Winter Recreation in Washington State

Winter sport enthusiasts and families can spice up the cold months with a variety of snow activities sponsored by Washington State Parks' Winter Recreation Program. The Evergreen State is "ever green" only in parts. The Olympic, Cascade, Blue and Selkirk mountains provide great opportunities for all types of outdoor winter fun.

Cross-country and downhill skiing, skijoring, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing and tubing are available at a variety of locations across the state. In concert with federal agencies, private landowners and other state agencies, Washington State Parks administers this program in three national parks, seven national forests and blocks of state and private forest land. Five major highway passes, kept open to normal traffic in winter, provide easy access to play sites and trailheads.
 

This program was created to open winter recreation opportunities across the state to everyone. Program priorities include safety, wildlife awareness and protection, and cooperation in accord with the Winter Recreation Code of Ethics (scroll down this page to access links with important information on program priorities mentioned, as well as permits, publications, and trail signs).

Two citizen advisory committees advise State Parks in the administration of the Winter Recreation Program, development of facilities and winter sport opportunities. If you would like to know more about the work of these groups or are interested in a future appointment as a committee member, call the Winter Recreation Program at (360) 586-6644. The Winter Recreation (Sno-Park) Advisory Committee assists in the administration of non-motorized sports Sno-Parks, while the Snowmobile Advisory Committee helps manage snowmobile Sno-Parks.
 

The Sno-Park program, begun in 1975, is the core of the Winter Recreation Program. Sno-Parks provide cleared parking areas for winter recreationists in close proximity to groomed and/or backcountry trails.

There are two kinds of Sno-Parks (a few Sno-Parks offer both types of activities):

1. Snowmobile Sno-Parks
   Information on Washington state's snowmobile Sno-Parks including seasonal trail grooming reports (see link at right for a directory of snowmobile Sno-Park locations).
2. Non-motorized Sports Sno-Parks
   Information on non-motorized sports, including cross-country skiing, dogsledding, snowshoeing and snow play, and seasonal trail grooming reports (see link at right for a directory of non-motorized Sno-Park locations).
    

The program is funded solely by snowmobile registration fees, a percentage of the state fuel tax, Sno-Park permit revenue and thousands of volunteer hours. Snow removal, trail grooming, sanitation facilities, mapping, trail signs, safety education, enforcement and program administration are paid for by user dollars.
 

Trail Signs

Trail sign emblems and explanations.

Permits

All you need to know about how to be legal.

Publications

Trail guides and other informational pamphlets – what's available and where to get it.

Winter Safety

How to stay warm and safe in the snow – including avalanche information.

Winter Wildlife

What you'll see while playing in the great outdoors, and how to protect it.
 

Maximize your winter enjoyment by following this Winter Recreation Code of Ethics:

1. I will respect all public and private property and the rights of all winter recreationists to enjoy the beauty.
2. I will park considerately without blocking other vehicles or impeding access to trails.
3. I will keep to the right when meeting other winter recreationists and yield the right of way to downhill traffic.
4. I will slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking another.
5. I will respect designated areas, trail use signs, and established ski tracks.
6. When stopping, I will not block the trail.
7. I will not disturb wildlife and will avoid areas posted for its protection or feeding.
8. I will not litter and I will pack out everything I packed in.
9. I realize that my destination and travel speed are determined by my equipment, ability, terrain, weather and traffic on the trail. In case of an emergency, I will volunteer assistance.
10. I will not interfere with or harass others, recognizing that people judge all skiers or snowmobilers by my actions.
     

Overnight Camping
Overnight camping is allowed at all Sno-Parks except Hyak, Fields Spring and Mount Spokane. Many state parks remain open for camping during the winter months.

Downhill Skiing
Downhill skiing is offered at Mount Spokane State Park. Five chair lifts, two lodges, a restaurant, equipment rental, ski training programs, a gift shop and other amenities are available in the park. For information, call (509) 238-2220.

Snow Play
Designated areas are available for tubing and general snow play at Fields Spring Sno-Park, Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park, Hyak Sno-Park, Rose Springs Sno-Park and the Oldman Pass Sno-Park. In addition, tubing and general snow play are permitted in non-designated areas in many Sno-Parks and in state parks that are open in the winter. For safety's sake, snow players should stay off designated snowmobile and non-motorized sport trails. Ice skating is not available in any location. Due to the mild Washington climate, lakes do not freeze hard enough to permit safe skating.
 

For information on the Winter Recreation Program, call (360) 586-6643 or e-mail winter@parks.wa.gov.

For information on current trail grooming conditions, see link at right for snowmobile and non-motorized sports Sno-Parks. Trail grooming information is updated weekly, beginning Dec. 1, during the winter.