Dec 18
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
Permits are required November 1st - April 30th
Local Vendors in Bend, Oregon:
*Agents may charge an additional service fee, though you are directly supporting locals. Call ahead to confirm availability:
Weston's Corner Inc - (541) 480-0021
Ace Hardware - (541) 389-9094
Butler Market South - (541) 383-0146
C E Lovejoy's Brookswood Market - (541) 388-1188
Keith G Walls - (541) 678-4848
Mountain Supply of Oregon - (541) 388-0688
Pine Mountain Sports - (541) 385-8080
Powder House Inc - (541) 389-6234
Project Bike - (541) 550-6840
REI Bend - (541) 385-0975
Rudy's Markets Inc - (541) 382-3940
Skjersaas - (541) 389-4224
Stand on Liquid - (541) 639-4596
Sunnyside Sports - (541) 382-8018
The Gear Fix LLC - (541) 617-0022
Visit Bend - (541) 382-8048
Webcyclery & Webskis - (541) 318-6188
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
To make navigation easier, download the appropriate trail map for your activity:
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:
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
Additional Info
Brandenburg Warming Shelter
- Views: Enjoy the alpenglow on Mt. Washington and Three-Fingered Jack.
- Firewood: Fully stocked; remember to bring a lighter and fire starter like tree pitch.
- Wildlife: Look out for tracks of weasels, squirrels, and snowshoe hares. If you spot other wildlife signs, share in the comments!
Recommended Gear for Cross-Country Skiing
Having the right gear can transform your experience. Here are our top recommendations to help you get started:
Transform Your Ray Benson Adventure Today!
With Recreation Leader's Private Consultation:
- Perfect Fit: Find your ideal winter activity.
- Trail Recommendations: Discover the best routes for your adventure like the South Loop.
- Gear Simplicity: Get advice on what to buy or rent.
- Natural Wonders: Learn about the diverse fir and pine forests and the geological history of the High Cascades.
💙 Click here to book your consultation now and prepare for an unforgettable winter outing!
Have you been to the Brandenburg Shelter before or will you be visiting there soon? Let us know in the comments! @RecreationLeader #RecreationLeader
