Studded tires legal in Oregon again on Sunday
Studded tires become legal in Oregon once again on Nov. 1, under state law, but that’s just one Sunday sign that winter is approaching. It’s also the start of Sno-Park permit “season,” and seasonal road closures in Crater Lake National Park.
As you prepare for your winter recreation activities, be sure to buy and display your Sno-Park parking permit.
Oregon’s Sno-Park program helps provide snow removal at about 100 winter recreation parking areas (Sno-Parks) around the state. Sno-Parks are in most of Oregon’s mountain passes and in most ski, snowmobile, and snow play areas. A list of Sno-Parks is available at www.tripcheck.com under “Travel Center.”
If you park in a Sno-Park from Nov. 1 through April 30, you need a valid Sno-Park permit displayed in your vehicle near the lower left corner of the windshield. Parking in a Sno-Park without a permit may result in a fine.
There are three types of permits:
a $25 seasonal permit;
a $9 three-day permit good for three consecutive days; and
a $4 daily permit.
All DMV offices and many permit agents at winter resorts, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets sell these permits. Private agents can charge an additional service fee. A list of permit agents is available at www.tripcheck.com under “Travel Center.”
The seasonal permit is also available by mail from DMV. Send a written request with your return address, phone number and a check or money order to DMV, Vehicle Mail No. 1, 1905 Lana Avenue, Salem, Oregon 97314.
Sno-Park permits issued by California and Idaho are honored in Oregon and Oregon permits are honored in those states.
Meanwhile, Crater Lake National Park’s North Entrance Road and East and West Rim drives will close for the season on Sunday at 5 p.m. All visitors to Crater Lake National Park must use Highway 62 to access the park from the south or west during these closures.
The North Entrance Road and Rim drives, with elevations from 5,850 to 7,960 feet above sea level, receive an average of more than 40 feet of snow each year and are not plowed from fall to late spring because of deep drifts, avalanche risk, and other dangerous conditions.
The North Entrance Road and East and West Rim drives will reopen in the spring or early summer. Exact dates for road openings depend on snow depths each year.
Crater Lake National Park is open 365 days a year. Highway 62 and Munson Valley Road, which leads to Rim Village and lake viewing access, are plowed throughout the winter.
When visiting the park in fall, winter and spring, visitors should be prepared for winter road conditions by carrying chains and knowing how to use them. Visitors can check current visibility and road conditions on the park’s webcams at http://www.nps.gov/crla/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm.
Winter recreational opportunities at Crater Lake National Park include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. The Steel Visitor Center is open every day of the year except for December 25, and food and gifts are available in the Rim Caf and Gift Shop year-round except on December 25. Visitors should fuel their vehicles before arriving at the park, as gasoline is not available in the park from early October until late May.
For more information on winter conditions, services, and programs in Crater Lake National Park, visit their website at www.nps.gov/crla.
