Slide, Sled, And Play In The Snow All Day At Wanoga Snow Play Area In Oregon

Snow days don't have to be bad days - bundle up in your warm winter coat, lace up your snow boots, and find your mittens. It's time to play in the snow! One of our favorite spots to spend a snow day is Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park in the Deschutes National Forest, near Bend.

There are lots of sledding hills in Oregon, but it's hard to beat the scenery at Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park. You'll find this little gem 15 miles west of Bend, along the Cascade Lakes Highway.

Pack your lunch, because you're going to want to spend all day flying down these hills on your sled.

This park isn't fancy - there's no tow rope or magic carpet to drag you up the hill, but the snowy landscape is stunning, and the hills are pretty fast. It's well worth the effort.

When you get tired of sledding, build a snowman, or make some snow angels.

If your fingers start to freeze and your cheeks are chilly, head to the warming station. You'll also find restrooms in this little log building.

Another great way to stay warm and enjoy the scenic beauty? Snowshoeing! You can also cross-country ski or go fat tire biking on the trails here.

Click here to see a trail map.

Visitors to this area will also enjoy more than 180 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that stretch from Crescent Lake to Santiam Pass.

On a beautiful snow day, you'll want to stay until the sun sets.

The Sno-Park is open seasonally from December through March.

You'll need a Sno-Park permit to park here, and you can get one online. Day passes are just $4, but you can also get a 3-day consecutive pass for $9, and a season pass for $25.

Visit the Wanoga Snow Play Area's webpage on the USDA Forest Service's website for more info.