Washington Sno-Parks Guide: 120+ Parks, Permits, and Where to Go
Here’s the thing about winter in Washington: the mountains get dumped on, the ski resorts charge $150 for a lift ticket, and you’re left wondering if there’s a middle ground between staying home and taking out a second mortgage. There is. They’re called Sno-Parks—plowed parking lots scattered across the Cascades that give you access to groomed trails, backcountry routes, and snowfields without the resort markup. Some have heated bathrooms and professional grooming. Others are just a cleared spot where the plow turned around. All of them cost way less than a day pass at Crystal. There are over 120 Sno-Parks in Washington, which sounds great until you’re staring at a map trying to figure out which one won’t leave you stranded in a snowmobile parking lot when you showed up with cross-country skis. This guide is here to fix that.
A Sno-Park is pretty much what it sounds like: a parking area that someone plows all winter so you can get to the snow. Thestate runs the program, but the experience varies wildly depending on where you go.
At one end, you’ve got places like Hyak—packed on weekends, heated restrooms, a sledding hill that fills up with families by 10 a.m. At the other end, you’ve got spots like Blewett Pass, where the parking lot might have six cars, the trails aren’t groomed, and you’re basically on your own in high desert snow with views of the Enchantments.
The point is: you need to match the park to what you’re planning to do, or you’ll end up disappointed. Showing up at a snowmobile park with Nordic skis is like bringing a kayak to a drag strip. Technically you’re in the right category, but contextually you’ve made a mistake
If you want: Easy first-timer experience near Seattle
Go to: Hyak or Lake Easton
If you want: Good groomed cross-country skiing
Go to: Cabin Creek or Crystal Springs
If you want: Sledding with kids
Go to: Hyak or Lake Easton
If you want: Fewer crowds and solitude
Go to: Blewett Pass, Swauk Campground, or Pipe Creek
If you want: Snowmobiling with big trail networks
Go to: Crystal Springs, Blewett Pass, or White Pass
If you want: Dog sledding
Go to: Crystal Springs (only option in the state)
If you want: Backcountry access
Go to: Blewett Pass or any ungroomed park off Highway 97
If you want: Heated restrooms
Go to: Hyak, Lake Easton, or Mt. Spokane
Non-Motorized Parks
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding. No snowmobiles. Quieter, better for families. Cabin Creek and Lake Easton fit here.
Motorized Parks
Snowmobiles and everyone else. Louder, faster, groomed for sleds. If you’re skiing, stick to designated non-motorized routes. Blewett Pass is shared use but snowmobile-heavy.
Shared-Use Parks
Trying to accommodate everyone with separated parking or trails. Crystal Springs does this well. Smaller parks attempting the same thing can feel like nobody’s getting what they want.
Sledding Parks
Dedicated hills for kids and sleds. Hyak and Lake Easton are the main options near Seattle.
Between December 1 and March 31, parking at a Sno-Park requires a permit stuck to your windshield. No permit means a
ticket from a ranger who’s been out since 7 a.m. checking dashboards.
One-Day Pass: $25
Valid until midnight. Works everywhere, including parks with special groomed trails. If you’re only going once or testingthis whole winter thing out, buy a day pass. Available online or at select retailers. Some parks have kiosks (Hyak does), but don’t count on it.
The $25 helps fund plowing, grooming, and restroom maintenance—so it’s not just a fee, it’s the reason these places stay
accessible.
Seasonal Pass: $50
Unlimited visits all winter. Gets you into any Sno-Park, but if you want to park at the high-use groomed locations (Cabin Creek, Hyak, Lake Easton, Crystal Springs), you’ll need the special groomed trails sticker below. Three trips and this pays for itself.
Special Groomed Trails Sticker: $70 (add-on)
Required in addition to the seasonal pass at parks where trails are groomed multiple times weekly for cross-country skiing. This sticker funds the groomers who wake up at 4 a.m. to smooth ski tracks before you arrive. If you’re planning any serious Nordic skiing, you need this.
