All runners have a race bucket list, right? That short (or not-so-short) collection of events you keep bookmarked, dreaming about the day when time, training, and finances all line up just right. One of those races for me has long been the XDog Adventures White River Snowshoe 8k/4k—a decidedly non-traditional “running” event that’s had me hooked for years, if only visually.
Details
This winter adventure returns to Mt. Hood on Saturday, February 7th, taking place at the White River West Sno-Park, just a few miles northeast of Government Camp near the Hwy 26 / Hwy 35 junction. It’s a stunning location and one that feels far removed from your typical race start line.
It’s been a while since anyone from Run Oregon has made it out to this event, and I’m hoping this is the year I finally figure out how to attend. I’ll be honest: I am very much not a winter sports person. Give me sun, dry trails, and warm temps any day of the week. That said, something about this race keeps pulling me back.
Part of that pull may be the unknown. I’ve never been snowshoeing before, which admittedly makes this a little intimidating. I have no real reference point for what it’s like to race in snowshoes, beyond knowing it’s slower, heavier, and likely far more exhausting than it looks.
But that’s also part of the appeal. According to race organizer X-Dog Events, these snowshoe races are designed to be approachable for everyone—and if you can walk five miles, you can finish.
Course
Course details aren’t finalized ahead of time and often change depending on snow and weather conditions. What is consistent, however, is the setting: a scenic tour through the White River Canyon on Mt. Hood. The route is typically a narrow loop that winds through the canyon, offering a true winter adventure feel. Runners (or snowshoers?) can choose between two distances, a one-loop 4k or 2-loop 8k.
From a previous participant recap, here’s what runners can generally expect:
“The first mile or so was a gradual uphill along the gorgeous White River Canyon. The weight of the boots and snowshoes and the slight incline made this mile very exhausting. We then climbed a short hill that led into a forested section of the course. This beautiful stretch had a few small rises but was mostly downhill for the remainder of the loop.”
In other words: expect effort, scenery, and a very different kind of pacing than your usual road or trail race.
Gearing Up
If you don’t already own snowshoes don’t worry, you can still participate in this event and there are now many locations around town where you can rent snowshoes from. They are available from REI, Otto’s ski shop (located in Sandy), Mountain Shop, or Next Adventure.
If you don’t already own snowshoes, don’t worry—you’re far from alone. Snowshoes can be rented locally, making this event much more accessible than it might seem at first glance. Common rental options include:
You’ll also need a Snow Park Pass, which costs $4 and can be purchased at a variety of locations. Many rental shops sell passes as well, so you can often take care of everything in one stop. More information about parking passes can be found through Oregon’s Sno-Park program.
The White River Snowshoe Race isn’t about PRs or perfect pacing—it’s about trying something different, embracing winter, and experiencing Mt. Hood in a way most runners never do. For anyone looking to shake up their winter race calendar or finally check off a true bucket-list event, this one just might be worth stepping into the snow for.