Guided Snowshoe Tour in Bend: Old-Growth Forest & Hot Cocoa

Walk through powder in an old-growth forest while a guide reads the snow for animal tracks.

A guided snowshoe tour in Bend takes you into the Deschutes National Forest to trek through hemlock and fir forest, spot wildlife tracks, and learn about the region's native history and winter ecology from a naturalist guide. The four-hour outing includes snowshoes, hot cocoa, and instruction in snowshoeing technique. Snowshoes are provided, and boot and pant rentals are available at the office before you depart.

The experience

How do you move through deep snow without sinking? Snowshoes let you walk across powder that would otherwise swallow your boots, and the Cascade Mountains west of Bend receive 400–600 inches of it each winter. A naturalist guide leads the way, breaking trail through old-growth forest of hemlock and fir, and teaches you the technique as you go. The tour stays in the areas around Mt. Bachelor and the surrounding national forest, moving at a pace that suits all fitness levels.

What makes this different from a winter hike is what you notice. Your guide points out animal tracks pressed into the snow (fox, pine marten, and others), and explains how native wildlife have adapted to the deep snow. You'll hear stories of the region's native history and why a healthy snowpack matters to the local ecosystem. Midway through, you stop to rest and drink hot cocoa while sitting in the mountains.

Bring winter boots (or rent them at the office for $10) and layers: snow jacket, pants, hat, gloves. Sunglasses and sunscreen matter too. The reflection off snow is strong on clear days. The tour climbs and descends at elevation above 6,000 feet, so it's not flat ground, but it's designed for anyone willing to walk for four hours. Children 8 and older do well on these tours.

What’s included

• Snowshoes and instruction in snowshoeing technique.
• a naturalist guide who interprets animal tracks, native history, and the local ecosystem.
• hot cocoa during a rest break in the forest.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Wanderlust Tours

Is this one for you?Four hours is long enough to move deep into the forest and spot wildlife signs, but short enough to fit the rest of your day in Bend. The elevation and terrain mean you'll feel the work, so come ready to walk, not stroll.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What kind of animal tracks might I see on a snowshoe tour near Bend?

Your guide points out tracks left by fox, pine marten, and other native wildlife that have adapted to deep snow. What you spot depends on the day and where the group travels, but the guide reads the snow and explains how each animal moves through winter.

Do I need my own snowshoes, or are they provided?

Snowshoes are included with the tour. Winter boots are required to keep your feet warm and dry. If you don't have them, rentals are available at the office for $10 before you depart.

How long is the snowshoe tour, and what time does it start?

The tour runs four hours. Contact the operator for the specific start time, as it may vary by season and snow conditions.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes snowshoes, instruction in snowshoeing technique, a naturalist guide, and hot cocoa during a rest break. Guide gratuities are not included and are offered on a voluntary basis.