Little John is mostly a winter recreation spot, with a small Forest Service campground used in summer. It lies along Oregon Highway 35 in the Hood River Ranger District. From Sandy, take US 26 east about 31 miles, exit onto Highway 35 toward Hood River and continue roughly 13 miles. Coming from Hood River, it’s about 25 miles south.
The snow play hill is the big draw in winter, with a warming shelter, an information board, a vault toilet and parking for about 40 vehicles. Take a minute with the posted safety notes before sliding, since people do get hurt here. Summer tends to be quieter. There is no drinking water, so pack your own.
Getting there
From Sandy, OR
- Drive about 31 miles east on US 26 and take the OR 35 exit toward Hood River.
- Continue on OR 35 for about 13 miles and Little John will be on your right.
From Hood River, OR
- Turn onto OR 35 South.
- Little John will be on your left in about 25 miles.
From the Forest Service
Reservations
This campground is first come, first served and does not take reservations.
Rules and restrictions
Only tubes or plastic sleds allowed on hill. PROHIBITED: Snowmobiles, sleds, toboggans, skis, and snowboards.
All fees
Day Use:
Oregon State Sno-Park Permit required November 01 - April 30:
$5 per vehicle per day, $30 for an annual pass
Campground:
$10.00/night
$9 per three day (consecutive)
$25 per annual
Winter: Sno-park permit required.
Summer: Campground fees are $10/campsite/night. Cash or check only.
Passes and permits
Winter: State of Oregon Sno-Park permit required November 1 through April 30.
Summer: Interagency Senior or Interagency Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites only.
The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.
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)