Best Back Country Skiing in Oregon

Trying to find the best back country skiing in Oregon? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Oregon, Marion County

08 :14 hrs
13.2 mi
1482.0469 ft
S3

One of the most beautiful routes in Oregon, skiing the Jefferson Park Glacier on the north face of Mt Jefferson is best done in the summer and as an overnighter camping at Jefferson Park by the lakes. This is a very scenic volcano that is surrounded by gorgeous wilderness and is mostly untouched. Following Whitewater Creek Trail to Jefferson Park Wilderness where there are multiple lakes and wildflowers, the route then turns uphill following the glacier. Watch for crevasses if you hike high on the glacier. The higher on the glacier you ascend, the more technical gear is needed. If camping at Jefferson Park, you can also ski the Russell Glacier another day.

2

Oregon, Clackamas County

05 :10 hrs
2.7 mi
1058.1807 ft
S3-

A great place for intermediate backcountry skiing, Palmer Glacier is best done when Timberline Lodge Ski Area is closed. On descent, take the same route, as going too far west will lead to danger in the Mount Hood Triangle. This is a wide open space and usually prone to bad and windy weather, but if you ascend on a clear day, the views from the mountain are breathtaking.

3

Oregon, Hood River County

03 :18 hrs
5.1 mi
738.2258 ft
S3-

Along the north side of Mt Hood, this trail provides amazing view of the mountain and the Elliot Glacier, which is the second largest in Oregon. The trail begins at Cooper Spur Inn and head up the mountain, reaching a total of 8500 feet. Along this side of Mount Hood are masses of glaciers and moraines and danger does reside, but the beauty and magnificent views of the mountain make for a great trip. If done when roads are closed to Cloud Cap Inn, access to the trail is a hike from Tilly Jane Sno Park or Cooper Spur Ski Resort to the start of this route at Cloud Cap Inn.

4

Oregon, Hood River County

07 :53 hrs
12 mi
1665.3412 ft
S3+

Perhaps one of the best descents on Mount Hood, Snowdome goes west across the large Eliot Glacier. The best snow and weather here is usually late summer. Follow the route and cross Eliot Glacier, watching for crevasses and seracs. Snowdome is the 2000 foot snowfield on the west side of the glacier. If roads to Cloud Cap Inn are closed, follow the route and stay overnight at Tilly Jane cabins. Otherwise, bypass the Tilly Jane section and start the route at Cloud Cap Inn.

5

Oregon, Deschutes County

08 :51 hrs
14.2 mi
1398.1975 ft
S4

One of the best ski routes in Oregon, the southeast ridge of the Middle Sister is a gorgeous hike and descent. The follows the Pole Creek Trail and then the Chambers Lake Trail. You can camp at the beautiful Camp Lake at the base of the Middle Sister. The hike up the mountain is entirely along the southeast ridge. Descend along the snow fields next to the ridge or take one of the gullies to the east of the ridge.

6

Oregon, Linn County

06 :03 hrs
4.6 mi
769.23 ft
S3+

Hiking from beautiful Big Lake along the Pacific Crest Trail and then up the northwest slopes of Mt Washington, this is a route with amazing views in its entirety. The ascent is not as long as Mt Jefferson, but the route provides great bowl skiing with steep slopes and breathtaking views. The best way down is actually the way you came up, as there are drainages to be careful of in the descent.

7

Oregon, Marion County

07 :50 hrs
12.2 mi
1480.4094 ft
S3

One of the most beautiful routes in Oregon, skiing the north face of Mt Jefferson is best done in the summer and as an overnighter camping at Jefferson Park by the lakes. This is a very scenic volcano that is surrounded by gorgeous wilderness that is mostly untouched. Following Whitewater Creek Trail to Jefferson Park Wilderness where there are multiple lakes and wildflowers, the route then turns uphill on the glacier. Watch for crevasses and use caution, as there is a waterfall and a narrow slot. If camping at Jefferson Park, you can also ski the larger Jefferson Park Glacier another day.

8

Oregon, Wallowa County

10 :23 hrs
16.6 mi
1494.1914 ft
S3+

Starting just south of Wallowa Lake, this route follows the East Fork Wallowa River through the forest of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Continuing through meadows, the trail passes by Aneroid Lake Cabins, which are perfect for an overnight stay in this basin. After passing the lake, you'll begin ascending up the mountains of the Aneroid Basin. This route first climbs to the top of Aneroid Mountain and descends down the steep south side. There are no trees for quite a while on this descent, but there is high avalanche danger. After descending the face, you'll head through a chute that will lead to the next climb and ski. The next climb will take you on the ridge above Dollar Lake. The descent begins down a cliff and then drops in a bowl. Use caution when exiting the bowl, as Dollar Lake is at the bottom. After this descent, the route joins back up with the approach trail for the return.

9

Washington, Yakima County

08 :10 hrs
10.6 mi
1988.6711 ft
S3

A classic climb and one of the most popular on Mt Adams, Suksdorf Ridge or the South Climb is considered non-technical, but riders should still have mountaineering experience and bring crampons and an ice axe for hard snow to make the ascent. The trail begins at Cold Springs and leads to a place called Lunch Counter where you can setup camp. From here, you ascend directly up the Suksdorf Ridge to the false summit and then the summit. Descent is basically down the path you came up, but with only slight variations. Steep sections along the ridge and some chutes into some glaciated bowls characterize this ski.

10

Oregon, Clackamas County

00 :42 hrs
3 mi
612.3264 ft
S1+

Connecting historic Timberline Lodge to the village of Government Camp, this ski route is perfect for beginners. The elevation is low here and can be slush on warmer days and thus a slow descent, so choose a day with fresh dry snow for best results. This is a one-way route, but can be done as an out and back from Government Camp. This is also a popular hiking trail in the summer.

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