A scheme introduced in 1977, today there are over 100 sno-parks in Oregon which are open to the public and vary in size, amenities and activities offered.
They are run by a permit system which is needed at designated parking areas from November 1 through April 30 otherwise you could be risking a $30 fine (annual permits are sold online at DMV2U.Oregon.gov.).
Whether you are looking to ski, snowshoe, snowboard, go snowmobiling or just love the snow, here are some of the best Sno-Parks near Portland, Oregon…
1. Tilly Jo Sno Park – a great place near Portland for snowy winter activities
Tilly Jo Sno Park, located in Portland, Oregon, is a favorite winter getaway spot for many people. This popular outdoor winter destination comes amongst the top Sno parks near Portland and features a full-size ice skating rink that can accommodate both figure and hockey skaters, and a heated building with restrooms and concessions.
The 25-acre park includes paths for walking and jogging through the forested areas and hills plus sledging and snowshoeing on the groomed trails.
Located on Interstate Avenue at St. John’s Road, this scenic spot has something for everyone to enjoy during the cold season. The best part about it? It’s right next to Highway 26!
- From Hood River, OR – head south on Highway 35 to Cooper Spur Rd. Turn left onto the Cloud to Forest Road/Forest Service Road 3512.
2. Billy Bob Sno Park – a secluded and quiet area for winter fun
Billy Bob Sno Park is a quiet area for winter fun. The secluded park, which requires access through Dufur Oregon’s Northwest Forest Pass (no permit needed), has trails groomed regularly for snowmobile enthusiasts and offers great opportunities to explore nature in its rawest form.
There are also restroom facilities available at the parking lot as well as staging areas where mountain bikers can spend summer months when they’re out riding their bikes on these glacier-carved paths that wind around scenic mountain sides covered with lush forest trees loaded down heavily from leaf piles.
Step into a world of winter wonderland at Billy Bob Sno Park! With pristine slopes and trails for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, it’s the perfect place to spend a chilly day.
- Dufur, OR 97021, United States
3. Little John Sno Park – a popular snow park featuring a hill for inner tubes, sliding discs, a warming shelter and a vault toilet
What’s better than one hill? Two! Little John Sno Park is home to two large hills that are both open for sledging.
The first thing you’ll notice when arriving at this park, whether it be by car or on foot (because who doesn’t love walking?) are those gorgeous green slopes. Little John Sno park has found its place in the top 12 Sno parks near Portland list rightfully so.
At 30 miles south of Hood River on Highway 35 and open to snowshoeing as well as cross-country skiing, this spot has everything any kind-minded soul could need.
There’s also restrooms available along with warming huts where people can take shelter off these chilly days.
- OR-35, Mt Hood, OR 97041
4. Bennett Pass Trailhead – a snowy beautiful place to hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
Bennett Pass Trailhead is a popular hiking destination for locals in Portland, Oregon. It’s an easy half mile walk from the trailhead to the summit of one of the most important, yet seldom-visited, landmarks in Oregon- the Bennett Pass Jct.
This is where US Highway 26 and US Highway 20 meet for the first time.
With 3 miles of trails, this trailhead offers some of the best views in Portland. This wooded trail is fairly mellow with a few steeper sections, but it is an excellent introduction to Portland’s natural beauty.
- Mt Hood Meadows Dr, Mt Hood, OR 97041
5. White River East Sno Park – a very popular place to go snowshoeing and cross country skiing with beautiful mountain views
If you are looking for a place to get out and experience some of the natural beauty that Portland has to offer, head over to White River East Sno Park.
At the White River East Sno Park in Portland, you can skate on unplowed trails, enjoy cross country skiing with views of Mt Hood and Mt Saint Helens, and enjoy the peacefulness of winter in Portland.
The White River East Sno Park is a popular winter sports destination for residents of Portland, Maine. It features cross-country and downhill skiing and snowshoeing trails, as well as a sledging hill and tubing run.
The ski hill offers facilities such as heated restrooms and an on-site cafe that serves fresh coffee and other beverages.
- OR-35, Mt Hood, OR 97041
6. Trillium Sno Park – one of the best Sno parks near Portland for fun for all the family
Trillium Sno Park is a great place to go after a day of skiing, sledding, or ice skating. The park offers something for everyone with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves.
For the kids, there is a heated pavilion with an indoor gym, an open-air gym with two giant trampoline areas, and an indoor play loft.
Many people in the Portland area are familiar with the rain. Even when Portland doesn’t get too much rain, it is still very wet. For this reason, many people like to visit Trillium Sno Park in Portland during the winter months.
