Washington State Parks

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Snowmobile trail etiquette

Sno-Park locations • PDF Maps • Rules • Permits • Trail Etiquette • Wilderness Areas • Advisory Committee

Groomed Trails

For information on groomed trail conditions, click on the Snowmobile Sno-Park Locations link on this page. Seasonal trail grooming information is listed below each Sno-Park location.
Trail grooming is necessary to:

• Smooth out rough spots
• Remove drifts
• Disperse snowmobilers to less-used areas
• Focus use on narrow corridors through wildlife areas
• Avoid tree plantation areas
• Separate potentially conflicting uses
• Prevent use of snowmobiles on areas of inadequate snow cover and steep slopes

Once a trail is groomed, it needs time to set up or harden. This takes from three to 18 hours depending on air temperature. When a snowmobile follows the groomer or travels on a recently groomed trail, it usually destroys the ability of the snow to set up. The trail then quickly reverts to its prior ungroomed condition, resulting in a waste of users' Snowmobile Program money. Please don’t follow groomer on trails.

Trail Tips

• Ride at a reasonable and prudent speed relative to existing conditions and other trail uses.
• Use the buddy system for safety. Never snowmobile alone! In case of an accident or machine failure, that second machine and rider may be your only means for a safe return. Before you go, notify someone of where you are headed and when you expect to be back.
• Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not ride in a manner that would endanger lives or property.
• Use your lights between dusk and dawn.
• Do not harass or endanger wildlife. Protect winter wildlife populations by viewing animals from a distance, maintaining a constant speed and staying on your snowmobile when animals are present.
• Obtain permission from landowners before entering private property.
• Respect non-motorized sports trails marked with cross-country ski signs or blue diamonds. Snowmobile traffic ruins cross-country ski tracks.
• Do not enter designated Wilderness Areas.