There are 10 amazing snow parks near Bend Oregon (also called sno-parks) that offer a variety of winter activities including Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sledding.
Whether you’re planning your cross-country ski route, finding the best sledding hill, or cozying up in a warming shelter, these snow parks near Bend await your exploration!
As long-time central Oregon residents, we are excited to share our local knowledge with you.
This article will cover each of the snow parks near Bend in detail and help you decide which ones are best for you!
Let’s glide into everything you need to know about Bend snow parks.
Overview of Snow Parks near Bend Oregon
This table highlights the must-know information about each Bend sno-park. You can see important details that are helpful for planning your visit.
| Sno Park | Miles From Bend | Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Dogs Permitted (Nov 1 – May 1) | Warming Shelter(s) |
| Virginia Meissner | 14 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Wanoga | 14 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Swampy Lakes | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Skyliner | 11 | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Vista Butte | 18 | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Kapka | 18 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Edison Butte | 22 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dutchman | 21 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Three Creek | 33 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ten Mile | 33 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
That’s a lot of sno-parks! Each one is unique. Let’s break it down in this article so you know which ones are best for you.
If you’re short on time, here’s a brief summary of sno-parks near Bend:
- If you want groomed skate-skiing trails, choose Virginia Meissner or Swampy Lakes.
- For the most family friendly sno-park, go to Wanoga.
- If you want the best mountain views on a sunny day, you can’t beat Three Creek or Dutchman.
- For a winter waterfall adventure, check out Skyliner and Ten Mile.
Local tip: Traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends in the morning and between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm.
This impacts the drive to any of the sno-parks along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, including Virginia Meissner, Wanoga, Swampy Lakes, Vista Butte, Kapka, Edison Butte, and Dutchman.
Map of Sno Parks Bend Oregon
Use the interactive map below to see the snow parks near Bend mentioned in this article. You can expand the map in a full window to use all the functionality.
Snow Parks Near Bend Oregon
We mention 11 Bend sno-parks in this article. These are all within a day trip from Bend, but the driving distance varies between 11 and 33 miles.
Some sno-parks near Bend are better than others for certain activities. Some are best for skiing groomed Nordic trails, and others are the perfect snowmobile launch point.
In this article, we have gathered all the information you need to know about these sno-parks near Bend. Keep in mind you’ll need to purchase a sno-park permit. More on that later in this article.
Virginia Meissner Sno Park
Virginia Meisser has a large network of groomed ski trails and dedicated snowshoe trails with several warming shelters within a short drive from Bend.
No dogs are allowed. There are no snowmobile trails. The parking lot is relatively small and fills up quickly on weekends.
Local tip: Visit the Meissner shelter for a cozy spot to warm up and chat with others.
Our Take:
Virginia Meissner has the largest network of groomed Nordic Ski Trails near Bend. It’s ideal for skate skiing and also classic skiing. The close proximity from Bend is convenient but also means higher crowds.
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park Trail Map
Virginia Meissner Information
| Distance From Bend | 14 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowmobiling Launch | No |
| Warming Shelter(s) | Yes |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 5,395 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | No |
Learn more about Virginia Meissner Sno Park.
Wanoga Sno-Park and Snow Play Area
Wanoga has a small network of groomed ski and fatbike trails, as well as snowshoe trails. Dogs are allowed and there is a snowmobile launch point.
There is a warming hut right next to the parking lot along with a sledding hill.
Wanoga is located accross the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway from Virginia Meissner and traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends.
Our Take:
Wanoga is the one-stop-shop for family friend winter sno-park activities. One parent can ski while the other hangs out in the warming shelter and watches the kids sled. Plus, dogs are welcome!
Wanoga Sno-Park Trail Map
See a map of the snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Wanoga Sno-Park and Snow Play Area Information
| Distance From Bend | 14 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowmobiling Launch | Yes |
| Warming Shelter(s) | Yes |
| Sledding Hill | Yes |
| Elevation | 5,395 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | Yes |
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park
Swampy Lakes is just west of Virginia Meissner and Wanoga. Swampy offers a large network of groomed and ungroomed ski trails, as well as snowshoe trails with access to a variety of warming shelters and views.
