Ray Benson Sno-Park near Sisters, Oregon is your gateway to miles of winter trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling amidst spectacular Cascade mountain scenery.
Welcome to 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.
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.
- Location: Willamette National Forest, 22 miles west of Sisters, Oregon on Highway 20.
- Sno-Park permit required November 1 through April 30. Annual: $25, 3-Day: $9, Daily: $4.
- Activities: Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling.
- Groomed trails for both skiing and snowmobiling.
- Dogs permitted; leashed in the parking area, off-leash in some trail areas.
- Two vault toilets available in the parking area.
- Brandenburg Warming Shelter with views of Mt. Washington and Three-Fingered Jack.
Trails and Activities
Choose your winter pursuit: Nordic skiing on groomed trails with options for both classic and skate skiing, snowshoeing on marked paths through serene landscapes, or snowmobiling on extensive routes through the forest and beyond.
The South Loop Trail is the most scenic option at approximately 7.6 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of about 400 feet, considered moderate in difficulty.
- Green Trails: Beginner-friendly, gentle slopes.
- Blue Trails: Intermediate, with some hills and turns.
- Black Trails: Advanced, offering steep climbs and technical sections.
- Groomed trails are well-prepared for smooth skiing or snowmobiling.
- Ungroomed trails offer a more natural, wilder experience.
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Trail etiquette is an important topic, especially for seasoned locals who are well-versed in the dos and don'ts of groomed trail use. If you're new to Nordic skiing or snowshoeing, understanding these unspoken rules can feel like a challenge.
The parking lot can be full by mid-morning on weekends. Consider arriving early or exploring during weekdays for less congestion.
- 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.
Brandenburg Warming Shelter
The Brandenburg Warming Shelter offers views of the alpenglow on Mt. Washington and Three-Fingered Jack. Firewood is fully stocked; remember to bring a lighter and fire starter like tree pitch. Look out for tracks of weasels, squirrels, and snowshoe hares.
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