The Complete Guide to Exploring Ray Benson Sno-Park

Ray Benson Sno-Park is your gateway to a winter wonderland, offering miles of trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling amidst some of Oregon’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Quick Overview

📍 Location: Willamette National Forest, near Sisters, Oregon
🏙️ Closest Town: Sisters, Oregon (22 miles west on Highway 20)
🅿️ Parking: A Sno-Park permit is required November 1 – April 30. Parking can fill up quickly on weekends.
💙 Activities: Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling
⚙️ Groomed: Yes, with trails for both skiing and snowmobiling
🐶 Dogs Policy: Permitted; leashed in the parking area, off-leash in some trail areas.
🚻 Restrooms: Two vault toilets available in the parking area

Why Visit Ray Benson Sno-Park?

Ray Benson is more than just a park; it’s a gateway to breathtaking alpenglow views and a hub for winter sports enthusiasts. The Brandenburg Warming Shelter, nestled within the park, offers stunning vistas of Mt. Washington and Three-Fingered Jack, two eroding volcanoes in the High Cascades. Unlike the busier Meissner, Wanoga, and Edison Sno-Parks, Ray Benson provides a serene, dog-friendly environment where you can truly connect with nature’s winter beauty. Recreation Leader ensures your adventure is tailored to your interests and skill level.

Heads-Up!

• Parking: The lot can be full by mid-morning on weekends. Consider arriving early or exploring during weekdays for less congestion.
• Trail Sharing: Be aware of shared use trails; maintain etiquette to ensure everyone’s enjoyment.

Plan Your Visit

Step 1: Buy Your Permit

Permits are required November 1st – April 30th

Where to Buy

Local Vendors in Bend, Oregon:
*Agents may charge an additional service fee, though you are directly supporting locals. Call ahead to confirm availability:

Buy Online

We encourage you to support locals and buy from a vendor mentioned above; though if you must, online purchase available at:

Step 2: Choose Your Activity and Download Maps

Decide your winter pursuit:
Nordic Skiing: Glide through groomed trails with options for both classic and skate skiing.
Snowshoeing: Wander at your pace on marked paths through serene landscapes.
Snowmobiling: Enjoy extensive routes through the forest and beyond

Download Trail Maps

To make navigation easier, download the appropriate trail map for your activity:

• Nordic Skiing Trail Map (PDF)
• Snowshoeing Trail Map (PDF)

For a dynamic experience, check out the Maps & Apps (FREE) to explore trails and plan your routes.

Step 3: Choose Your Trail

Picking the right trail is crucial:

• Trail Difficulty Levels
• Green Trails: Beginner-friendly, gentle slopes.
• Blue Trails: Intermediate, with some hills and turns.
• Black Trails: Advanced, offering steep climbs and technical sections.
  
  Groomed vs. Ungroomed Trails
• Groomed Trails: Well-prepared for smooth skiing or snowmobiling.
• Ungroomed Trails: More natural, offering a wilder experience.
  
  
  Skate Skiing vs. Classic Skiing
• Skate Skiing: Dynamic, requires groomed surfaces.
• Classic Skiing: Traditional, adaptable to both groomed and ungroomed trails.
• South Loop Trail: The most scenic option at approximately 7.6 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of about 400 feet, considered moderate in difficulty.

Need Help Deciding?

For comprehensive advice tailored to your skills, including gear selection, book a private consultation:

• Book a Consultation

Scroll down for basic gear recommendations if you prefer.

Trail Etiquette and Safety

Trail etiquette is an important topic, especially for seasoned locals who are well-versed in the “dos and don’ts” of groomed trail use. However, if you’re new to Nordic skiing or snowshoeing, understanding these unspoken rules can feel like a challenge. Here’s a simple breakdown of the key points to keep in mind:

• Yielding Right-of-Way: Downhill users and snowmobiles have priority.
• Passing: Stay right, pass left, communicate clearly.
• Group Etiquette: Keep groups small to not block paths.
• Snowshoers: Use designated areas to avoid damaging ski tracks.

No Snowshoes or Skis? This is not really safe.

Without proper equipment:

• Groomed Trails: Footsteps can ruin the skiing surface.
• Ungroomed Trails: Walking creates hazards for skiers.
• Snowshoe Trails: Leaves divots, increasing injury risk.

Your safety:

• Rent gear if you don’t own any.
• Sign up for guided adventures.
• Explore community programs for a safe introduction. Check out this one: FREE Snowshoe with a Ranger program at Mt. bachelor.

A Different Approach: RESPECT

Recreation Leader’s RESPECT ethos promotes respect for nature, your fellow adventurers, and yourself.

Step 4: Get Directions