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.
Along the way, Mount Bachelor and Broken Top rise occasionally above the snow-covered treetops, and a nice mix of shorter and longer loops appeal to outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. (There’s even a specially marked loop for beginners at the park’s trailhead, which offers an enticing, mostly flat introduction to the activity.)
Part of Swampy’s charm is its close proximity to nearby Sno-Parks—and the ability to link up with those trails. Dedicated cross-country skiers, for instance, can ski over to Meissner Sno-Park and explore those popular trails—opening up a world of possibilities and several winters worth of adventure.
Open Season
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Dogs are not permitted between November and May 1.
Best time to visit
Jan.-Feb.
Don’t Miss
With plenty of flat terrain and numerous crisscrossing loops, Swampy Lake is an ideal destination for young and new Nordic skiers and snowshoers.
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 are not allowed on the Sno-Park’s trails.
Activities
Snowshoeing
Nordic Skiing
Parking
A parking area is available.
Directions
From Bend, the 16-mile drive to Swampy Lakes Sno-Park takes about 20 minutes via SW Century Drive, which becomes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
-
Best Snowshoeing Trails in Bend
Bend and Central Oregon are great places to visit in winter for myriad reasons: Mt. Bachelor is the sixth-largest ski resort in North America, fire pits turn up the heat on brisk afternoons, and rejuvenating day spas offer the chance to unplug from it all.
-
Top Sno-Parks in Central Oregon Near Bend
Central Oregon sits at the doorstep of the Cascade Range, which is blanketed every winter in a scenic blanket of snow—turning the region into a playground for locals and visitors alike. Often, these play areas come in the form of Sno-Parks, which are exactly what they sound like: forested winter wonderlands where visitors can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, hop on a snowmobile, or even try tubing and sledding on snowy hillsides. More often than not, these Sno-Parks are home to small warming shelters where visitors can step out of the cold and get cozy next to a roaring fire.