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.
However you’re exploring the snowy surroundings, you’ll find plenty of natural scenery to love—with highlights that include close-up views of Mount Bachelor, the jagged summit of Broken Top, snow-covered forests, and wide-open meadows. Most snowmobile trails traverse a different area than the snowshoe and Nordic skiing trails, so it’s easy to enjoy an idyllic outdoor experience suited to your preferred mode of transportation.
Note that Dutchman Flat is a popular staging area for snowmobile riders—and the parking lot may fill to capacity by 9 a.m. on winter weekends; arrive early to give yourself the best chance to snag a parking spot. Also keep in mind that dogs are not permitted between November and May 1—except working dogs in harnesses on the area’s snowmobile trails.
Open Season
November-April, depending on snowpack
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Dogs are not permitted between November and May 1, with the exception of working dogs in harnesses on the area’s groomed snowmobile trails.
Best time to visit
Jan.-March
Don’t Miss
If you’re up for a long day on the trail, head to the snowy shore of Todd Lake. The reservoir won’t be visible under all that snow and ice, but Broken Top and Mount Bachelor rise above the treetops.
Fees or Pass Needed
A Sno-Park Parking Permit is required April-Nov.; a daily Sno-Park permit costs $4, a three-day permit costs $9, and a season-long pass costs $25.
Restrictions
Snowmobiles may not enter the Three Sisters Wilderness, which sits north and west of the Sno-Park. Also note that dogs are not permitted to enter the City of Bend Watershed (which sits northeast of most of the Sno-Park’s trails); detailed maps with boundaries and restrictions are available on the Sno-Park website.
Activities
Snowshoeing
Nordic Skiing
Parking
A parking area is available for vehicles (and vehicles with trailers) up to 40 feet long.
Directions
From Bend, the 21-mile drive to Dutchman Flat Sno-Park (also called Dutchman Sno-Park) takes about 25 minutes via SW Century Drive, which becomes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
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