All of this is within a reasonable drive from Bend but is typically less crowded than Wanoga and Virginia Meissner.
Dogs are not allowed and there are no snowmobiling trails. Again, traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends.
Our Take:
Swampy is ideal for snowshoeing and Nording skiing. The proximity to Bend, variety of loop options, lack of snowmobile noise, and access to warming shelters make this one of our overall favorite sno-parks.
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park Trail Map
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 16 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowmobiling Launch | No |
| Warming Shelter(s) | Yes, several |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 5,800 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | No |
Learn more about Swampy Lakes Sno Park.
Skyliner Sno-Park
Skyliner Sno-Park has several ungroomed ski trails, one of which is a road that is closed during winter.
The main draw to Skyliner is the stunning Tumalo Falls, one of the best waterfalls near Bend.
Skyliner is also the closest sno-park to Bend, which is convenient but can also mean crowds.
Dogs are allowed. There is no snowmobile access which we like for the lack of noise. Skyliner is lower elevation than other sno-parks near Bend, which can mean a shorter winter season overall.
Our Take:
We love taking the Tumalo Falls Nordic Road to Tumalo Falls and back. It’s a great 6-mile round-trip ski, snowshoe, or winter hike (the snow is often packed down from other people).
Skyliner Sno Park Map
Skyliner Sno Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 11 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | No |
| Snowmobiling Launch | No |
| Warming Shelter(s) | No |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 4,800 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | Yes |
Learn more about Skyliner Sno Park.
Vista Butte Sno-Park
Vista Butte Sno-Park has a limited number of ungroomed Nordic ski trails that can be challenging due to the steep grade.
That said, the main draw is the views of Mt. Bachelor and the surrounding landscape form the vantage of Vista Butte.
This is also a popular spot for backcountry skiing and split-boarding.
There are no dedicated snowshoe trails, but snowshoers can blaze their own trail or follow the ski trails. Dogs are not allowed and if you are snowmobiling, it’s better to launch from Kapka Butte Sno-Park.
There is not a real parking lot at Vista Butte Sno-Park. Rather, the parking is just a pull-off from the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Our Take:
Overall, Vista Butte is for more advanced Nordic skiers. The grade of the trails can be demanding and challenging, but the views are some of the best from any of these sno-park near Bend.
Vista Butte Sno-Park Map
See a map of the snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Vista Butte Sno-Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 18 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | No |
| Snowmobiling Launch | No |
| Warming Shelter(s) | No |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 5,925 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | No |
Kapka Sno-Park
Kapka is an ideal snowmobiling launch point for accessing snowmobile trails.
Besides that, there really isn’t anything at Kapka Sno-Park for skiers and snowshoers.
Kapka Sno-Park Snowmobile Trail Map
See a map of the snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Kapka Sno-Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 18 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes (connects to Vista Butte trails) |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | No |
| Snowmobiling Launch | Yes |
| Warming Shelter(s) | No |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 5,900 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | No |
Learn more about Kapka Sno-Park.
Edison Butte Sno Park
Edison Butte Sno-Park has a large network of ungroomed ski trails, snowshoe trails, and access to snowmobile trails.
Although a bit more of a drive from Bend than other sno-parks, it’s usually worth it for relatively less crowds.
Dogs area allowed. There are two warming shelters at Edison Butte Sno-Park, though the Edison Shelter may still be closed for repairs.
Our Take:
We love the large network of ungroomed trails, but the snowmobile noise can disturb the peaceful setting. That said, the relatively lower crowds can be worth it compared to Virginia Meissner, Swampy, and Wanoga.
Edison Butte Sno Park Trail Map
See a map of the snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Edison Butte Sno Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 22 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowmobiling Launch | Yes |
| Warming Shelter(s) | Yes |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 5,040 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | Yes |
Learn more about Edison Butte Sno Park.
Dutchman Sno Park
Dutchman Sno-Park provides access to ungroomed ski trails, dedicated snowshoe trails, and snowmobile trails. It’s located right across the road from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort.
