Snowshoeing in Central Oregon
There’s a beautiful simplicity in snowshoeing. It’s one of the top winter activities that requires little skill to get started, and is an inclusive, all-ages way to get outside with friends and family. Across Central Oregon, sno-parks offer access to miles of groomed and backcountry trails that provide spectacular views of mountain peaks, quiet forests, and icy waterfalls. If you’d like to get started on your own adventure, snowshoe rentals in Bend and around the region are plentiful—and guided snowshoe tours cater to beginners and experts alike.
Wherever you go, it helps to plan and prepare. Bring lots of layers for varying conditions, pack plenty of food and water, bring a waterproof shell, and use a map to stay on track. If you’re parking at any Oregon sno-park, don’t forget to buy a sno-park permit, required November-April and available in one-day, three-day, and annual increments.
So, cinch down those straps, put one foot in front of the other, and read on to decide where you want to get your snowshoe on!
Top Areas to Snowshoe Near Bend and Mt. Bachelor
Less than 30 minutes from Bend, numerous sno-parks reside on both sides of Century Drive and in the surrounding forests—offering everything from mostly flat terrain to thigh-burning cardio climbs. You can also easily access these sno-parks from Sunriver.
Skyliners Sno-Park and Tumalo Falls
One of our favorite sno-parks isn’t along Century Drive—but rather Skyliners Road just outside of Bend. Just 10 to 15 minutes from town is Skyliners Sno-Park and Trailhead, a hub for loops and networks that showcase some of the region’s best-loved sites. From the parking area, several snowshoe loops begin near the historic timber Skyliner Lodge. The longer Tumalo Nordic Loop takes you along Tumalo Creek, through a forest of manzanita and ponderosa pine, and to the base of the majestic Tumalo Falls.
From here, adventurous snowshoers can continue up the North Fork Trail for steeper climbing—or return along the Tumalo Road back to the lodge (which is not open to the public). You can also take the South Fork trail to the Swampy Lakes Trail and shelter, where you can warm up by the fire for lunch.
Before heading out, note that you’ll be sharing the DOG-FRIENDLY trails with cross-country skiers—so be considerate by snowshoeing on either side of the ski tracks.
Tumalo Mountain
For a hardy snowshoeing mission, head a half an hour up Century Drive (which becomes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway) to Dutchman Sno-Park—which sits between Mount Bachelor and Tumalo Mountain and offers a steady ascent to the latter’s panoramic summit, where 360-degree views await.
If you’re summiting Tumalo Mountain, you’ll immediately start climbing through a snowy forest of ponderosa pine. After heading above the tree line, the trail opens up—offering wide-open views of Mount Bachelor, Broken Top, Tumalo Bowl, and even the city of Bend on bluebird days. In all, the trip measures about four miles round-trip.
The sno-park is popular for a variety of activities—including snowmobiling and cross-country skiing—so try arriving early, especially on weekends and when fresh powder has fallen, for more solitude. Also keep in mind that dogs are not permitted on the Tumalo Mountain trial.
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
One of the most popular winter playgrounds outside of Bend is Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, named for a local educator, author, and cross-country skiing advocate. The park is maintained by the Meissner Nordic Ski Club and is known best as a cross-country skiing destination—but several designated snowshoe trails (noted by blue diamonds with a yellow snowshoer in the center) provide groomed and ungroomed access to the snowy forest.
In all, more than six miles of trails, most of which are considered easy or moderate, splay out across Meissner Sno-Park and lead to a pair of warming shelters—and onto the neighboring Swampy Lakes Sno-Park.
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park
Less than three miles west of Virginia Meissner Sno-Park sits Swampy Lakes Sno-Park, which provides access to all manner of non-motorized fun along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. A number of loops depart from the trailhead and head into the surrounding forests—and a pair of beloved warming shelters.
Wanoga Sno-Park
Opposite Meissner Sno-Park on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park, a dog-friendly, extensive double sno-parking lot. The east lot also has a snow play/sledding area. From the trailhead, you can venture out into meadows and forests along the Northstar and Comet snowshoeing loop trails for a fun day out with your pooch. In addition to snowshoeing, the park is a popular spot for sledding and tubing.
