Westview Shelter: Ski or snowshoe to the hobbit-like hut near Willamette Pass

At first, the only thing distinguishing Westview Shelter was a small chimney sticking up through the snow.

As we snowshoed closer, a small opening appeared between giant drifts of snow and trees heavy with powder.

It looked a bit like the entrance to a hobbit house, except colder.

I’ve written about the fun of searching out Oregon’s backcountry snow shelters and how each has a unique view, amenities and personality.

At Westview, what stuck out was the way it is tucked back in the forest, making it particularly cozy after a big dump of snow and an ideal hideaway for kids with big imaginations.

Another reason it would be a great place to visit with kids: it’s an easy trip.

From the parking lot at Gold Lake Sno-Park, near the top of Willamette Pass southeast of Eugene, the trek to Westview is just 2 miles round-trip with a touch of elevation gain.

The vast majority of Oregon’s snow shelters, by contrast, require at least 5-6 miles of skiing or snowshoeing.

While its easy to reach — and has that kid-friendly vibe — Westview also accesses a collection of trails that allow for longer adventures to views of Odell Lake and Diamond Peak.

For long trips or short, or even overnight adventures, Westview is worth considering.

Oregon’s snow shelters

But let’s step back for a minute.

The snow shelters I’m talking about are not fancy huts stocked with down beds or wine and cheese. They cannot be reserved. And in many cases, they’re not even enclosed by four walls.

The snow shelters of Oregon’s national forests are typically spartan, with a fire stove, benches and maybe a sleeping loft. They’re located along ski, snowshoe and snowmobile trails that branch out from sno parks at places such as Santiam and Willamette passes, and the Mount Hood and Cascade Lakes area west of Bend.

At some, but not all, you can spend the night — although you’d better be prepared since many are three-sided.

They’re free, but open on a first-come, first-served basis. The only cost is having a “sno-park permit” that usually costs $25-$30.

Getting geared up

One of the best things about winter recreation in the Willamette Pass area is you pass an excellent outdoors shop en route — Willamette Mountain Mercantile-Oakridge Bike Shop.

It’s a great place to rent skis or snowshoes if you need them, or any other type of equipment to begin your trip.

Other types of equipment include a Willamette Pass winter recreation map — it shows all the different routes. However, there’s also a map of the area on the U.S. Forest Service website for Gold Lake Sno-Park. Just make sure to have one, especially if you’re planning on a longer trip past multiple trail junctions.

If you have questions, Gold Lake Sno-Park is home to a Willamette Ski Patrol building that’s normally staffed in winter.

On to the snow

The trip begins at the large parking lot of Gold Lake Sno-Park, which is located just down the road from Willamette Pass Resort.

The trail to Westview begins on the main — and only — route traveling from the back end of the parking area. Abernethy Road is transformed into a wide trail in winter.

After about a half-mile, keep an eye out for a trail branching off to the left that marks Westview Trail. From here, the trail narrows and winds through snow-covered trees another half mile to a trail junction. Turn left to reach Westview Shelter.

There are typically separate snowshoe and cross-county ski trails, and make sure to keep to your side.

Overnight at Westview

Westview is about as cozy as it gets during winter. Drifts of snow half cover the entrance. Inside, a picnic table and stove are surrounded by stacks of firewood. The nicest touch is the ladder that climbs up to a loft where maybe two people could sleep.

Overnight stays are allowed at Westview. It’s first-come, first-served for a maximum of four people. Short of sleeping on the picnic table, the only other sleeping space would be the gravel floor.

Trails surrounding Westview

For those more ambitious, there are a collection of looping trails that surround the shelter. Some travel to spectacular overlooks above Odell Lake, while another climbs to the top of an unnamed butte for big views of Diamond Peak. I didn’t have time to visit those sites, but here’s some highlights from the Forest Service description of the area. Keep in mind the numbers mentioned and junctions that correspond with the map.

Odell Overlook Trail: Accessed from the Westview Loops, Westview Trail or Pengra Pass Trail, leads to Eagle Rock, with a panoramic view of Odell Lake and surrounding peaks. Eagles are often seen from here. There is a good open hill for practicing downhill techniques along this trail.

Diamond View Loop: This route branches off Odell Overlook Trail at intersection 61 and climbs moderately through intersections 59, 58, and 60 to the top of an unnamed butte. There is an excellent view of Diamond Peak near intersection 60. Continue on the loop returning to Odell Overlook Trail, or return via CJ Way located at intersection 58, which descends steeply to Gold Lake Sno-Park.

Under powdery conditions, the ski off the butte is an exhilarating experience but with ice and crust, it can be hazardous.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Westview Shelter near Willamette Pass is a cozy hobbit-like winter hut