Popular Mt. Hood Snow Play Area Closed

White River WEST Sno-park is CLOSED due to flood damage.

South side of Mt Hood from Timberline. Photo: U.S. Forest Service

(SANDY) - Mt Hood National Forest says that because of damage caused by the November flooding, the White River West Sno-Park along Highway 35 can not be opened for winter snow play. Approximately 8 acres of the snow play area have been washed away by the White River.

About 3 acres of parking have also been eliminated in this recent flood event.

Because the White River West Sno-Park had the capacity for 200 vehicles and is a very popular winter recreation site, folks will be looking for other places to go.

Winter recreation alternatives are:

1. Bennett Pass Sno-Park
2. Teacup Lake Sno-Park: Dogs and snowshoes are prohibited. Has groomed Nordic ski trails that are maintained with voluntary donations.
3. Clark Creek Sno-Park: Good snowshoeing opportunities exist here. The bridges of Nordic ski trails located west of the highway have been washed out by the recent November floods.
4. Pocket Creek Sno-Park: Good snowshoeing opportunities exist here. The bridges on Nordic ski trails located west of the highway have been washed out by the recent November floods. Good opportunities exist on the east side of the highway for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
5. Little John Sno-Park: Plenty of snow is on the ground. This area is accessible via Hood River. This is a free developed snow play area. Bring own inner tubes and sliding discs. No sleds, toboggans, or snowboards. Snowshoeing and cross country skiing opportunities also exist here.
6. White River EAST Sno-Park: Open for all snow activities.
7. Frog Lake: Snowmobilers are encouraged to use this area because excellent groomed snowmobile trails are present. This would also help free up other recreation sites for other types of winter recreation.
8. Skyline Sno-Park: Snowmobilers are encouraged to use this area because excellent groomed snowmobile trails are present. This would also help free up other recreation sites for other types of winter recreation.
9. Clear Lake Road: (located between Frog Lake and Skyline Road Sno-Parks.)This location has room for about 15 cars
10. Blue Box Pass on Highway 26: Room for parking 6 cars here for cross country and snowshoeing.
11. Mt. Hood Skibowl East (Multorpor):$15 fee per person for tubing.
12. Summit Ski Area: $12 fee per person for tubing.
13. Snow Bunny Snow Play Area: $10 fee per person for tubing and sliding.
14. Cooper Spur Ski Area: $10 per person fee for tubes and use of rope tow.

Remember when going into the forest to be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Carry traction devices for your vehicle, extra clothing, extra food and a shovel.

Call your nearest Ranger Station or check their website for the most current conditions and winter snow play safety tips.