Willamette Backcountry Patrol Resource Website
Planning your next Gold Lake Adventure? You’re in the right place! Here, you'll find everything you need—from essential resources to details on the services we provide.
Curious about what it takes to join our award-winning Backcountry Patrol? If you’re passionate about snowy adventures, safety, and community, we invite you to be part of our elite team!
If winter is your season and fresh snow calls your name, consider turning your passion into purpose. Whether you enjoy snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, or winter camping, the Willamette Backcountry Patrol is looking for people like you!
We offer two levels of involvement—Volunteer support or full patroller status through the National Ski Patrol. No matter your skill level, you'll have the opportunity to gain valuable training in Outdoor Emergency Care, CPR, Mountain Travel & Rescue, Search & Rescue, and Avalanche Safety.
Based in the Eugene/Springfield area, our patrol includes members from Corvallis, Albany, Salem, Bend, and Portland. Join a dedicated community of outdoor enthusiasts while making a real impact in backcountry safety.
🌲 Explore. Discover. Protect. Your backcountry journey starts here!
Gold Lake Sno-Park & Patrol Cabin – A Winter Haven in the Woods
Nestled just half a mile northwest of Willamette Pass, approximately 30 miles east of Oakridge, the Gold Lake Sno-Park is home to one of Oregon’s finest Nordic facilities—the Gold Lake Patrol Cabin. This unique backcountry hub, staffed entirely by Willamette Backcountry Patrol volunteers (independent from the commercial Willamette Pass Ski Area), provides essential services for winter adventurers. Cabin services are available most weekends from December through March.
The cabin serves multiple roles:
❄️ Search & Rescue Base – A vital overnight hub for medical aid and emergency response.
🔥 Daytime Warming Center – A cozy retreat offering maps, sno-park passes, information and a wood burning stove to warm up after a day in the snow.
🗺️ Information Station – Get trail maps, safety tips, and real-time weather & trail conditions.
🚨 Rescue Coordination – A point of contact for overdue recreationists, medical aid requests, and trip registrations.
Constructed in 1986, the 20' x 30' log structure features large windows on three sides and a sturdy metal roof. Built primarily by U.S. Forest Service volunteers, with support from WBSP Volunteers and The Marine Reserves, the cabin stands as a testament to community dedication and backcountry safety.
Whether you're an experienced Nordic skier or a casual snowshoer, the Gold Lake Patrol Cabin is a welcoming and essential stop in Oregon’s winter wilderness.
⬇️ Trail Maps ⬇️
