Winter Sports
Your cozy basecamp for mountain adventures, scenic drives, and snowy escapes
Lewiston may sit in a quiet river valley, but it’s surrounded by rugged mountains, forest trails, and winter recreation areas that come alive when the temperatures drop. Use Flux River Resort as your warm, peaceful home base, then explore everything from light snow play to full mountain climbs.
* Please call ahead! Many businesses are seasonal - hours and activities can change. *
1. Trinity River Winter Walks
Distance: On-site
Best For: Snow-dusted scenery, photography, easy activity days
Lewiston doesn’t always see heavy snowfall, but when it does, the riverbanks turn into a peaceful winter scene. Even on clear days, it’s a beautiful place for crisp morning walks, hot cocoa by the water, and wildlife spotting.
What to enjoy:
Light snow along the trees and gravel bars
Quiet, misty river mornings
Resident deer and winter bird life
2. Lewiston Lake Winter Paddling & Shoreline Walking
Distance: 5–6 miles
Best For: Calm winter paddling (for experienced paddlers), scenic strolls
Lewiston Lake stays cold year-round and offers glassy, silent winter mornings. Whether you prefer a cautious winter paddle or a shoreline walk, this is one of Lewiston’s most peaceful winter spots.
Tips:
Dress for cold water conditions
Best on wind-free mornings
Excellent place for winter birding
Snow Play, Sledding & Family-Friendly Winter Spots
3. Trinity Lake Foothill Snow Areas
Distance: 20–25 miles
Best For: Light snow play and exploring forest roads
The foothills around Trinity Lake often get fresh snow during colder storms. Families enjoy driving up to the higher forest roads for snowball fights, forest photos, or building small snowmen.
Notes:
Snow levels vary year to year
Check road conditions before heading onto forest roads
Bring warm boots and layers
4. Weaverville Basin Snow Spots
Distance: 20–25 miles
Best For: Easy-access winter play
Weaverville sits a little higher than Lewiston and sees more frequent winter dustings. It’s a good option for simple winter fun without long drives.
Nice activities:
Warm café stops
Small-town holiday decorations
Light snow play in shaded areas
Winter Mountain Adventures
5. Trinity Alps Wilderness (Trailheads Near Weaverville)
Distance: 25–35 miles
Best For: Winter hiking, snowshoeing, photography
The Trinity Alps are the crown jewel of the region and deliver stunning winter scenery. Snow depth varies by elevation, with lower canyon trails often accessible for winter hiking and higher elevations requiring snowshoes or mountaineering experience.
Popular winter-accessible areas:
Canyon Creek Trail: Snowshoeing and dramatic peaks
Stuart Fork: Lower miles usually open, beautiful winter rivers
Boulder Lakes Road: Great for snowshoe day trips
For experienced adventurers only:
Deep snow, avalanche terrain, and cold temperatures are possible
Bring proper winter gear and navigation tools
6. Trinity Divide / Mount Eddy Region (Shasta-Trinity National Forest)
Distance: ~60–70 miles
Best For: Snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, winter views
This high-country ridge west of Mount Shasta offers excellent groomed and ungroomed winter terrain. Expect deeper snow, wide vistas, and professional-grade mountain scenery.
Great for:
All-day snowshoe routes
Backcountry cross-country skiing
Winter picnics (fully bundled!)
Closest True Ski Resorts
(These require a longer drive but are the nearest full-service winter mountain resorts.)
7. Mount Shasta Ski Park
Distance: ~90–100 miles (about 2 hours)
Best For: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing
Mount Shasta Ski Park is the closest full ski resort to Lewiston and offers a classic alpine experience with multiple lifts, terrain for all skill levels, night skiing, and a fun family tubing hill.
Why visitors love it:
Friendly, uncrowded mountain
Big winter views of Mount Shasta
Lessons and rentals available
8. Mount Ashland Ski Area (Oregon)
Distance: ~120 miles (2.5 hours)
Best For: Day-trip skiing and boarding, advanced runs
If you don’t mind a longer drive, Mount Ashland offers challenging terrain and a cozy, local vibe. It’s known for its steeper pitches and classic Pacific Northwest storms.
Great for:
Experienced skiers
Road trip winter days
Adding a fun snow day to your Lewiston stay
Winter Wildlife & Nature Activities
9. Trinity River Winter Wildlife Viewing
Distance: On-site and surrounding river areas
Best For: Birdwatching, photography
Bald eagles, osprey, waterfowl, and deer are all active in winter. Bring a pair of binoculars and enjoy slow walks around the resort or along Lewiston Lake and the Trinity River.
10. Scenic Winter Drives
Distance: All around Lewiston
Best For: Low-effort winter beauty
A few of the prettiest winter drives:
Trinity Dam Blvd: Snow-dusted lake and forest views
Weaverville to Lewiston Road: Rolling foothills and winter meadows
Highway 3: Mountain scenery heading north toward Trinity Center
Great for photography, peaceful afternoons, and hot drink stops.
Winter Safety Tips for Visitors
Check road and weather conditions before driving into higher elevations
Carry chains if you plan to explore mountain areas
Bring layers, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots
Let someone know your route for mountain travel
Start early—winter daylight hours are short