Winter Recreation & Safety Tips

Winter hazards such as wind, cold, snow, or whiteout conditions can turn an outing into a tragedy. Advance preparation can ensure a safe and enjoyable outing! Know before you go.

Check the status

Have a plan and a back-up plan in case parking is limited or conditions are unsafe. Weather can change quickly. Check the mountain passes and forecasts before you set out; tire chains may be required. 

• Oregon weather alerts: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
• Washington weather alerts: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wa.php?x=1
• Oregon road cameras: https://www.tripcheck.com/
• Washington road cameras: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/
• Natural Resources and Conservation Service interactive snow map: https://go.usa.gov/xArax

Prepare with these safety tips:

• Snow and cold safety tips from Ready.gov: https://bit.ly/38tqh4F
• Winter tips from the National Weather Service: https://bit.ly/36rcpFm

Sno-Park information & permits:

Sno-Parks are winter parking areas maintained for winter recreation. They require a state issued parking permit in winter months. The parking fee helps pay for plowing and other winter maintenance; other passes or fees may be required depending on the location.

• Oregon Sno-Park permits: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/sno_park_permits.aspx
• Oregon Sno-Parks: https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Sno-Parks
• Washington Sno-Park permits: https://parks.wa.gov/passes-permits/permits/sno-park-permits
• Washington Sno-Parks: https://parks.wa.gov/find-sno-parks

See also: Ski resorts in Oregon and Washington.

Parking is often limited. If a parking lot is full, do not park along the highway, in no-parking zones, or block other vehicles - including emergency vehicles and snow plows. 

Vehicles parked illegally are subject to ticketing and towing. Do not endanger others or yourself by idling on highways waiting for spaces to open up.

Winter driving

Traveling on forest and other high elevation roads during the winter months is serious business. You should always carry a winter survival kit in case you’re stranded. 

Forest Roads: Roads may be impassable for cars without high clearance and four-wheel drive or chains. Most forest roads are not plowed, so many may be closed. Check with the local district office for current conditions.

Do not rely on GPS: GPS will give you options to pick the shortest route, but it may not be a safe route! Diverting from major highways to rural or remote forest roads is not wise, especially during winter months. Blindly following GPS directions into areas you are not familiar with, could turn your trip into a tragic experience.

Use a hard copy map to double check the route, configure your GPS for “highways only,” or a similar setting so that you don’t get directed to snow covered roads where you could become stuck, and always carry emergency equipment and supplies.

Winter Trail Etiquette

• Please do not walk or snowshoe on top of groomed ski tracks or skin tracks.
• People traveling downhill have the right-of-way as they have more speed, and it can be difficult for them to stop.
• In some areas of the National Forests, those traveling by skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles must share the same routes and areas. The following suggestions will help provide safe routes for everyone:

  • Operate snowmobiles at minimum speed near skiers or snowshoers. Travel slowly until well beyond those on foot. Snowmobilers should be able to stop within half of the visible distance ahead.

  • Skiers and snowshoers should realize that snowmobile operators generally can't hear other approaching trail users. On steep slopes snowmobilers are generally limited to the developed trail surface, so give them the right of way. Use common courtesy and respect so that all trail users can enjoy their winter travel.

  • Snowmobiles are not permitted on developed ski trails used for cross-country skiing. Restrictions are posted.

Hypothermia

The way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to plan for extreme cold before it arrives. 

Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Seek shelter from the wind as much as possible. Once inside, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet. Watch for signs for Hypothermia. Hypothermia is the number one killer of outdoor enthusiasts. 

Avalanches

Take nature seriously. Know your gear; Know your limits. Avalanches can strike anyone. Remember that avalanche equipment is only as helpful as your corresponding training in avalanche terrain. 

Understanding avalanche risk is important for everyone, whether their recreation activities take place in the frontcountry or the backcountry.

Northwest Avalanche Center posts regional mountain weather & forecasts. 

Avalanche.org connects the public to formal avalanche information and education in the United States. Avalanche.org is a partnership between the American Avalanche Association (A3) and the US Forest Service National Avalanche Center (NAC).

Winter Recreation Infographs

Download these graphics as a printable PDF.