Goat Creek Sno-Park

Mazama, Washington

The Goat Creek Sno-Park is located east of the Cascades National Park on Goat Creek Road, Mazama, Washington.

Site Description

The Sno-Park is a large open rectangular dirt parking lot in the Okanogan National Forest.

This is a beautiful location surrounded by trees and is perfect for anyone looking to boondock. As you can guess there are no services such as electric or water but there is a pit toilet on site. Bring your own roll of toilet paper as none of us want to be trapped in a pit toilet battling flies while we wait on a new roll to arrive.

• 

• 

Local Amenities

There are amenities close by in either direction. Traveling east 2.4 miles is the very small and eclectic town of Mazama which has a couple of speciality stores (i.e. Skiing, Climbing and Hiking) plus one general store (basic groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs) with a cafe/bakery and gas. In the other direction, approximately 17 miles away is the unique western themed town of Winthrop.

In Winthrop you will find some unique shopping, some dinning such as 3 Fingered Jack and East 20 Pizza, gas stations, a hardware store and raft rentals. Most importantly you will find ice cream!

• 

• 

• 

Outdoor Enthusiasts Activities

The Sno-Park is also convienently located to many hiking and biking trails. The famous Maple Pass Loop, Blue Lake Trail, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Cutthroat Lake trail are roughly 30 miles away. For bike enthusiasts the Goat Wall bike trail is only 3 miles from camp.

• 

• 

• 

I am not a climber but the Sno-Park must be located near good climbing as I saw several climbers truck camping and sorting gear to go climb. There are many rocky walls in the surrounding area so if you enjoy climbing this may be a great place to stage or spend a night.

There is a 14 day stay limit at this location which I took advantage of by staying 7 days. I could have easily stayed longer. I parked in the upper right corner of the Sno-Park. Each evening as the sun set to my left, I found myself relaxing with a hot cup of coffee (temps were cool in evening) just staring into the forest in hopes of seeing wildlife.

Advantages

• Free
• Easy Access
• Big Rig Friendly
• Cell Service
• Close to amenities
• Close to activities

Disadvantages

• Not very level
• Dusty
• Popular (not over crowded but definitely used)

Directions

From North Casades National Park

Take North Cascade Highway (WA20) East to Lost River Rd (turn left) and follow into Mazama. At the stop sign turn right on to Goat Creek Road. Follow Goat Creek Road for approximately 2.4 miles. Turn left onto Goat Creek Road ( yes the road has the same name) in about 1/4 and the Sno-Park will be on your right.

From Winthrop

Take North Cascade Highway (WA20) West for about 15 miles. Turn Right onto Goats Creek road just before the bridge. Follow Goats Creek road approximately 2 miles and another Goats Creek Road will turn to right. Follow for 1/4 miles and the Sno-Park will be on the right.

This is a great place to get off the grid especially if you have a large motorhome or 5th Wheel. The access road is short with just a few bumps. Once you are all set up you will enjoy exploring the area and will lose track of all time!