Echo Valley among those slated for closure this season

information released

The Winter Recreation Program at Washington State Parks will be temporarily closing 14 motorized Sno-parks for the 2024-2025 season.
Why are some motorized Sno-parks being closed this winter season?

Fourteen Sno-Parks are being temporarily closed for the 2024-25 winter season, due primarily to a roughly 25% reduction in funds available from snowmobile registrations to support the motorized part of the program. The number of registered snowmobiles has decreased by 52% over the past two decades, from a high of 38,331 in 2002 to 18,434 in 2024.

Which motorized Sno-parks are closing?

The following motorized Sno-Parks are slated for temporary closure:

  • Echo Valley
  • Skate Creek
  • Bethel Ridge/Soup Creek
  • Crow Creek
  • Cloverland
  • Elk Heights
  • Fish Creek
  • French Cabin
  • Nile
  • Taneum
  • Reecer Creek
  • Crawfish
  • Nine Bark
  • Clear Lake

How is the snowmobile program funded?

The snowmobile program is self-funded from snowmobile registration fees and a percentage of the gas tax. The program currently receives $94.20 per registered snowmobile.

Funding per snowmobile registration:
$50 Snowmobile Registration Fee
$45.20 Gas Tax (135 gallons (average yearly fuel usage per snowmobile) x 34.9 cents per gallon of gas x the annual number of registered snowmobiles.)

Funds are used to pay for services at motorized Sno-parks such as snow removal, sanitation, education, enforcement, and trail grooming.

How were Sno-parks chosen for closure?

The Winter Recreation Program worked with the Snowmobile Advisory Committee, local snowmobile clubs, and managers of lands on which the Sno-parks are located to finalize the list of Sno-park closures. The principal goal was continuing operation of the most used Sno-parks and preserving access to the broader network of groomed snowmobile trails. Discussions addressed the feasibility, practical limitations, and implications of closures, including the following considerations:

  • Other nearby Sno-parks accessing the same trail system
  • Recommendations from land managers, local grooming councils, and clubs
  • Popularity and use levels determined by user server data
  • Previous closure or contractor availability
  • Elevation and typical snowfall

What is the percentage of motorized Sno-parks that will be temporarily closed for the season?

Closure of 14 of 89 motorized Sno-parks represents 16% of Sno-parks serving snowmobiling trails across the state.

Will these temporary closures become permanent?

The closures are for the 2024-25 winter season, pending future funding availability. The program is continuing to work with the Snowmobile Advisory Committee and stakeholders to look at the long-term future of the snowmobile program.

Does this decision impact non-motorized Winter Recreation?

Sno-parks slated for closure are designated and funded for motorized use. Designated non-motorized Sno-parks supporting activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are not impacted by this decision.

For additional information, visit the Washington State Parks website.