Parks requiring the groomed trails sticker:
- Crystal Springs
- Hyak
- Lake Easton
- Lake Wenatchee
- Stevens Pass Nordic
- And about a dozen others (listed on each park page)
Total cost for full-season groomed access: $120 ($50 seasonal + $70 groomed)
Where to Buy a Sno-Park Pass
- Online: Washington State Parks website (easiest, skip the lines)
- REI: Most Washington locations carry them
- On-site kiosks: Hyak has one by the restrooms; others are hit or miss
- State Parks offices: If you’re near one
- Select outdoor retailers: Check the state parks vendor list
Display your permit on the lower driver’s side windshield. If it’s not visible, expired, or “fell off”—doesn’t matter. You’re getting ticketed. Rangers check regularly, especially weekends.
Snowmobilers: Additional Requirements
Snowmobiling requires both a Sno-Park permit and snowmobile registration through the Washington Department of Licensing. Registration is $50 annually and includes one Sno-Park permit. Out-of-state registered sleds still need a Washington Sno-Park permit to park but don’t need state registration if visiting for less than 15 consecutive days.
Peak season: Late December through February. Snow is deepest, conditions are most reliable, and crowds are heaviest. Popular I-90 parks fill by 9 a.m. on weekends. If you’re going Saturday or Sunday, leave Seattle by 7 a.m. or accept that you’re parking in overflow.
Weekdays: Dramatically quieter. A park with 100 cars on Saturday might have 15 on Tuesday. If you can swing a weekday trip, do it.
Shoulder season: Early December and March are hit or miss. Snow might be thin, grooming might not have started, or you could luck into perfect conditions with nobody around. Check grooming reports and recent trip reports before committing to the drive.
Weekend traffic: I-90 eastbound backs up on Saturday mornings between North Bend and Snoqualmie Pass. Add 30-45 minutes to your estimated drive time if you’re leaving Seattle between 7 and 10 a.m. Highway 2 to Stevens Pass does the same thing.
Don’t just show up and hope for the best. Check conditions before leaving home.
Washington State Parks Winter Recreation website: Grooming schedules and park status updates. Updated regularly, though “regularly” is a loose term. Look for the grooming report section under each park.
WTA (Washington Trails Association) trip reports: Recent visitor reports with photos, trail conditions, and crowd levels. Search for the specific Sno-Park name. These are gold because they’re from people who were just there, not official updates from three days ago.
WSDOT Mountain Pass Reports: Real-time road conditions, chain requirements, and closures. Essential before any mountain drive. Call 511 or check wsdot.com/travel. If the pass is closed, your Sno-Park is inaccessible.
Webcams: Some passes have live webcams showing current conditions. Not every park has one, but checking Snoqualmie Pass or Stevens Pass webcams gives you a sense of what’s happening.
Snow levels: If the snow level forecast is above 3,000 feet and your park sits at 2,500 feet (Lake Easton, for example), you’re probably looking at rain or slush. Check elevation against forecasted snow levels.
Avalanche forecast: Northwest Avalanche Center (nwac.us) if you’re planning to leave groomed trails. Even if you’re
sticking to valley trails, checking the avalanche danger gives you a sense of overall conditions and recent weather.
You Need: Your Sno-Park permit on the dashboard where it’s visible. Chains or traction tires—mountain passes require them November through March when conditions warrant. Troopers enforce this, and getting stuck without chains means fines, towing, and hours of your day gone.
Layers. It’ll be 15 degrees at 8 a.m. and 40 by noon. A base layer, insulating layer, and waterproof shell will cover you. Cotton is a mistake—it stays wet and cold. Synthetic or wool only.
Water and snacks. There are no services at most Sno-Parks. No food trucks, no cafes, no vending machines. Bring more
water than you think you need—winter air is dry, and you’ll get dehydrated faster than you expect.
Headlamp or flashlight. Winter sun sets by 4:30 p.m. If your plans run long or you misjudge timing, you’ll want light. Phones die in the cold—don’t count on your phone flashlight.
Emergency kit: blanket, first aid supplies, phone charger, extra food. If you slide off the road or break down, you’ll want this.
