Snowshoeing in Bend, Oregon is the perfect wintertime adventure if you are looking to get out and play in the Central Oregon snow.

There are excellent snowshoeing opportunities for all levels around Bend—so whether you are a dedicated snowshoe or novice just looking to hit the trails, there is something for you.

Not to mention, snowshoeing is a great wintertime activity for families with kids. It’s lower key then skiing or snowmobiling, yet provides it’s own sense of exploration and adventure.

You’ll want to read this guide before heading out to choose the right trail and understand the trail etiquette if you’ll be on a shared multi-use trail.

Best Places to go Snowshoeing in Bend, Oregon

There are endless opportunities for exploring on snowshoes in the snow covered Cascades near Bend, but here are some of out favorite.

As always when heading out into the outdoors, having the right gear, being prepared, doing your research makes for a safe and successful adventure.

Skyliner Sno-Park

Just 10 miles from downtown Bend, Skyliner Sno-Park is one of the quickest places to reach from Bend for snowshoeing. This small sno-park is located on Skyliner Road just before the road crosses Tumalo Creek and turns left towards Tumalo Falls.

At an elevation of 4,700 feet you may have to wait until winter is in full swing for the snow pack to be deep enough. There is a small network of Nordic trails that is frequented by many cross-country skiers and snowshoers just looking to enjoy a 1-2 hour snowshoe.

Where to park: Skyliner Sno-Park

Parking info: Sno-Park Permit required November 1 – April 30

Dog friendly: Yes

Distance: 1-10 miles

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Dutchman Flat Sno-Park / Tumalo Mountain

If you are looking to get some vertical elevation gain in (and sweat a bit!), climbing to the top of Tumalo Mountain offers superb panoramic views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top, as well as views of the Central Oregon high desert.

The snowshoe trail starts directly from the Northwest end of Dutchman Flat Sno-Park and quickly heads uphill. You’ll follow the dedicated snowshoe trail winding up the side of Tumalo Mountain with opportunities to explore.

Fresh snow makes the climb significantly harder, but unless you arrive at sunrise chances are that the trail has already been broken for you and is packed down.

The two mile trial is all uphill to the summit where you can take in the stunning views. After putting in all that hard work you get a nice downhill trek on your return back to the car.

Where to park: Dutchman Flats Sno-Park

Parking info: Sno-Park Permit required November 1 – April 30

Dog friendly: No, area closed to dogs November 1 – May 1

Distance: 4 miles out and back

Difficulty: Hard

Wanoga Sno-Park

At 5,500 feet in elevation Wanoga Sno-Play area offers plenty of snow-filled fun of all types. This sno-park offers the only sanctioned sledding hill, which makes it a popular choice for families.

The parking areas are divided into two areas—a larger parking lot for snowmobilers and smaller area for Nordic skiers, snowshoers, sledders, and fat bikers.

The Wanogo snowshoe trails offer the best option for families and beginners as there are many different options. For first-timers there is a 1-mile groomed snowshoe trail leaving from the parking area.

Where to park: Wanogo Sno-Park

Parking info: —–

Dog friendly: Yes

Distance: up to

Difficulty: ——-

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls is a must visit during the summertime in Bend, but it’s also a great winter escape if you have snowshoes or cross-country skis.

When temperatures drop below freezing the falls can ice over creating an impressive 89-foot ice-encased waterfall. Not to mention, Tumalo falls is the tallest waterfall around Bend.

During the winter months the Tumalo Falls Rd is closed just after the bridge crossing Tumalo Creek. From here you can follow the snow covered road for a mostly flat 5.2-mile out and back jaunt. If you are looking for a longer adventure you can continue up the North Fork trail to see several more waterfalls.

Edison Butte Sno-Park

Popular among snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers alike this large sno-park can fill up quickly on the weekends and holidays. Edison Butte Sno-Park is reached by heading up Cascade Lake Scenic byway towards Mt. Bachelor and turning left down the Sunriver cutoff for several miles.

There are pleny of Nordic skiing trails and both a short and long snowhoe trail loops to choose from. Plus, for the more experienced there are plenty of backcountry snowhoe opportunities to be had.

There is a warming huts available at the parking area as well as a vaulted toilet. Along the trails two huts can be reached as well.

Tip: Stick to the designated snowshoe trails marked with a blue diamond with a yellow showshoer to avoid damaging the Nordic tracks.

Where to park: Edison Butte Sno-Park

Parking info: Sno-Park Permit required November 1 – April 30

Dog friendly: yes

Distance: up to 24 miles

Difficulty: Easy to Hard

Swampy Lake Sno-Park

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Difficulty: ——-

Virginia Meissner Sno-Park

Shooting Star Shelter

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