Dogs on Snow

Update: The craziness continues, from famine to flood. We're packing the trail, but expect backcountry conditions until the storm passes. Please see our Facebook page (left column) or Twitter feed for updates. Check out NOAA for the Wanoga weather forecast.

 

"Skis were created to make earth a little more like heaven." And this sledding video remind us how much dogs love snow.  Our Wanoga trail is the first regularly-groomed ski / snowshoe trail in Oregon that allows dogs, and in 2010-2011 we added a snwoshoe trail. The ski trail is only a couple miles long, but it's a start.  We're working on options for a permanent and longer trail, as well as better ungroomed / backcountry / tele / AT access. Scroll down for more info on Wanoga and the other sno-parks.

Wanoga Sno-park

Volunteer schedules permitting, we groom Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Trail details: The ski trail is one-way, follows a curvy double loop in a clockwise direction, and is 3.5 km (2 miles) long. The snowshoe trail is groomed and is a half mile long, through the trees. Check out the map.

 

 

Blue diamonds and bamboo poles mark the left side of the trail. We've cleared approximately 18 feet to the right of these markers. Skiers (skate and classic) and snowshoers are welcome.  Please do not walk on the trail.  Be aware that dogs may posthole on and off the trail.

 

 

Getting there: Drive west on Century Drive toward Mt. Bachelor. Wanoga is on your left, past milepost 14 and Meissner Sno-Park. The groomed dog-friendly ski trail is in the sno-play area, to the left (east) of the main Wanoga Sno-Park. The trailhead is on the opposite side of the parking lot from the sledding hill.

What about grooming quality? The grooming is done by volunteers with "day jobs," and we groom with an ATV -- so trail quality won't be up to the levels of Bachelor or Meissner (they have paid groomers using snow-cats). Many people ski in those areas for distance and views, then stop at Wanoga to give their dog some exercise and play time. We make multiple passes to help pack snow, but conditions may be soft, especially after heavy snows.

 

Who pays for the grooming? All the grooming and trail maintenance is done on a volunteer basis by local dog guardians -- the Forest Service does not provide funding. Sno-park permits pay for plowing, but not grooming. A DogPAC member donates the use of an ATVand groomer. Donations for fuel, the storage shed, and other items are sought.

 

How can I support this effort? Donate via PayPal or credit card by clicking the link in the left column, donate via the box on the trail, or send a check to DogPAC at PO Box 2091, Bend, OR  97709.

 

What about poop? There are multiple poop bag dispensers and trash cans along the trail, including at the start . Please do your part to keep the trail clean -- pick up your dog's poop and place it in the can. Many dogs poop at the beginning of the trail, so pay particular attention there.

The black bags are biodegradable and easy to carry. Turn the bag inside out, pick up the poop, wrap over, and tie off. You’ll end up with the strap on the outside. You can use this strap to attach the bag to the outside of your butt pack or backpack – in order to bring the bag out and deposit in this trash can as you leave.

 

Skijoring at Wanoga Trail is always a great option. Here is a list of skijoring information.

• Ruff Wear Skijoring blog: http://dogblog.ruffwear.net/2011/11/17/a-brief-history-of-joring.
• Bulletin article about skijoring.
• Skijoring Association information.

Snow access near Bend

The Deschutes National Forest is by far the most restrictive forest we know when it comes to dog owner access to snow. Dogs are not allowed at Mt. Bachelor nor the areas shown in the map below -- including all 17,000 acres of  the accessible non-motorized areas off Century Drive. We're working to change that. You can help by supporting DogPAC.

 

Dogs are allowed in the wilderness, but you need to get a permit and skijor on high-use snowmobile trails to get there. Click for the official rules.  The situation is even worse when you consider parking. Dutchman Sno-Park is frequently full.  Skiers without dogs can park at Bachelor and use the common corridor.  Skiers with dogs cannot.

Call Chris Sabo (541-383-4795) if you want to get a permit.  We encourage you to also call his boss (Shane Jeffries, 541-383-4760), tell him that access for dog owning citizens currently is poor, and you'd like to see good options in the future.