For Cross-Country Skiing: Skis (classic or skate style), poles, and either waxed or waxless skis depending on your preference. Waxless skis are easier for beginners—they grip going uphill without needing wax adjustments for temperature. Classic skis use the groomed tracks. Skate skis are wider, faster, and require more skill. They use the flat groomed lanes next to the tracks.
For Snowshoeing: Snowshoes sized for your weight, trekking poles for balance, and gaiters to keep snow out of your boots. Snowshoeing is basically hiking on snow—if you can hike, you can snowshoe. Stay off groomed ski tracks or skiers will hate you.
For Sledding: A sled or tube. Helmets for kids (and honestly adults too if the hill is steep). Gloves that won’t soak through by the third run. Waterproof pants unless you enjoy sitting in cold wet fabric.
For Snowmobiling: Registered snowmobile, helmet, and if you’re leaving groomed trails—avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel. Also training on how to use them. Gear without knowledge doesn’t help.
Safety Essentials for Backcountry: If you’re going beyond maintained trails: avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, and the training to use them correctly. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent at most parks—download maps before you leave. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Stay off groomed ski tracks if you’re snowshoeing. Boot prints destroy the parallel grooves cut for skiers and create trip hazards. Skiers catch their poles in boot holes and face-plant. Most parks have separate snowshoe routes—use them. If there’s no marked snowshoe trail, walk on the side of the groomed area, not through the tracks.
Dogs aren’t allowed on groomed ski trails at most parks. Where they are allowed, keep them leashed and pick up waste. Yes, even in snow. Frozen dog waste thaws in spring, and nobody wants to find that in April. More importantly, unleashed dogs chase skiers, spook dog sled teams, and generally ruin other people’s experience.
Downhill traffic has the right of way. If you’re climbing and someone’s skiing down, step aside. They can’t stop as easily as you can.
Yield to dog sled teams. They’re 70 feet long, moving fast, and can’t stop on a dime. Get out of the way, let them pass, and don’t approach the dogs—they’re working.
Don’t litter. There’s no trash service. Pack out everything you bring in. Yes, including that granola bar wrapper shoved in your pocket.
Respect closures and boundaries. If a trail’s closed for avalanche danger, wildlife protection, or private property, there’s a reason. Ignoring closures endangers you and forces rescue resources to come get you when things go wrong.
Parking fills faster than you think. Especially at Hyak, Crystal Springs, and Cabin Creek on weekends. By 9 a.m., you’re circling for spots or heading to your backup park. Arrive early or have a Plan B.
Grooming schedules slip. A trail listed as “groomed daily” might not have been touched in three days because equipment broke or the operator called in sick. Check recent WTA trip reports before assuming conditions are perfect.
Cell service is terrible. Most parks have spotty to nonexistent coverage. Download maps, directions, and any info you need before leaving home. Counting on your phone for navigation once you’re there is a mistake.
Avalanche terrain is everywhere. Even mellow-looking slopes can slide. If you don’t know what you’re looking at, stay on designated trails and out of steep terrain. Get training if you’re serious about going farther. The Northwest Avalanche Center offers free online courses.
Vault toilets are cold. Heated restrooms exist at Hyak and Lake Easton. Everywhere else, it’s a concrete box with a hole. Dress accordingly.
Snowmobilers and skiers don’t always get along. Shared-use parks try to separate traffic, but tensions exist. Skiers complain about noise and exhaust. Snowmobilers complain about slow skiers on connector trails. Be courteous, share space, and recognize that everyone paid the same permit fee.
Winter driving isn’t optional skill. Chains or traction tires are legally required, and you need to know how to install them before you’re stuck on the shoulder in a snowstorm. Practice at home. WSDOT’s mountain pass reports are essential—check them before leaving.
Battery life tanks in the cold. Phones, cameras, GPS units—everything dies faster. Keep devices in inside pockets close to
your body when not using them.
Park is full: Have a backup. If Hyak’s packed, Cabin Creek is 20 minutes farther east and usually has space. If Crystal Springs is full, try Lake Easton. Know your alternatives before you’re stuck in a parking lot.
