Fall River — If it’s solitude and beauty you seek, the spring-fed Fall River in southern Deschutes County is a prime destination for a winter hike. With several access points along South Century Drive, the streamside trail runs through the forest all the way to Fall River’s headwaters.

Kapka Butte Sno-Park — The snow is falling, and this sno-park at the junction of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and Forest Service Road 45 offers a good alternative to nearby parks that may be full on weekends, although it, too, can see heavy use. Snowmobilers can carve out a solid day of exploring through the forest with great views (weather permitting) of Mount Bachelor. Nordic skiers can connect to Vista Butte Sno-park via the Kapka-Vista Tie. A permit is required through April 1.

Lava Lands — Yes, you can still hike the trails at Lava Lands despite the visitor center closure for the season. The trail may have patches of snow and ice, but you can wind your way through the lava fields or follow longer trails all the way to Sunriver. Black Rock Trail offers singletrack all the way to Benham Falls, while the 5.5-mile Sun-Lava Paved Path connects to Sunriver.

Ten-Mile Sno-park — If you want to check out Paulina Lake anytime during the winter, this is an easy, close way to do so. Located about 3 miles from the lake’s edge, the sno-park is the starting point for cross country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers to hit the trails and make their way up Newberry Volcano. Once there, the lake is stunning in the snow. Paulina Lake Lodge will reopen Dec. 26 for winter hours. Sno-park permit required.

La Pine State Park — La Pine State Park is a relatively short and easy 27-mile drive south of Bend. The 2,300-plus-acre park is home to the famed Big Tree, aka the biggest ponderosa in Oregon, estimated at 500 years old, with a height of 162 feet and diameter of 8.6 feet. Located on the Upper Deschutes River, the park also has year-round camping.

Salt Creek Sno-park — The sno-park along U.S. Highway 58 on the way to Oakridge offers cross-country ski and snowshoe trails as well as a snow play area. The Diamond Creek Falls loops for two miles to the west the park’s namesake waterfall — which is also the second-tallest in the state — with the viewing area above still open for an icy view of it. Just be sure to secure your valuables.