These non-motorized sno-parks in Whatcom County allow you to safely enjoy the snow
If you are looking for a safe place to cross-country ski, snowshoe or play in the snow, Whatcom County is home to two non-motorized sno-parks that do not allow motorized snowmobiles.
Washington has over 120 sno-parks that are open during the winter that provide cleared and plowed parking areas in close proximity to trails for snow sports. Most of the state’s sno-parks are exclusively designated for snowmobiling, according to the Washington State Parks website.
There are three types of sno-parks: non-motorized, snow play and snowmobile. Snow play parks are designated for snow play activities such as tubing. Snowmobile parks allow the use of snowmobiles and other motorized snow machines.
At a non-motorized sno-park, visitors can use the groomed trails and play areas to skijor, snowshoe and inner-tube.
Sno-parks in Whatcom
Whatcom County has two non-motorized snow parks in the Mount Baker Wilderness: Salmon Ridge and Shadow of the Sentinels.
▪ Has over 14 miles of groomed trails for snowshoeing, as well as ski and dog-friendly trails.
▪ Has portable toilets and a scenic viewpoint.
▪ A sno-park permit is required and costs $25 for one day. Permits can be purchased online.
▪ Located east of Bellingham off of Interstate-5 exit 255. Take Mount Baker Highway east for 46 miles.
Shadow of the Sentinels Sno-Park
▪ Has backcountry trails for snowshoeing and dog sledding that are groomed intermittently for one mile, but is primarily ungroomed.
▪ No bathrooms available at the sno-park.
▪ A sno-park permit is required and costs $25 for one day. Permits can be purchased online.
▪ Located east of Hamilton off of I-5 exit 232. Take State Route 20 to Baker Lake Highway north for 15 miles.
