There are 11 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, skiing with your dog, or cozying up in a warming shelter, these snow parks near Bend await your exploration.
This article will cover each of the snow parks near Bend in detail, helping 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 |
| Six Mile | 30 | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ten Mile | 33 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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.
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. The high-desert Central Oregon climate is frequently cold and sunny, producing plenty of fresh snow and bright, sparkling days.
In this article, we’ll cover all the snow parks near Bend where you can cross country ski. If you enjoy skiing at these snow parks, check out the section below to see how you can support the volunteers who keep the trails groomed.
Snowshoeing Bend Oregon
If you enjoy snowshoeing, you won’t be disappointed by the options for snowshoeing at snow parks near Bend. The Bend snow parks are excellent launch points for a variety of well marked snowshoe trails.
Snowshoeing near Bend is a great way to get outside during winter in Central Oregon and experience the winter wonderland of this high desert landscape.
Keep reading! 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 hundreds of backcountry snowmobiling opportunities. 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.
The groomed trails are maintained by local snowmobiling clubs and offer an extensive network of different routes. The three groups are Sister’s Snogofers, Moon Country Snowbusters, and Lapine Lodgepole Dodgers.
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.
Sledding Bend Oregon
There are several snow parks with designated hills for sledding near Bend. While it can be fun to find your own sledding hills, these areas have slopes that are both safe and exciting.
Also, some sledding hills near Bend have warming shelters! If your family enjoy’s sledding, you won’t be disappointed by these options for sledding near Bend.
We’ll cover the sledding options at each snow park near Bend below.
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. Speaking of weather, see the section at the bottom of this article for links to current weather forecasts.
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. If you are visiting Central Oregon, we recommend bringing a hot beverage in your favorite Hydro Flask to fit in with the locals.
Snow Parks Near Bend Oregon
We mention 11 Bend snow 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
Great for: Large network of groomed ski trails and snowshoe trails with several warming shelters within a short drive from Bend.
Need to know: No dogs allowed. No snowmobiling. Small-ish parking lots fill up quickly on weekends with fair weather. Traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends.
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
Great for: Family friendly sledding. Small network of groomed ski and fatbike trails, as well as snowshoe trails. Dogs allowed! Snowmobile launch point. Warming hut right next to the parking lot. Something for everyone close to Bend.
Need to know: Parking lot fills up on nice weekends. Across the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway from Virginia Meissner. Less ski and snowshoe trails than other nearby sno-parks. Traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends.
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 |
Learn more about Wanoga Sno Park.
Swampy Lakes Sno Park
Great for: Large network of groomed and ungroomed ski trails, as well as snowshoe trails with access to a variety of warming shelters and views, within a reasonable drive from Bend.
Need to know: No dogs allowed. No snowmobiling. Less crowded than Wanoga and Virginia Meissner. Trails connect with those at Virginia Meissner. Traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends.
Swampy Lakes Sno Park Trail Map
Swampy Lakes Sno Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 16 |
| 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
Great for: Dog-friendly, ungroomed ski trails with rewarding views of icy Tumalo Falls, within a short drive from Bend.
Need to know: Dogs are allowed. No snowmobile access. Lower elevation than most other sno-parks near Bend. Closest sno-park to Bend.
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
Great for: Ungroomed ski trails that are moderate difficulty. Excellent views from the top of Vista Butte.
Need to know: No dogs allowed. Trails can be accessed from Kapka Butte Sno Park if parking is full at Vista Butte. Not a real parking lot. Just parking along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends.
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 |
Learn more about Vista Butte Sno Park.
Kapka Sno Park
Great for: Snowmobiling launch point and extra parking for ski trail access to Vista Butte Sno Park trails. Good access to backcountry skiing within a reasonable drive from Bend.
Need to know: Plenty of parking space. Lots of machine noise so not ideal for non-snowmobilers. Traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort can be bad on weekends.
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
Great for: Snowmobile launch point with access to incredible backcountry. Large network of ungroomed ski trails and snowmobile trails.
Need to know: A bit of a drive from Bend, but with less crowds. Dogs allowed. Largest network of marked snowshoe trails out of all snow parks near Bend. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort traffic can be bad on weekends.
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
Great for: Access to network snowmobile trails, ungroomed ski trails, and snowshoe trails.
Need to know: Small parking lot fills up quickly on weekends. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort traffic can be bad on weekends. Can also park at Mt. Bachelor West Village and take the common corridor (see map).
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
Great for: Small network of ungroomed ski trails and snowshoe trails with excellent views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top. Snowmobile launch point.
Need to know: Upper and lower (separate parking lots). Lower is an overflow lot. A decent drive from Bend, but shorter from Sisters. Dogs allowed.
Three Creek Sno Park Trail Map
See a map of the snowmobile trails west of Bend here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Three Creek 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.
Six Mile Sno Park
Great for: Snowmobile access to trails in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Warming shelter. Unmarked ski/snowshoe opportunities.
Need to know: No designated (marked) non-motorized trails.
See a map of snowmobile trails around the Newberry Volcanic National Monument here: USFS snowmobile trail map.
Six Mile Sno Park Information
| Distance From Bend | 30 miles |
| Groomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails (Marked) | No |
| Snowshoe Trails (Marked) | No |
| Snowmobiling Launch | Yes |
| Warming Shelter(s) | Yes |
| Sledding Hill | No |
| Elevation | 4,550 ft |
| Dogs Permitted Nov 1 – May 1 | Yes |
Ten Mile Sno Park
Great for: A simple but rewarding network of combined ungroomed ski trails and snowshoe trails. A variety of snowmobile trails. Sections of creek-side trail with waterfall and lake.
Need to know: Dogs allowed. Opportunity to explore stunning Paulina Falls and Paulina Lake. Sometimes lunch is available at Paulina Lodge! Check their hours.
Ten Mile Sno Park Trail Map
See a map of snowmobile trails around the Newberry Volcanic National Monument 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 | 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 |
| Six Mile | NA | La Pine Lodgepole Dodgers |
| 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 |
| Virginia Meissner | LINK |
| Wanoga | LINK |
| Swampy Lakes | LINK |
| Skyliner | LINK |
| Vista Butte | LINK |
| Kapka | LINK |
| Edison Butte | LINK |
| Dutchman Flat | LINK |
| Three Creek | LINK |
| Six Mile | LINK |
| Ten Mile | LINK |
Other Highlights of Snow Parks Near Bend
There are many ways to enjoy the sno-parks of Central Oregon, 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 the Central Oregon snow parks. Just be sure to bring a light source and appropriate navigation if you stick around after sunset.
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 snow plows 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!
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to one or more of the amazing snow parks near Bend, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable winter adventure.
We have a ton of other articles about activities during Winter in Bend, including guides to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling near Bend. Also check out some helpful tips about downhill 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.