There’s also a warming hut that can be rented by large groups or families for private use.
- 90312 Mt Hood Hwy, Government Camp, OR 97028
7. Glacier View Sno Park – a great Sno Park for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing
Every Portlander needs to make a point to visit Glacier View Sno Park sometime during their lifetime. The park is located on the west side of the Columbia River and is only 8 miles from downtown Portland.
From the parking lot, you will find a south-facing ski slope with small hills and plenty of space for a lot of people. The park has one tow rope that can take you up 1140 feet to get a 360-degree view of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
The park provides snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing opportunities. Visitors to the park are able to take advantage of this winter wonderland with these outdoor activities all year long.
- US-26, Government Camp, OR 97028
8. Government Camp Highway Maintenance Sno Park – a small snow park located on BLM
The Government Camp highway Maintenance Sno Park is a small snow park located on BLM land about 5 miles from Mount Hood.
The snow park is relatively small, with only a few features, and consists of a groomed run with a 1000ft vertical drop that is typically reserved for experienced riders.
The park does not have a day lodge or restrooms, but it does provide ample opportunities for beginners to practice riding in the terrain park during the weekdays.
The amenities at the Sno Park are few; however, it does provide reduced rates for overnight camping (to enjoy the winter) and reduced rates for equipment rental that can be utilized at Mt. Hood Meadows or other local ski destinations.
There is no entry fee for this location but reservations are recommended.
- Government Camp, OR 97028
9. Koshko Sno Park – a great place to take the kids sledging
Koshko Sno Park is a cross-country skiing destination for all levels of snow enthusiasts. The trails range from beginner, intermediate, and advanced for those who are looking to up their game.
The trails are lit with LED lights to ensure that it will be safe to ski after sundown.
When Koshko Park was established in Portland, Oregon in 1964, it was intended to be a recreational oasis for the children and families of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Almost fifty years later, it is more than living up to its initial mission and has become a destination for people from all over the country.
With an annual attendance of over 1 million visitors and countless more who come yearly, Koshko Park is an integral part of Portland’s cultural fabric.
At the foot of Mt. Hood and near Trout Lake, Koshko Sno Park offers a scenic setting for outdoor recreation, perfect for families looking for an escape from winter’s cold.
This all-season park features a six-mile cross-country ski loop and two miles of trails groomed for skate skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking. One can rent snowshoes, buy snacks at the ski lodge, or enjoy a cup of coffee at the cafe.
There’s an area designed just for kids and plenty of activities such as tubing and sledging. Some adults might find it difficult to get around the park with so many hills and trails, but if you’re looking for a fun adventure, this is the place!
- WA-141, Trout Lake, WA 98650
10. Frog Leg Trail Park Sno Park – a popular Sno-Park for snowmobiles, cross country skiing and snow-shoeing
The trail around Frog Leg Trail Park in Portland is a serene, beautiful location. The trail starts at the entrance of Frog Leg Trail Park and goes through dense forest and then crosses over a small creek to connect with Sno Park.
Along the way, there are several information displays that offer information about the park’s history and wildlife. There are also benches and picnic tables available for families and groups to enjoy nature.
This park is a great place to go sledging in the winter months and hiking in the summer months. The park has a natural pond where you can spot frogs and other wildlife.
In the summer, Frog Legs Trail doubles as a nature preserve with many endangered species found there.
- Government Camp, OR 97028
11. Mcclellan Meadows Sno Park – a popular winter recreation area 1 hour 30 minute drive from Portland
It’s been a long summer so far, but the winter has arrived. If you’re looking for a place to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air, head to Mcclellan Meadows for a new adventure.
Located just south of Portland, this Sno Park has plenty of trails that will see your family or group going down a hill at high speeds, climbing new heights, and having a blast.
It is one of the most popular parks in the region, with over 200 acres for skiing and snowboarding, but also has lots of activities for non-skiing visitors, including cross-country skiing, sledging, ice skating, and free skiing lessons.
With all this to offer, it’s no wonder why this park sees so many visitors in the winter!
- NF-3053, Washington
12. BSA Sno Park – provides access to un-groomed backcountry ski trails
Portland’s BSA Sno Park is the ideal winter escape for Portlanders. Nestled in Forest Park near the park entrance, this snow-covered paradise is perfect for sledging, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
It also provides a popular destination for picnicking with friends and family. The snow-covered trees that surround the BSA Sno Park give the feel of being deep in the pristine wilderness.
- US Highway 26, Oregon 97037
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Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.