Gold Lake Sno Shelter

About

Gold Lake Sno Shelter is a historic backcountry ski shelter in Oregon's Willamette National Forest, situated at the outlet of Gold Lake at approximately 4,800 feet elevation. The shelter has been a popular Nordic skiing destination since the 1960s, offering winter recreationists a warming shelter along the trail system accessed from Gold Lake Sno-Park. The simple log structure provides basic protection from the elements with a wood stove for heat, a picnic table, sleeping bench, and gravel floor. The shelter is available for both day use and overnight stays during the winter season from November 15 through April 30. Overnight capacity is limited to four persons, and the shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. As a backcountry site, visitors must pack out all trash and human waste following Leave No Trace principles. Candles are prohibited; bring your own lighting. Access requires skiing approximately 2 miles from Gold Lake Sno-Park, located at milepost 61.5 on Highway 58. A Sno-Park permit is required November 1 through April 30, available through Oregon Department of Transportation or local vendors. The nearby sno-park features a vault toilet and a warming cabin staffed by the Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol.

Directions

From Oakridge, follow Highway 58 east for approximately 30 miles to Gold Lake Sno-Park at milepost 61.5. Park at the sno-park and ski approximately 2 miles via Gold Lake Road (Forest Road 500) to the shelter at the outlet of Gold Lake.