Bend, OR – A backcountry ride near Wickiup Reservoir ended painfully for Steve H., 37, when his snowmobile rolled on uneven snowpack last February. “I hit a buried stump at speed and flipped,” he said. “Luckily I wasn’t alone — I couldn’t have gotten out by myself.”
According to the Accident Data Center, around 200 people die in snowmobile accidents nationwide each year, often linked to excessive speed or hidden terrain hazards. Oregon officials say the state’s high-elevation trails can pose serious risks if riders skip safety prep or ignore permit rules.
Oregon features over 6,400 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, spanning the Cascade Range, Crater Lake region, and Wallowa Mountains. All snowmobiles must be registered through the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at a cost of $10 for two years, and valid decals must be displayed prominently on each sled.
While Oregon does not mandate helmet use for snowmobilers, the State Parks Department and Search & Rescue units urge riders to wear one, along with layered gear, eye protection, and avalanche safety equipment in mountain areas.
Trail speed limits follow posted signage, though the default rule is to travel at a safe and reasonable speed for visibility and terrain. Roads and shoulders are generally closed to snowmobiles unless specifically marked as open.
Officials recommend checking grooming schedules and weather alerts before departure, as rapid temperature swings can create crust layers or exposed hazards along popular routes such as Diamond Lake, Santiam Pass, and Mount Hood.
For registration and trail information, visit oregon.gov/odot/dmv.
