Sno-Park passes explained

Washingtonians generally experience shock each November as the weather turns cold and wet. But, being hardy souls, we often shift quickly to embrace winter and its opportunities for snow play. Then we set out on adventures like:

Guided snowshoe hikes at Lake Easton
Fat tire biking at Pearrygin Lake
Skiing at Mount Spokane
Snowshoeing hut to hut on the MTTA trails below Mount Rainier
Climb Mount St. Helens from Marble Mountain Sno-Park
Sledding, snowmobiling or throwing snowballs at more than 120 Sno-Parks

To enjoy these snow romps, you’ll need the right permits for your destination and activity.

Sunrise at Marble Mountain Sno-Park below Mount St. Helens.

Washington Sno-Parks have a unique pass system.

Between Dec. 1 and April 1, more than 120 Washington recreation areas are designated “Sno-Parks.”

Sno-Parks are on land managed by state and federal agencies, but our self-funded Winter Recreation Program manages plowing, grooming, clearing and sanitation. So, here’s what you’ll need to park at a WA Sno-Park:

Mt Baker NRA view of a snowy, semi forested basin with a river running through it. — Epic view from Mount Baker NRA Sno-Park.

Sno-Park permit

Cost: $25 (day pass), $50 (season pass).
What it covers: parking at WA Sno-Parks.
How to display: Day pass — on dashboard. Season pass — car windshield decal.
Where to buy: online, or from a licensed vendor.

A lone snowshoer follows a groomed track at a forested Sno-Park — A snowshoer enjoys a rare moment of solitude above Cabin Creek.

Special grooming sticker

Cost: $70 (season pass).
What it covers: More frequent plowing, grooming and sanitation at high-use Sno-Parks. The special grooming sticker goes with your seasonal Sno-Park permit. It is not required with a one-day Sno-Park permit.
High-use Sno-Parks:
- Cabin Creek
- Lake Easton
- Chiwawa
- Lake Wenatchee
- Crystal Springs
- Mount Spokane
- Hyak
- Nason Ridge
How to display: car windshield decal.
Where to buy: online, or from a licensed vendor.

A snowmobiler on a flat snowy area with mountains behind. — A snowmobiler rests below Mount Jolly at Salmon La Sac Sno-Park.

Snowmobiles

Individual snowmobiles or snowbikes must be registered with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL).

Cost: $50 through DOL.
What it covers: snowmobile registration and one annual Sno-Park permit
How to display: haul trailer decal.
Additional info: a special grooming sticker is still required at high-use Sno-Parks (see above).

An orange tent illuminated from inside below a dark snowy mountain. — Winter camping is available at several Sno-Parks. Advanced winter campers can pitch tents above Sno-Parks like Cabin Creek and Marble Mountain (pictured above).

Winter camping

Primitive snow camping is available, first-come-first-served, at three Sno-Parks:
Cost: $20 a night.
What it covers: one campsite in the day-use area with heated bathrooms nearby. Dig your own parking and tent site.
Where to buy: park office.

Mt Baker NRA Sno Park 3 people in red look at Mount Baker, shrouded in clouds — On a clear day, mountains are often visible from Sno-Parks. Here, three hikers hope for a glimpse of Mount Baker.

How to prepare for your winter outing

Aside from getting the right permits, winter safety requires a high level of preparation. Here are some useful resources to help you support our Sno-Parks and keep you safe and warm (or at least warm-adjacent).

Make a winter emergency kit for your car.
Check roads and weather conditions before heading out.
Pack the 10 Essentials – plus hand and foot warmers and a thermos or insulated hot water bottle with your favorite warm beverage!
Practice proper snow trail etiquette – snowshoers and hikers, please avoid groomed ski tracks. (Skiers can trip on holes made by hikers and get injured).
Bring the scoop and bag for your dog. You’ve still gotta pick up, even in snow.
Go with a buddy and stick together for safety.