White River Sno Park

Enjoy epic views of the south face of Oregon's Mt Hood.

White River Sno Park is 1-hour east of Portland Oregon, along Highway 35 at Mt Hood, and has an iconic view of the south face of Mt Hood.

It's easily accessible from a parking lot off Highway 35 known as "White River West Sno Park" on Google Maps, but always check road conditions before driving up to Mt Hood. There are 200 spaces in the parking lot that fill up quickly on winter weekends.

The White River Sno Park is located on Federal Land and is free to visit in summer, but a Sno Park Pass is required in winter (November thru April). Purchase this on the drive up to the Sno Park at this list of businesses at Welch.

There's a pit toilet on-site, but no other amenities. The closest town is 10-minutes away at Government Camp, with a gas station, grocery store, and rustic restaurants like the Ratskeller Pub and Glacier Public Haus.  The nearest accommodation is at Government Camp or Timberline Lodge.

5 best things to do at White River Sno Park

1. Go tobogganing and tubing at White River Sno Park in winter, with the amazing backdrop of Mt Hood.  Don't forget your Sno Park Pass if visiting in winter, and be prepared for crowds on the weekends. Be on the lookout for exposed rocks during low snowpack years, and keep a safe distance from the White River.

2. White River Sno Park is the perfect photo opportunity in summer when the snow has melted away and the beautiful White River carves a path through the rocky terrain.  It's just steps from the highway to experience these incredible views.  No hike in required!  It's gets super windy up here, even in summer, so don't forget to bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves. Follow a rough dirt trail near the river for even better mountain views.

3. Explore miles of cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

4.  Enjoy an incredible scenic drive up to White River Sno Park.  If coming from Portland Oregon, complete the scenic mountain drive along Highway 26 that eventually merges into Highway 35, passing scenic townships like Sandy and Government Camp.  Stop at magnificent Jonsrud Viewpoint at Sandy, and take the detour to historic Timberline Lodge just past Government Camp, with two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and biking trails, then continue on to White River Sno Park.

5. Drive another 35 miles around Mt Hood to the tourist town of Hood River. Highway 35 continues another 35 miles past the White River West Sno Park to the bustling tourist town of Hood River, with lots of restaurants and hotels, a popular sandy beach, and the famous Hood River Winery Loop.