Elk Lake Resort just outside of Bend, Oregon is the ultimate winter destination- and I got to experience it. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is closed all winter long, and if you have been in the summertime, it is quite busy. Getting to visit these otherwise busy places is truly special. And Elk Lake Lodge goes through the effort of getting you out there.
Elk Lake has been newly renovated, with elevated dining changes. As somebody who has been in the years previous, the changes have been needed and loved by guests. We were BLOWN away by the food at the lodge. I’m still dreaming about the rueben.
On this blog post, you will be able to plan your trip to Elk Lake Lodge for your winter escape into the backcountry of Oregon. Luckily for us, it was snowing most of the time we were there, giving us fresh powder. Weather can for sure make a difference in your trip planning, so follow along on this post to ensure you have everything you need to enjoy it!
Getting to Elk Lake Lodge
Since we don’t own snowmobiles, we opted for the snowcat ride out to Elk Lake Resort. Their snowcat doubles as a groomer, which keeps the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway in great shape for the winter. Nordic Skiiers thank the team for their work, because before this the road wasn’t as enjoyable to ski down.
If you take the snowcat out, they take your gear with you! One Cooler, one tote per cabin, XC skiis, and one bag per person. We treated it like camping, bringing special items for cooking we might need since the cabins have limited things.
There are a few ways to get out to Elk Lake Resort in the wintertime:
- Snowcat: for $50 each way per person,book their snowcat out to the resort. Pickup is from Dutchman Flat Sno-park. We had friends drop us off as there is limited parking. You will get ticked if your parked illegally so best to get a ride.
- Private Snowcat: want to enjoy this without sharing with others? $1500 each way up to 5 guests.
- Private Can-Am is $750 round trip
- Snowmobile: take your own snowmobile out to Elk Lake Resort and pay $25 for the snowcat to take your bags to your cabin.
- Cross Country Ski: We saw folks ski to the Lodge for the day and take the snowcat home. Enjoy lunch at the lodge after your 11 mile downhill ski to Elk Lake Resort.
- Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding: If your avalanche certified and know the backcountry, make this your basecamp as you enjoy fresh turns along the volcanoes of Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Book Your Cabin
For good reason, the cabins at Elk Lake Resort book up quickly year round. Since this trip does take some additional planning, be sure to book your snowcat and cabin at the same time. It’s good to know that dogs are not allowed at the lodge in the wintertime.
In the winter the snowcat takes you and your things right to the cabin, making it truly a ski-in-ski out accommodation. We thought this was so fun!
- Vintage Cabins: These cabins are smaller typically with 2 bedrooms. We had one with 2 twin beds, 1 queen, and a full bathroom and kitchen. All furniture was new and cozy! The cabins are from the 1940s and have quite the charm! There are 4 of these available.
- Lakeview Lodges: have a bigger group? These are perfect for that! These are the newest cabins on the resort property. They comfortably sleep 10 people.
- The South Sister Cabin is the largest of all the cabins, with 3 upstairs bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms and two covered balconies.
- Camping Cabins- Want to experience camping at Elk Lake Lodge without the tent? This is a wonderful way to do so. There is propane heat to stay warm in the winter!
It is important to know there isn’t Wi-Fi at Elk Lake Resort. However, ee had T-mobile and Verizon while visiting in the wintertime so we had no issues communicating with family.
Things to do at Elk Lake Resort in Winter
Come to disconnect from it all. Whether you’re a snowmobiler, XC skier or just want to be in winter wonderland for a few days-there is something for everybody to enjoy here.
Snowmobile
Snowmobile rentals can be done right from the lodge. We did 2 hours and that was a great amount of time to explore Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Sparks Lake, and other roads to our favorite summer spots that we love. As of the 2026 season, snowmobiles are brand new every season-with heated handwarmers too! Visit their site for updated prices and reserve in advance.
Cross Country Ski
Cross Country ski around Elk Lake! The snowcat grooms the road around the lake making it a very enjoyable place to XC ski. You can keep track of when it was last groomed on Nordic Pulse to hit the freshies around the lake. Choose your own adventure as well into the fresh powder-but of course know your ability levels. The lake is quite thin so it is not recommended to ski on the lake.
Sauna and Cold Plunge
They have a lakeside 6 person wood fired sauna with Mount Bachelor in view from the windows. It’s offered daily from 8am-6PM Thursday-Monday. We got to enjoy it with snow flurries across the lake. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring in the snow. Book in advance before your trip!
Cold plunging is done if you feel safe doing so. The lake near the shore is only 3 feet deep but it is very cold! Be sure to do this with a buddy. This is best enjoyed with the warm sauna to return to!
Dine at The Lodge
We planned our trip on a Wednesday-Friday so we could enjoy lunch at the newly remodeled lodge. Hours do change in the wintertime, so be sure to know this before your trip. We brought meals for other days and it was nice to enjoy at our cozy cabin! We loved the high quality coffee and tea bar that we got to enjoy each morning!
Packing List
When headed on a trip like this, it is important that you have everything you need for it!
- Cash tips for the staff-be sure to tip your driver and everybody who helps! They work hard on keeping things going logistically in the wintertime.
- Swimsuit: if you plan to use the sauna or cold plunge into the lake.
- Ski Goggles: if you plan to rent a snowmobile these are not provided.
- Ski pants and jacket
- Hat and gloves
- Coffee making supplies if staying in vintage cabins
- Cooler full of food- we prepped dinners to make things easy!
- Tote with additional cooking supplies and dried goods-aluminum foil, coffee maker, ect.
- XC skis and boots
- Wool socks
- Baselayer
- Gaiter
- Fleece Hoodie
- Merino Wool Sports Bra
- Puffy Warm Jacket
- Microspikes
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