The main draw of Dutchman Sno-Park is the relatively exposed trails, especially within an area called Dutchman Flats.
This exposure can provide some incredible views of the surrounding mountains, but also can leave you exposed to the elements.
Local tip: The parking lot is very small and fills up fast on the weekends. You can also park at the Mt. Bachelor West Village and take the common corridor trail (see map).
Our Take:
The mountain views from Dutchman are some of the best from any sno-park. You can also access Todd Lake, which can be fun to see if it’s not completely iced over. However, the small parking lot and Mt. Bachelor ski traffic can make getting to the trails logistically challenging.
Dutchman Sno-Park Trail Map
See a map of the snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Dutchman Sno-Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 21 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowmobiling Launch | Yes |
| Warming Shelter(s) | No |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 6,350 |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | No |
Learn more about Dutchman Sno-Park.
Three Creeks Sno Park
Three Creeks Sno-Park has a small network of ungroomed ski trails and snowshoe trails with excellent views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top.
However, Three Creeks is one of the more exposed sno-parks, so don’t go during harsh weather.
There is also a snowmobile launch point, and the snowmobile trails don’t overlap with any of the ski or snowshoe trails.
There is an upper and lower parking lot. The lower is an overflow lot, so park at the upper one unless it is full (which is rare).
Three Creeks Sno-Park is a bit far from Bend, but shorter from Sisters. Dogs are allowed at Three Creeks. There is a cozy warming shelter that is the main gathering point.
Local tip: Consider stopping and exploring some of the fun things to do in Sisters on your way to or back from Three Creeks.
Our Take:
Three Creeks is best for a sunny day when you can fully enjoy the mountain views. There are some hills which can make Nordic skiing challenging for beginners. The snowshoe trail is often packed down enough for a short winter hike which can be fun.
Three Creek Sno Park Trail Map
See a map of the snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Three Creeks Sno-Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 33 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowmobiling Launch | Yes |
| Warming Shelter(s) | Yes |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 5,200 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | Yes |
Learn more about Three Creek Sno-Park.
Ten Mile Sno Park
Ten Mile Sno Park is located within the Newberry Volcanic National Monument and has simple but rewarding network of ungroomed ski trails and snowshoe trails.
The Ponderosa Creek Trail goes along Paulina Creek for a while and also passes by Paulina Falls, which is a fun spot to aim for.
Local tip: If you can make it a bit further, we recommend checking out Paulina Lake as well. There is also potential for lunch at Paulina Lake Lodge if it is open.
In addition, there are a variety of snowmobile trails. These seem to be relatively popular, which can produce some noise that is less than ideal.
Our Take:
We love to take the Ponderosa Rim Trail from 10 Mile Sno-Park to Paulina Lake Lodge. This grants excellent views of Paulina Falls and Paulina Lake. It’s one of the only spots you can ski/hike/snowshoe to a lake during winter in central Oregon.
Ten Mile Sno Park Trail Map
See a map of snowmobile trails here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Ten Mile Sno-Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 33 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | Yes |
| Snowmobiling Launch | Yes |
| Warming Shelter(s) | Yes |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 5,595 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | Yes |
How to Buy a Sno Park Permit
You must have a parking permit to park at Sno-Parks between November 1st and April 30th. These permits fund the removal of snow from the parking lots. 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
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.
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.
Snowmobiling Tours in Bend
Snowmobiling tours in Bend are offered by Central Oregon Adventures.
Grooming, Maintenance, and Volunteer Support
Maintaining the central Oregon cross country ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile trails is a collaborative effort between volunteer groups, clubs, and the US Forest Service.
Volunteer organizations are responsible for grooming and maintaining trails and stocking the warming shelter with firewood and maintaining the shelters. The USFS grooms the parking lots.
Each sno-park near Bend has an organization that maintains the trails/shelters at that sno-park. The table below shows this correspondence, as well links to their website where you can donate.
