By:
Submission
Pocket Creek Snowpark is Open!
Travel 34.5 miles south of Hood River on Oregon Highway 35.
Easy access to trails, unambiguous routes, with conventional blazes. Pit toilet available at trailhead. Perpendicular parking available along the roadway.
Discovered this place in the winter accidentally by skiing (about 10-12 km) from upper portion of the Teacup Snow Park a couple of miles west by highway. Comparing to Teacup, which is focused more on a cross-country skiing experience on groomed trails, Pocket creek offers a less restricted use. You can bring your little kids, sleds and your dog here as well.
The thick forest around the trails provides enough privacy and room to enjoy both equipment free snow walks and ski or snowshoeing experience. From the parking lot, the trail will be gradually ascending for a few miles, ensuring a very nice descent on the way back (ski).
I am thinking, the forest is perfect for a winter wild camping, if you like that kind of a challenge.
If you have two cars or some other ride share set up, you could start at Teacup and ski all the way down to Pocket creek - really nice and beautiful trail. Please, keep in mind that cellphone connectivity (any carrier) stops halfway from Teacup. There is very little spotty connectivity on ATT at the parking lot, so prepare in advance for communication and emergencies or carry long range walkie-talkie. Upper ranges of Pocket creek trails do not get much traffic.
This snow-park has been recently reopened. It is a great alternative to the nearby teacup area. This snow-park is far less crowded and seems to be more popular among the backcountry skiers. Dogs as well as snowshoers are welcome 🐾in their separate track (please). There are several loop options including one which goes all the way to the teacup lake.
Beautiful cross country ski area that quickly gets you away from the crowds and out in the woods. The loop trail has several neat bridges over the creeks that run through the area that are very picturesque in the winter. Once you're off the main road/trail, the narrow track and rolling terrain take a moderate amount of skill to negotiate. Also a popular spot for backcountry skiers to start the ascent up to gunsight ridge in search of untracked powder.