Kapka Sno-Park
Kapka Sno-Park is most popular with snowmobilers looking for adventures in the snowy backcountry of the Cascade Range—but several snowshoe trails cover the surrounding forests and enter the neighboring Vista Butte Sno-Park.
Just know that you won’t find any marked trails at Kapka Sno-Park, and that you should snowshoe to the side of any cross-country skiing trails in the area.
Vista Butte Sno-Park
Vista Butte Sno-Park is a smaller sno-park whose trails are adjacent to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway near the Sunriver cut-off. There are some great snowshoeing trails from here that climb to Vista Butte, where you can enjoy sweeping views and tie into the Swampy Lakes/Dutchman Trail for a longer, more challenging outing.
Top Snowshoe Spots Near Sisters and the Three Sisters
Just about 10 miles southwest of Bend are a pair of the region’s best-loved sno-parks: Upper Three Creek Sno-Park and Lower Three Creek Sno-Park afford access to a variety of trails (also popular with cross-country skiers) that head into the snow-covered forests, to cozy warming shelters, and past viewpoints that show off Cascade peaks.
Note that portions of some loops may be closed due to wildfire recovery—and that the parking area at Lower Three Creek is designed for overflow parking and is not plowed regularly. Check with the U.S. Forest Service or a local visitor center for updated conditions.
Peak View Snowshoe Trail and Jefferson View Shelter
For a challenge, reap the sweet rewards of climbing from Nancy’s Loop in Upper Three Creek Sno-Park to a stunning view of Mt. Jefferson. Also called the Peak View Snowshoe Trail, the Jefferson View Trail leads to a shelter that shares the same name.
This is a welcome rustic spot to share lunch and warm your toes while taking in the peaceful wilderness scenery. If you’re looking for other treks in the area, you’ll find roughly 14 miles of trails nearby. Check weather forecasts before your trip, as this area can often be windy as you wind through sparser burn areas from past forest fires.
Snowshoe Rentals in Central Oregon
If you don’t have your own snowshoes, they’re not hard to find on the way to any of these trails. Rentals are typically available for adults and children at many of the region’s ski shops and outdoor stores—and usually cost $15 to $25 for up to a full day. Call ahead, or go online, to reserve your pair in advance if you’re snowshoeing on a weekend or in fresh powder.
Snowshoe Rentals in Bend, Oregon
Mountain Supply, a locally owned outdoor store, rents snowshoes, along with cross-country skis, just south of downtown Bend. While you’re there, you can pick up extra layers and supplies for your snowshoeing trek.
On the way to Mt. Bachelor, along Century Drive, Powder House provides snowshoes and adjustable poles—as well as plenty of other gear for cross-country and downhill skiers.
Snowshoe Rentals in Sunriver, Oregon
If you’re staying at Sunriver Resort, you have options to rent snowshoes before heading to the parks around Mt. Bachelor. Rent from either Sunriver Sports or Village Bike and Ski—both housed in The Village at Sunriver. Both shops carry equipment for adults and children alike. While you’re in the area, grab a satisfying meal at one of the many restaurants in Sunriver, Oregon.
Snowshoe Rentals in Sisters, Oregon
You’ll find a number of opportunities for renting snowshoes around Sisters. Right in the heart of downtown, Eurosports is a convenient shop to pick up a pair of snowshoes; when you drop them off, celebrate your adventure with a warm meal at one of the on-site food carts.
At Black Butte Ranch, overnight guests can not only pick up snowshoes at the on-site Glaze Meadow Rental Shop, but also explore right out the resort’s door on its exclusive snowshoeing trails.
Snowshoe Tours in Central Oregon
For a truly immersive experience, leave the trailblazing to the locals. Between November and April, Bend-based outfitter Wanderlust Tours leads daytime and nighttime snowshoeing tours that head through old-growth forests and offer experiences you can only have in Central Oregon—like stargazing, relaxing around a bonfire, and toasting with a locally made craft brew.
Visiting over the holidays? Celebrate with the New Year’s Eve Bonfire on the Snow tour from Wanderlust Tours; the outing includes hot cocoa, an overview of the forest from a seasoned naturalist, locally made desserts, and—of course—a midnight toast.
Whether you are just giving snowshoeing a try for the first time, or adding to your bucket list of the best snowshoeing trails, Central Oregon will not disappoint!