No snow: Lower-elevation parks (Lake Easton, some Highway 2 options) can be bare or slushy during warm spells. If forecasted snow levels are above your park’s elevation, head to higher options like Blewett Pass or Stevens Pass-area parks.
Weather turns bad: If visibility drops, snow’s dumping, or wind picks up, cut your trip short. Getting back to your car safely beats finishing your planned route. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Road closures: WSDOT closes passes during heavy snow or avalanche danger. Check pass status before leaving and have alternate activities planned if your route’s closed.
You hate the park you picked: It happens. If you show up and realize you’re in the wrong place (too crowded, wrong activity type, bad conditions), cut your losses and either drive to another park or head home. Don’t force a bad experience.
How do I buy a Washington Sno-Park permit?
Online through the Washington State Parks website, at REI stores, at some on-site kiosks (Hyak has one), or at State Parks offices and select outdoor retailers. Buy ahead of time to avoid lines and sold-out kiosks.
When do Sno-Parks open for the season?
Permits are required December 1 through March 31. Some parks open earlier or stay open later depending on snow, but that’s the official season.
Do I need chains to get to Sno-Parks?
Washington law requires chains or approved traction tires (studded tires, all-wheel drive with specific tread depth) on mountain passes from November through March when conditions warrant. Troopers enforce this strictly. Carry chains even if you have AWD—conditions change.
What’s the difference between a seasonal pass and a one-day pass?
One-day pass ($25) is good until midnight on the date shown and works at all parks. Seasonal pass ($50) is good all winter at non-groomed parks. If you want groomed parks (Cabin Creek, Hyak, Lake Easton), you need the seasonal pass plus the $70 groomed trails sticker. Total: $120 for full access.
Can I use my Washington Sno-Park permit in Oregon or Idaho?
No. Washington permits only work in Washington. Oregon and Idaho have separate systems with their own permits.
What happens if I don’t have a Sno-Park permit displayed?
You get a ticket. Fines are typically $30-$50. “I forgot” or “I didn’t know” doesn’t matter. Rangers patrol regularly, especially weekends.
Do I need a permit if I’m just driving through?
No. Only if you’re parking at a designated Sno-Park. Regular highway pullouts and trailheads don’t require permits unless specifically marked as Sno-Parks.
Are Sno-Parks open 24/7?
Most are, though some restrict overnight parking. Check individual park rules before planning to camp or park overnight.
Can I camp at a Sno-Park?
A few parks allow primitive winter camping (Cabin Creek, Marble Mountain) for around $20/night. Most don’t allow overnight stays. Check park-specific pages before bringing camping gear.
Are dogs allowed at Sno-Parks?
Depends on the park. Many non-motorized parks prohibit dogs on groomed ski trails to preserve track quality. Where dogs are allowed, they must be leashed, and you must pick up waste. Check individual park rules.
What’s the difference between a Sno-Park and a ski resort?
Sno-Parks are self-serve parking areas with trail access. No lifts, no lodges, no ski patrol, no rentals. Ski resorts have amenities, services, groomed downhill slopes, and prices starting around $80/day. A full season at Sno-Parks costs $120.
What if there’s no cell service and I get lost?
This is why you download maps before leaving, carry a compass or GPS, and tell someone your plans. If you’re lost, stay calm, retrace your route if possible, and don’t panic. Most trails eventually lead back to roads or parking areas if you’re patient.
A Sno-Park is pretty much what it sounds like: a parking area that someone plows all winter so you can get to the snow. Thestate runs the program, but the experience varies wildly depending on where you go.
At one end, you’ve got places like Hyak—packed on weekends, heated restrooms, a sledding hill that fills up with families
by 10 a.m. At the other end, you’ve got spots like Blewett Pass, where the parking lot might have six cars, the trails aren’t
groomed, and you’re basically on your own in high desert snow with views of the Enchantments.
The point is: you need to match the park to what you’re planning to do, or you’ll end up disappointed. Showing up at a
snowmobile park with Nordic skis is like bringing a kayak to a drag strip. Technically you’re in the right category, but
contextually you’ve made a mistake.
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