If you find value in these Central Oregon snow parks, please consider supporting the effort of these volunteer groups.
| Sno-Park Near Bend | Nordic Ski Trail, Snowshoe Trail, and Shelter Maintenance | Snowmobile Trail Maintenance |
| Virginia Meissner | Meissner Nordic Ski Club | NA |
| Wanoga | Dogpac | Moon County Snowbusters |
| Swampy Lakes | Central Oregon Nordic Club | NA |
| Skyliner | NA | NA |
| Vista Butte | Central Oregon Nordic Club | Sisters SnoGofers Club |
| Kapka | NA | Moon County Snowbusters |
| Edison Butte | Central Oregon Nordic Club | Moon County Snowbusters |
| Dutchman Flat | Central Oregon Nordic Club | Sisters SnoGofers Club |
| Three Creek | Central Oregon Nordic Club | Sisters SnoGofers Club |
| Ten Mile | Central Oregon Nordic Club | La Pine Lodgepole Dodgers |
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.
| Sno Park | NOAA Weather Forecast Link |
| Virginia Meissner | LINK |
| Wanoga | LINK |
| Swampy Lakes | LINK |
| Skyliner | LINK |
| Vista Butte | LINK |
| Kapka | LINK |
| Edison Butte | LINK |
| Dutchman Flat | LINK |
| Three Creek | LINK |
| Ten Mile | LINK |
Other Places to 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 for cross-country skiing 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.
FAQ
Where do I get a SNO-park permit in Bend Oregon?
You can purchase a sno-park permit online at DMV2U or in person at permit retailers in Bend. See the list of retailers above in the “How to Buy a Sno Park Permit” section. Learn more about sno-park permits at: Oregon.gov.
Can you park overnight at Oregon Sno Parks?
In general, you can park and camp overnight at Oregon Sno Parks during winter or other times of the year. Overnight parking is useful for those doing overnight backcountry camping or just car camping.
However, be mindful of snowplows that need to clear the lot in the winter. To avoid the terrible misfortune of being hit by a plow or vehicle, you should never sleep in a tent in the parking lot.
Keep in mind that winter storms can stack up snow quickly, which can leave you stuck in the morning. Of course, you should respect any signs you see that restrict parking/camping overnight in sno-parks.
How many SNO parks are in Oregon?
There are about 100 sno-parks in Oregon.
How much does it cost to go to the SNO-Park in Oregon?
The only cost to go to the sno-parks in Oregon is the cost of the sno-park permit and the gas to get there!
Winter Activities at Bend Sno-Parks
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and sledding are popular winter activities in Bend.
Cross Country Skiing Bend Oregon
Cross country skiing near Bend is as enjoyable as it is accessible. With so many nearby skiing areas and excellent conditions, it is no wonder why cross-country skiing is a favored winter activity in Central Oregon.
There are miles of well-marked, groomed and ungroomed Nordic ski trails to explore that wind through the stunning Deschutes National Forest.
In this article, we’ll cover all the snow parks near Bend where you can cross country ski.
Snowshoeing Bend Oregon
In addition to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing near Bend is another great winter activity to get outside.
There are several Bend snow parks that have well-marked snowshoe trails. We’ll cover the snowshoeing potential for each sno-park near Bend below.
Snowmobiling Bend Oregon
Many snow parks near Bend serve as launch points to access miles of backcountry snowmobiling trails. Snowmobiling near Bend is some of the best in Oregon and beyond!
With ample options for both deep powder and groomed trails there are no shortage of amazing days on the sled.
If you don’t own or haul your own machines, you can rent snowmobiles or hire a tour company to show you around (more on that at the end of this article).
For each snow park near Bend listed below, we’ll give you the details on snowmobiling options.
Warming Shelters
Warming shelters are common in central Oregon and a great way to get out of the cold. These cozy huts are ideal for warming up on a cold and stormy winter day.
Warming shelters are stocked with firewood by local volunteers and there is often a wood stove with a fire going to keep visitors toasty warm.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to one or more of these amazing snow parks near Bend!
We have a ton of other articles about activities during winter in Bend, including guides for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling near Bend.
Also check out some helpful tips about downhill skiing near Bend and our other articles about Central Oregon.
Also, subscribe to our YouTube and follow us on Instagram to level up your adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Happy roaming!
