There’s a lot to love about Ray Benson Sno-Park, which sits about 30 minutes northwest of Sisters and next door to Hoodoo Ski Area—including several miles of trails geared toward a variety of uses. But perhaps the park’s best-loved feature is its views—which include the skinny spire of Mount Washington to the south and the craggy Three Fingered Jack to the north. Both peaks sit almost equidistance from Ray Benson Sno-Park and provide vivid backdrops while exploring trails that are open to snowmobilers (with paths that pass several alpine lakes), cross-country skiers (whose paths head into a mix of snow-covered forests and open meadows), and even dog-sledders (who can use snub posts at the Sno-Park’s staging area). Snowshoers are permitted but should refrain from walking on wet ski tracks whenever possible. Across the wider park, a trio of huts and warming shelters offer rest and relaxation to all users.
Upper Three Creek Sno-Park—most commonly known among locals simply as Three Creeks Sno-Park—sits about 20 minutes south of Sisters and offers an easy getaway that shows off the natural wonders of the Deschutes National Forest and the neighboring Three Sisters Wilderness. The popular Sno-Park sits just north of Three Creek Lake and offers access to 14 miles of cross-country skiing trails—with several loops that vary in length and difficulty.
A wide range of trails, steady snowpack, and natural beauty make Dutchman Sno-Park one of Central Oregon’s most popular playgrounds every winter. A parking area for Dutchman Flat Sno-Park—as most locals call it—sits at the base of Tumalo Mountain and (literally) across the street from Mount Bachelor. From there, a sprawling network of trails—with disparate paths geared toward snowshoers, Nordic skiers, and snowmobile users—extends as far east as the southern shore of Todd Lake.
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park sits less than 30 minutes southwest of Bend, along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and is in many ways the heart of winter recreation in the area. Popularly shortened to “Swampy” by excited locals, the Sno-Park hosts several miles of well-marked snowshoeing paths and groomed cross-country skiing trails that connect to each other and to popular winter attractions—including the summit of Vista Butte and a trio of warming shelters.
Edison Butte Sno-Park just might be the best-kept secret on the winter sports scene in Central Oregon. The park sits just 30 minutes southwest of Bend and 15 minutes northwest of Sunriver—and offers a little of everything for outdoor enthusiasts in a quiet environment. For starters, visitors love the dog-friendly nature of Edison Butte—where they can let Fido run free on the quiet trails, and where the rolling terrain provides an exhilarating (but not too strenuous) workout.
