Winter in Central Oregon attracts vacationers from Oregon and beyond who come looking for snow and the adventures it offers. Skis and snowboards are stashed in car rooftop boxes, while snowmobiles are loaded onto trailers. Locals at home or tourists arriving at their hotels, vacation rentals, and second homes plan their snow days at ski hills and Sno-Parks around Bend, Sisters, and La Pine. While many people plan to spend the day on Century Drive at Mount Bachelor or Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, those in the know prefer Upper Three Creek Sno-Park, located just south of Sisters, Oregon.

Upper Three Creek Sno-Park, known to locals simply as Three Creek Sno-Park, is a popular multi-sport destination. Surpassed only by Dutchman Flat Sno-Park, located across the highway from Mount Bachelor, the parking area serves as a basecamp for snowmobilers, Nordic and backcountry skiers, and snowshoers. Even four-legged friends are welcome to enjoy the trails.

Before heading into the wilderness, start your day in Sisters at Angeline’s Bakery & Cafe. As a centerpiece of the sleepy little town’s morning routine, the bakery has been serving fresh-baked goods, juices, and smoothies to residents and tourists alike for nearly 30 years. With a tagline of “Fabulous Food for Fabulous People,” Angeline’s bakes from scratch and even has dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. An egg and cheese bagel sandwich or breakfast burrito is a great way to fuel your day’s adventure.

After filling your belly or backpack with fuel for the day, drive 11 miles south, on Elm Street, which becomes Three Creek Road and, eventually, Forest Service Road 16. The trip takes about 20 minutes, depending on the weather and road conditions. The road starts in town near the Village Green City Park, passes by a few urban houses and then ranches, and finally into the pines of the Deschutes National Forest. On the way up, you’ll pass by the Lower Three Creek Sno-Park, which is designed as an overflow parking area and not usually plowed.

Continue up the hill where the road ends in the winter and leads vehicles into the Sno-Park. All in all, you’ll drive from the 3,189-foot elevation of Sisters to 5,160 feet at the Three Creek Sno-Park. A Sno-Park Permit is required from November through April for parking and is good at all Oregon Sno-Parks. All Sno-Parks come equipped with toilets.

On a good snow day, the expansive parking lot at Three Creeks Sno-Park can feel more like a friendly gathering spot than just a place to park your vehicle. Toward the back, RVs pulling trailers with snowmobiles sit together as snowmobilers plan their day in the forest. The smell of breakfast drifts from camp stoves and mixes with the exhaust from revved-up snow machines, while dogs run around barking and playing. 

When ready, the snowmobilers head up the closed road and several trails leading toward Three Creek Lake, Tam McArthur Rim, McKenzie Pass, and Hoodoo Ski Area to the south. When the snow is plentiful, the entire Deschutes National Forest is their playground. It’s important to note that snowmobiles may not enter the Three Sisters Wilderness or Mount Jefferson Wilderness, both of which are west of the Sno-Park.

Closer to the parking lot entrance and the non-motorized machine trail on the east side, skiers and snowshoers prepare for their journey into the wilderness. While snowshoers may choose to follow the trail or not, there are 14 miles of cross-country skiing trails with several loops that vary in length and difficulty. Of course, backcountry skiers may decide to skip the trail altogether. Most head to the Jefferson View Shelter, a little over two miles away, with an elevation gain of 745 feet. The relatively easy trail sees more traffic on weekends and holidays, but most are too captivated by the views of Mount Jefferson and the Cascade Mountain Range to notice others around them. 

Lightning-caused fires over the past decade have left their mark on the area, but nature’s resilience has allowed young pine trees and brush to begin filling in the open spaces. After about an hour of a steady, though not steep, climb, the shelter comes into view. Complete with a wood stove, the shelter is a great place to stop for a snack, enjoy the view, and take a break before heading back to your car. 

For those looking to spend more time on their skis or snowshoes, continue past the shelter for about five more miles, all the way to Three Creek Lake. Backcountry skiers skin up or ride snowmobiles to the Tam McArthur Rim to earn their turns without ski resort lifts. Those seeking a longer adventure will pack their warmest clothes and sleeping bags for winter camping under the stars.

For many, the best part of the day occurs on the trip back to the parking lot, as the gentle descent eases the skiing home. Some stay on the trail, while others crisscross through the woods to explore the area further. Back at the Three Creek Sno-Park, smiles and high fives are plentiful, even if mixed with a little exhaustion.

If a meal and craft beer are your idea of capping off the day, stop by Three Creeks Brew Pub on the east end of Sisters. The brewery has made a name for itself with local favorite beers such as Hoodoo Voodoo IPA and FivePine Chocolate Porter. The family-friendly brewpub offers a full food menu featuring a great selection of burgers, salads, and entrees.

Overall, a journey through the western town of Sisters and into the forest via the Upper Three Creek Sno-Park provides a memorable adventure for all explorers.

Upper Three Creek Sno-Park; fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/recreation/upper-three-creek-sno-park; Call the Sisters Ranger District Office for more information: 541-549-7700. 

Angelina’s Bakery & Cafe; 121 W Main Ave, Sisters; (541) 549-9122; angelinesbakery.com; Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Three Creeks Brew Pub; 721 S Desperado Ct, Sisters; (541) 549-1963; threecreeksbrewpub.com; Open daily from noon to 8 p.m. with Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sno-Park Parking Permits: Visit oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/sno_park_permits.aspx for more information on fees and permit purchases.