic Club. Consider showing your support via a donation.
- Well-Groomed Snowmobile Trails: The snowmobile trails at Edison Butte Sno Park are maintained by the Moon Country Snowbusters. Consider supporting via a donation for their hard work.
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 Edison Butte Sno Park between November 1st and April 30th. You can buy the permit for three different intervals. Prices are as of October 2023, although retailers may charge an 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
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 Edison Butte 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, Edison Butte Sno Park is a great spot for ungroomed Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a launching area for snowmobiling trail access.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Edison Butte Sno Park, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable winter adventure. Learn more about Edison Butte Sno Park on the USFS webpage.
If you are interested, learn more about other places to cross-country ski and snowshoe 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.
