A sled, something warm in a thermos and the willingness to walk back uphill: that is a promising start to a winter afternoon. At Wanoga, the bike trails of summer give way to a different kind of play.
David Keyte’s short snow-day visit captures the appeal without making a complicated project of it. Head out of Bend, spend some time in the snow and leave the rest of the afternoon open.
Watch the original Wanoga episode on YouTube.
Same place, different season
David starts by remembering summer rides at Wanoga. The place is familiar; the equipment has changed. In winter, a sled and a warm drink give the visit a much less technical agenda. The film quickly gets on with the enjoyable part: spending time outside.
A sledding afternoon has its own rhythm. The ride down is brief, the walk up takes longer and the break in between can be half the pleasure. Pack for those pauses as well as the runs. Spare gloves, waterproof footwear and a warm layer make it easier to linger.
Finding the snow-play hill
Wanoga Snow Play Area is about 15 miles west of Bend on the Cascade Lakes Highway. Follow the signs for the snow-play parking area and designated hill. There are vault toilets, but bring your own drinking water.
Before leaving, take a look at TripCheck for the drive and Forest Service alerts for current notices. Give yourself extra travel time and a second plan for a busy parking day. Sometimes the best winter decision is saving the outing for better conditions.
A little preparation, a lot of play
At this designated Sno-Park, the parking-permit season runs November 1 through April 30. Choose a daily, three-day or annual permit using the DMV’s Sno-Park information. Park only in permitted spaces and keep plow and access routes clear.
The hill is for sledding, with no skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiles or constructed jumps. Dogs need to be leashed in the Sno-Park and on the hill. The snow-play parking area does not allow trailers or vehicles longer than 24 feet; the Forest Service page has the full site rules.
Look over the slope and the space at the bottom before taking a run, wait for a clear path and move aside when you finish. If the hill is icy, crowded or uncomfortable for your group, take a break or call it a day. Visit Bend’s sledding guide has more practical tips.
Know when to bring out the thermos
There is a point in a snow day when a hot drink becomes the main attraction. Leave room for it. A snack and a few minutes out of the action can be enough to send everyone back for another run—or make the drive home feel like good timing.
For a longer winter outing, follow our Powder House, Wanoga and Mt. Bachelor day, with food stops on the way back. For this one, a few runs and warm hands may be all the itinerary you need.
Find more ways to enjoy the seasons in the Check It Out collection and get to know the town below the snow line in our Bend guide.
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