Snowshoeing Sans Snow

A few weeks ago I was feeling the need to spend some time outdoors — to recharge and get a little peace and quiet. With all the options out there in Central Oregon to have an outdoor adventure, it was hard to pinpoint what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go.

I decided snowshoeing at Edison Butte Sno-Park would be just the thing.

Edison, being one of the only sno-parks in Central Oregon that allows dogs either on leash or under voice control at all times, was an ideal location. My four-legged friend, Phil Collins, loves being outdoors, and I just couldn’t bear to leave him behind.

Gary Kelley, the co-president of the Central Oregon Nordic Club, said that snowshoeing is a perfect way to explore the Central Oregon wild.

“It is just a great winter activity,” said Kelley. “You can travel safely in the snow with no training, and it is good exercise.”

I was excited about the idea of snowshoeing through the woods — the snow crunching beneath me, the sparkling winter sun above me — but realized it might be a bit difficult to do that this year. You might have noticed we haven’t actually been getting much snow in Central Oregon lately.

Instead, I put my hiking shoes in the car and got ready for my excursion to Edison sno-park.

Dressing in layers, which are easy to shed when the sweat starts to heat up, is always my strategy when going out in the winter. This makes it much easier to avoid getting too hot or too cold. I also always take a backpack along with me. I make sure to pack plenty of water, a small bowl for Phil Collins to drink from, a flashlight, pocket knife, and a small snack such as an apple or granola bar.

With all of my gear ready to go, I got in the car with Phil Collins, and we were off.

Upon arriving at the sno-park, I could tell the snow was just as sparse as I had imagined. With a lot of ground showing, I decided that my hiking shoes would indeed be the ideal choice.

Edison Butte offers its visitors an array of interconnected trails to choose from, so I studied the map at the trailhead, trying to find the best route. Trails such as the Direct and Alternating Current are longer and provide a bit of a challenge, while others such as the Old Growth Trail are a bit shorter and easier to navigate. There are two snow shelters, the AC/DC and Edison Shelter, which can each be reached via different trails and loop systems. Take it from me and print off a map to take along with you so you can easily navigate the area. Once you are already out there it can be a bit difficult, without a map, to ensure you are on the right path or make changes to your plans.

On my hike, I decided to start out following the Light Bulb Loop trail. This entire loop is about 3.4 miles long and leads to Edison Shelter.

The fresh air, the towering lodgepole and ponderosa pines and the natural quiet of the forest provided a serene atmosphere for me to get lost in thought, while Phil Collins had a great time sniffing everything in sight and running ahead — still close enough for me to see and call him back if needed, of course. Though snow was scarce, ice was plentiful. A future trip may require some Yaktrax to help me stay on my feet.

I loved spending the time on my own, with only my dog for company, but many enjoy spending their time in the woods with others. The Central Oregon Nordic Club schedules meetups for people who want some company. There is a meetup each Sunday at the Safeway on Century Drive.

“Depending on who shows up, there are often a couple of Nordic ski trips, a snowshoe trip, and even a hike if the snow is poor,” said Kelley. “Winter activities at the local sno-parks can be great for socializing.”

Whether opting for personal reflection or enjoying the company of others, time always seems to pass quickly when you are out enjoying yourself. After about 45 minutes, I finally saw the Edison snow shelter and decided to rest and enjoy my apple.

Both the AC/DC and the Edison shelters at Edison Butte are great places for hikers to stop and take a break. The rustic log cabin exterior draws you inside, where you can light a fire in the big wood stove and dry off on a nearby bench. The shelter decks also provide a great place to take a load off, with amazing views all around.

“Every fall the club organizes several wood stocking trips that put firewood in the shelters,” said Kelley. “Often we work with Chris Sabo of the Forest Service on these outings. We also help to install markers and to clear trees from trails.”

These volunteers from the Central Oregon Nordic Club help to ensure that everyone can have a great experience when visiting Edison Butte.

As I sat outside the shelter, taking in the surrounding beauty, I began thinking that I would love to stay up there all day. I knew, if that were necessary for some reason, I had the supplies I would need with me. However, staying the night voluntarily is against the rules, and I had told my husband to expect me home within the next few hours.

“Depending on the elevation where you are hiking, your familiarity with the trail and weather conditions, we recommend you take some other items along with you as well,” said Kassidy Kern, spokeswoman for the Deschutes National Forest. “Some sort of navigation device like a map and compass or a GPS could come in handy.”

First aid supplies, an emergency shelter, matches or a lighter, extra sun protection and even a repair kit if you are mountain biking are all things to consider packing with you into the wilderness, Kern explained.

“It is also important to let someone know where you are going and when you are expecting to be back,” she said.

Good advice because while there was no snow to be had, it was still quite chilly up in the mountains. I had no desire to stay the night.

Leaving the shelter, I strapped on my gear, called to Phil Collins, and headed out to finish the hiking loop. Though it wasn’t a long hike, it was a rejuvenating experience.

If we are lucky enough to get some more snow this year (crossing my fingers!), I will definitely be heading back to do a longer loop on my snowshoes.