The Farewell Bend Snow Play Area is a picturesque setting to enjoy the fun of winter! Located in the midst of old-growth forest and near Union Creek, it is adjacent to the upper Rogue River and on the way to Crater Lake National Park.

These two sledding hills are a popular winter destination for families and friends, especially after a fresh snow!  There is a warming shelter, a fireplace with firewood, and picnic tables, as well as amenities like vault toilets. (Firewood is stocked by the Forest Service and volunteers, but may not always be available.)

Print off this Recreational Opportunity Guide before you head to the snow!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Use caution on the slopes when the snow is not fresh and there a lot of visitors.  The snow can freeze and crust quickly at this elevation, creating unsafe sledding conditions or excessive speeds.

You must have a valid Sno–Park permit displayed near the lower left corner of the windshield of your vehicle if you park in a designated winter recreation parking area (Sno–Park) between November 1 and April 30. Oregon’s Sno–Park Program is funded entirely by the sale of Sno– Park permits. The program provides funds for snow removal in Sno–Parks and enforcement of the permit requirement. Permits are sold at all DMV offices and by permit sales agents at various resorts, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Sales agents may charge an additional service fee for each permit they sell. There are three types of permits:

• An annual permit ($25.00/year)
• A 3-day permit ($9.00/year)
• A one-time, daily permit ($4.00/day)

CHAIN AND TRACTION TIRE REQUIREMENTS

When you travel in winter conditions, you must carry chains or traction tires in or on your vehicle, and must use them, when required by the signs posted. Under some conditions, four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles may be exempt from the requirements to use chains.

For more information on Oregon’s chain and traction tire requirements, go to Oregon Department of Transportation travel web page, Tripcheck.

WINTER DRIVING CHECKLIST

Traveling in Oregon’s snow country can be hazardous, especially if you are caught in a severe storm. Know predicted weather conditions before you go!

The following checklist will help you be prepared in case you must travel during heavy snow.

• Is there sufficient anti–freeze in your radiator?
• Are the windshield wipers in good condition, and is the reservoir filled with winterized washer fluid?
• Are the muffler and exhaust system in good condition? A leaking exhaust system can fill a closed car with carbon monoxide gas.
• Is the gas tank filled? Long waits during storms are common.
• Is the defroster in good working order?
• Extra equipment— The following items will help you in case of an emergency, such as getting stuck in a snowbank:
  • Small shovel
  • Flares
  • Bag of sand, rock salt or a skid mat
  • Ice scraper and brush to remove ice and snow from your vehicle
  • Rags or paper towels to clean the windshield.
  • Battery booster cables
  • Warm, waterproof clothing, boots and gloves
  • Blankets
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Emergency food supply
  • Extra drinking water