Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Winter Activities

Winter Sno-Park Permit Information

Sno-Park permits are required on all vehicles parked at Sno-Parks and immediate access roads.  On the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Sno-Park permits are required from December 1 through March 31 of the following year. The Sno-Park Program is administered by Washington State Parks. Funds from the sale of permits are used to plow snow, groom trails, and service toilets.

The symbol to the right is the official Sno-Parks symbol used on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest web site. When you see this symbol, it means the Sno-Park rules and regulations apply.

What Is The Cost Of A Permit?

Sno-Park permits cost $11 per vehicle for a one-day pass and $31 per vehicle for a season pass.  The permits must be displayed in the lower left comer of the windshield.

Snowmobile users receive a Sno-Park permit with their snowmobile registration at no additional cost.

Do Sno-Parks Have Groomed Trails?

Some Sno-Parks do have groomed trails.  The trails are groomed periodically at the discretion of Washington State Parks and based on availability of Sno-Park funds.

Where Can I Buy A Permit?

Sno-Park permits can be purchased at over 125 retail locations throughout the State or by mail from the Office of Winter Recreation, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 7150 Cleanwater Lane, Olympia, Washington 98504; (360) 902-8844 .  In Vancouver permits are available at: the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters or GI Joe's Sports and Outdoors.

Also, One-day Sno-Park permits can be purchased on-line from Washington State Parks.

Can I Use My Sno-Park Permit In Other States?

The Washington Sno-Park Permit is also accepted in Oregon and Idaho.

•  For more information on Oregon Sno-Parks, contact the Department of Transportation at (503) 986-3006.
•  For information on the Idaho Park-n-Ski lots, contact Idaho Parks and Recreation at (208) 334-2154.  
•  At Washington Sno-Parks, vehicles with Washington license plates must have a Washington Sno-Park Permit.

Will I See Wildlife In Sno-Park Areas?

An exciting experience during a winter outing is seeing wildlife. Though the backcountry visitor just wants to watch these animals, human activity frequently causes big game animals to run away, using needed energy reserves. Please view big-game animals from a distance.

Can I Bring My Pet With Me?

Cross-country skiers are encouraged to leave their dogs at home. Dogs punch holes in the set tracks with their paws.  Unleashed dogs can obstruct other skiers and make them uncomfortable.