The Washington State Parks and Recreation maintains a number of Sno-Parks around the National Park for parking vehicles for winter recreation, for both motorized and non-motorized use. They are solely supported by user fees. Sno-Park permits are $20.00 for a one day pass or $40 for a season pass. (The winter recreation season ends 4/30/2010 but weather conditions may close Sno-Parks by 3/31/2010.) Permits are available at various retail locations around the state, or by mail from Washington State Parks, Winter Recreation Program, PO Box 42662, Olympia, WA 98504-2662. After November 15, they are also available online at fortress.wa.gov. Directions to snowmobile Sno-Parks and trail reports can be found on the WA state parks website. Additional information can be obtained by calling (360) 902-8684.
There are three Sno-Parks located in the Elbe/Ashford area. Information may be obtained by calling Mt. Tahoma Trails Association at 360-569-2451. Numerous Sno-Parks are located along Hwy. 410, northwest of Naches and on Hwy. 12, west of Naches, both for motorized and non-motorized use. Information may be obtained at the Naches Ranger District, 509-653-1400, or by visiting the website. Maps of groomed trails in the Naches district may be found here: North Half | South Half.
The Catt Creek Road is accessible for snowplay activities near Ashford. Turn right off of Hwy 706 on the Kernahan or Skate Creek Road (2.6 miles from Visitor Center in Ashford). Continue about 1.4 miles and then turn right on Osborne Rd., then an immediate left onto the #85 road. The road is paved for 6 miles. Park at the Green Gate. Another popular area can be accessed from the #59 Road on the North side of Hwy 706 near Copper Creek. The road is not plowed so use caution and carry chains.
In the White River area, 25 miles east of Enumclaw, the Sun Top Sno-Park is a non-groomed area for all non-motorized users. Pyramid Creek is available for motorized recreational vehicles.
In the Packwood region there is a SnoPark for motorized use in the Skate Creek area. Click here for SnoPark Information and Forest Road Alerts in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Snowmobiling is allowed in the southwest corner of the park along a 6.5-mile stretch of the West Side Road as far as Round Pass. It is also permitted on the road loops of Cougar Rock Campground on the Longmire/Paradise Road. Snowmobiles are permitted on the 12-mile section of unplowed road from the North Park Boundary on Highway 410 to the White River Campground. Snowmobiles may not continue on Hwy 410 south of the White River Road turnoff. In the southeast corner of the park snowmobiling is allowed on the Stevens Canyon Road from the Stevens Canyon Entrance to the road tunnel at Box Canyon.