Take a winter hike at these snowy, family-friendly destinations.
From Crater Lake to Mt. Ashland and the multiple Sno-Parks and mountain lakes in between, Southern Oregon is a winter lover’s playground, and snowshoeing is a delightfully simple way to experience landscapes that have been transformed by snow. The learning curve is gentle — the biggest challenge is adjusting your stride so you don’t step on one shoe with the other — and it’s great exercise, too. You can even rent a pair before purchasing your own. Start by exploring these beginner-friendly routes.
Start the Season at Mt. Ashland
Get a jump on the season at Mt. Ashland Ski Area, 30 minutes southwest of Ashland. At 7,500 feet, trails at this seasonal destination are among the first to be snow-ready.
A good beginner route is the Grouse Gap Loop, which begins at the back of the ski area parking lot. From there, snowshoe west on the forest road toward the Grouse Gap shelter. You’ll encounter mostly flat terrain, along with expansive views of mountain meadows and Mt. Shasta to the south. The shelter makes a good destination for a shorter, 4-mile out-and-back. For a longer, 6.5-mile loop, continue south past the shelter and wind through forests and meadows back to your starting point.
You can rent snowshoes at Get ’N Gear or Mountain Provisions in Ashland and purchase a Sno-Park pass at the Ashland DMV or Bi-Mart.
Winter Wonderland Hikes Around Crater Lake
It’s no wonder winter recreationists flock to Crater Lake National Park: Rim Village, on average, receives an average of 42 feet of snow each season. Select from one of several routes highlighted in the park’s winter newsletter. One of the most popular is to follow the unplowed West Rim Drive, where you can wind through a hemlock forest and pop out for views of the sapphire-blue lake below. Discovery Point is just 1.2 miles from the parking lot, making for an easy out-and-back. If you’re feeling more ambitious, hike another mile to the Wizard Island Overlook.
Take advantage of ranger-guided snowshoe walks that start from Rim Village. These are typically 1 to 2 miles, with stops to learn about the park’s natural history. Snowshoes are provided at no cost for these guided walks, and advanced reservations are required. For self-guided adventures, you will have to rent snowshoes at one of several outfitters located within two hours of the park.
Make Tracks in the Cascades
Options for skiing and snowshoeing abound in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Two flat, family-friendly routes originate at Lake of the Woods Resort, just 45 minutes northwest of Klamath Falls and an hour east of Medford. Choose from the forested, 2-mile Family Loop or the 1-mile Sunset Campground trail, which hugs the shoreline and offers stunning views of Mt. McLoughlin rising beyond the lake. If you stay overnight in one of the resort’s cozy cabins, you can start from your front door.
Another excellent option for newbies is the South Brown Mountain Shelter Trail, a rewarding, 4-mile out-and-back route that follows the Pacific Crest Trail. It starts from Pederson Sno-Park, just 10 minutes southwest of Lake of the Woods, winding through enormous old-growth fir trees to the South Brown Mountain shelter, a charming log cabin with a wood stove. Pro tip: Bring fire starter and a lighter; the shelter is usually stocked with firewood, thanks to the Southern Oregon Nordic Club.
If You Go:
- Stay on trails unless you have good navigation skills. Download a GPS app and learn how to use it.
- Oregon’s Sno-Parks require a parking pass. Purchase one online through the Oregon DMV or at your favorite local outdoor store.
- A mile on snowshoes is more strenuous than a mile hiking on bare ground, so pace yourself. Remember, if you’re doing an “out-and-back” trail, you will have to return the same distance.
- Dress in layers. Avoid cotton in favor of wool or synthetics designed to breathe and keep you dry. Hats and gloves are essential, and gaiters can protect the seam between your boots and pants. Bring a day pack so you can stow shed layers.
- The winter sun reflecting off of snow can be intense. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen to the exposed parts of your face.
- Follow the etiquette: Stay out of ski tracks if you’re using a shared trail, and yield to skiers.
