Maxwell Sno-Park - South Loop

Length: 4.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 750 feet.

Maxwell Sno-Park is an awesome and much quieter sno-park when compared to its cousins on top of Santiam Pass or near Mt Bachelor. There are no snowmobile trails here, and the lack of people means you are likely to be able to immerse yourself in your own thoughts as you trapes through this snowy wonderland. Well, hopefully snowy. One thing you should check prior to heading here is the snowpack, as this is a lower elevation sno-park and the snow can be scarse during dry years.

There are over 25 miles of trails heading out from the Maxwell Sno-Park parking lot and 2 different shelters you could visit. There are almost endless possibilities of looping trails together and making your own way. This description leads you on a nice loop to the quieter, and smaller, of the two shelters, the South Snow Shelter.

You can take either direction on this loop, but if you want to get the uphill out of the way right off the bat, head out of the likely well packed trail at the back end of the parking area, heading towards Maxwell Butte. The trail remains relatively flat for the first half mile as you pass a couple of side trail options. Keep plowing straight ahead, and past the summer parking area for the Maxwell Butte Trail. But don’t worry, you will get your chance to climb.

Once you pass junction 2, things will definitely steepen up for you. Its nothing crazy, but you will march on a steady uphill for the next mile, gaining about 600 feet. Because the trees are so thick in here, don’t be surprised to have to cross the occasional dry patch under some of the bigger timber. At the 1.5 mile mark, you will reach a 3 way intersection. Left would take you to the Mountain View Shelter, and straight will keep you marching towards Maxwell Butte, if you are up for an 11 mile outing with over 2,000 feet of climbing. If not, head to the right and begin making your way to the South Snow Shelter.

Following the intersection, you begin a nice, steady downhill for the next 2 miles or so. After a little bit of side hilling and weaving through the trees, the trail will meet up with a forest road and widen out for you. Its only about ¾ of a mile from the intersection until you get the see the backside of the South Shelter peaking up out of the snow.

The South Shelter is pretty small and only has a canvas blanket to cover the door. There is a wood stove inside to warm up beside if you wish, but there is no seating, other than the dirt floor, or some log rounds that may be lying around. There aren’t much for views from the shelter, but you can peak out through the trees towards the Old Cascades to the south and west. Once your warmed up and eaten your snack, head back to the trail and continue the loop.

The trail continues at a very pleasant downhill along the forest road and you make your way towards Highway 22. You will know you are getting close when you can start hearing traffic. Then, watch for a trail junction on your right, junction 7. The road will continue heading straight here, but you probably don’t want to pop out on the highway a mile from the sno-park. So make a right at the junction.

The last mile of the trail becomes a trail again, leaving the road behind. While the elevation along this section doesn’t change much, there are plenty of small ups and downs to keep you busy as you wind through the trees. Eventually you will pop out back at the Sno-Park across from the bathrooms. You may have to climb down a snow bank to get back to the parking area, just as a forewarning. Just cause I’m looking out for you.

Directions

To reach the Maxwell Sno-Park, take Highway 22. The Sno-Park is on the east side of the road, 2.8 miles north of Santiam Junction or 29 miles west of Detroit. Pretty straight forward. If you can’t find this, you probably shouldn’t’ be wondering around in the snow.

Things to Know

Passes: An Oregon Sno-Park permit is required November 1 through April 30.

Dogs: Allowed and must be on leash or under voice command at all times.

Usage: Light

Open Season: As long as there's snow. Most years will have suitable snow depth from December into March. This is a lower elevation Sno-Park though, so it is much more suseptable to bad snow years.