Bennett Pass Sno-Park sits at about 4,700 feet in the Hood River Ranger District, and that height makes it a good bet early in the snow season. It doubles as a trailhead and is reached by the access road to Mt. Hood Meadows ski area, roughly 6 miles north of where Highway 35 meets US Highway 26.
The lot is small, with room for about 30 vehicles, and it sits on a 5 percent grade, so good tires matter. On busy days, Meadows parking staff guide drivers in. Snowmobilers should know that in deep snow years the steep canyon route to the Terrible Traverse can fill in. Vault toilets are on site, but there’s no drinking water.
Getting there
From Hood River, OR
- head south on Highway 35 approximately 6 miles north of the junction with US Highway 26.
- This area is accessed directly from the Mt. Hood Meadows ski area access road.
- Cross Highway 35 to the east.
From Portland, OR
- head east on Highway 26 to the junction with Highway 35.
- Head north on Highway 35 until you read the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski area access road exit.
- The Sno-Park is on your right.
From the Forest Service
All fees
Day Use:
Oregon State Sno-Park Permit required November 01 - April 30:
$5 per vehicle per day, $30 for an annual pass
$9 per three day (consecutive)
$25 per annual
Passes and permits
State of Oregon Sno-Park permit required November 1 through April 30.
Ranger office
Hood River Ranger District
Address: 6780 Highway 35 Parkdale, OR 97041
Phone: 541-352-6002
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)