Snowshoeing in Bend, OR
The Local’s Playbook
Updated 12/17/25
Look, we all love ripping groomers at Bachelor, but sometimes you just need to slow down, avoid the lift lines, and actually hear yourself think. Snowshoeing is the unsung hero of Central Oregon winters. It’s affordable, it’s gorgeous, and if you can walk, you can do it.
Whether you're trying to burn off last night’s hazy IPA or just want to see the Three Sisters without fighting for a parking spot at 7 AM (okay, you still might have to fight for parking), here is the real deal on where to go and how to do it right.
Free Ranger-Led Snowshoe Tours
Before you commit to buying gear or heading out solo, you should know about one of the best programs in town. The US Forest Service partners with Discover Your Forest to offer interpretive snowshoe tours that are completely free.
A naturalist ranger takes you out, teaches you about winter ecology—animal tracks, tree species, volcanic geology—and ensures everyone stays safe. They generally provide the snowshoes for the tour, making this the perfect entry point for beginners.
These tours typically depart from Mt. Bachelor (West Village) or Newberry National Volcanic Monument on weekends from January through March. While free, they require reservations and fill up fast, so check the Discover Your Forest website early in the season. Donations are encouraged to keep the program running.
Checkout these two helpful resources below:
https://www.mtbachelor.com/events-activities/winter-activities/snowshoeing/
https://discoveryourforest.org/learn-and-explore/interpretive-programs/
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
Best For: Beginners, Socializing, and Perfect Grooming
Meissner is essentially the "Town Hall" of the Bend winter community. Located about 14 miles up Cascade Lakes Highway, it is the most popular spot for a reason. The trails are meticulously groomed and clearly marked.
The classic route here is the loop out to the Meissner Shelter. It’s a manageable distance that leads to a warming hut, often stocked with wood and a roaring fire. Be aware that this parking lot gets packed. If you want a peaceful experience, aim for a weekday or late afternoon. On Saturday mornings, it’s a bustling hub of activity.
Wanoga Sno-Park
Best For: Dog Owners and Families
If you have a furry best friend, this is your spot. Most Sno-Parks on the north side of the highway (like Meissner) do not allow dogs in winter to protect the grooming. Wanoga is the designated play zone for pups.
The trails here are dog-friendly, meaning you can snowshoe with your dog off-leash (under voice command). It’s less "deep wilderness" and more "happy chaos," but the vibe is fantastic. There is also a massive sledding hill right next to the parking lot, making it an easy win for families with kids who have mixed interests.
Swampy Lakes Sno-Park
Best For: Solitude and Old-Growth Trees
Just a few miles past Meissner, Swampy feels worlds away. It is generally quieter and feels more immersive than the lower sno-parks. Because it sits at a slightly higher elevation, the snow quality often holds up better early or late in the season.
The Porcupine Loop is a solid favorite here, offering a good workout with peek-a-boo views of Telemark Butte. If you are looking to escape the chatter of the more popular trailheads, Swampy is the reliable choice for peace and quiet.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/recreation
Dutchman Flat Sno-Park
Best For: The "Postcard View"
Located right across from the Mt. Bachelor entrance, Dutchman Flat offers the views that end up on Instagram. You get immediate, in-your-face vistas of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Tumalo Mountain ridgeline.
Heading toward Todd Lake is a classic route that is relatively flat and incredibly scenic. However, there is a catch: the parking lot is tiny. Unless you are extremely lucky or extremely early, you might get turned away. Always have a backup plan (like doubling back to Swampy) when aiming for Dutchman.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/recreation/dutchman-sno-park-trailhead
Where to Rent Gear
If you don't own shoes, don't rush to buy them. Renting is inexpensive and supports local shops.
Powder House on Century Drive is the classic stop on the way to the mountain. They are fast, efficient, and have plenty of inventory. Pine Mountain Sports offers high-end gear and the staff are absolute pros who can give you up-to-the-minute trail advice. Mountain Supply and Gear Fix are also excellent local options, with Gear Fix being a great spot if you're looking for used gear or repairs.
https://powderhousebend.com/winter-gear/winter-rentals/
https://www.pinemountainsports.com/articles/winter-rentals-pg214.htm
https://www.gearfix.com/rentals
Checking Conditions & Webcams
Before you drive up, you should always check the road conditions and the snow report. The weather in town is often very different from the weather at the Sno-Parks.
Use TripCheck to see the live road cameras on Cascade Lakes Highway (look for the cameras near Mt. Bachelor). For snow safety, especially if you plan on going off-trail near Dutchman or Tumalo Mountain, checking the avalanche forecast is mandatory.
Essential Logistics: The Sno-Park Permit
This is the one thing you cannot skip. To park at any of these locations between November 1 and April 30, you need an Oregon Sno-Park Permit.
You can buy a daily, 3-day, or annual pass. You can grab these at the DMV, Bi-Mart, or local outdoor shops like Powder House. While some sno-parks have kiosks, they are often buried in snow or out of order. Do yourself a favor and buy the annual pass at the start of the season and stick it on your windshield to avoid the stress (and the hefty fine).
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/sno_park_permits.aspx
Trail Etiquette
There is one golden rule in the sno-parks: Don't walk in the ski tracks.
Many of these trails are shared with cross-country skiers who rely on those parallel tracks (set by groomers or other skiers) to move efficiently. If you stomp on them with snowshoes, you ruin the path for everyone behind you. Always snowshoe to the side of the ski tracks. It keeps everyone happy and keeps the trails in good shape.
More winter related content in Bend
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to get to the Sno-Parks? Generally, yes, or at least a vehicle with good snow tires and chains. The Cascade Lakes Highway is plowed, but it is often icy and snowy. Oregon law requires you to carry chains in designated snow zones, which includes the drive up to these parks.
Can I snowshoe at night? Yes, and it is magical. Meissner Sno-Park is popular for night outings because the trails are easy to follow, but bring a high-quality headlamp. If it is a full moon, you might not even need the light.
Is there cell service? It is spotty. You will usually have service at Dutchman (near the mountain) and often at Meissner, but there are dead zones at Swampy and Wanoga. Download your maps offline before you leave town.
Can I just walk in my boots? If the snow is packed hard, maybe. But if the snow is soft, you will "post-hole" (sink up to your knees), which is exhausting for you and ruins the trail for everyone else. If you are going on a snow trail, wear snowshoes.
Are there bathrooms? Yes, all the major Sno-Parks listed here (Meissner, Wanoga, Swampy, Dutchman) have vault toilets (outhouses) at the parking lot. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
