Tumalo Creek runs through Shevlin Park, which is nearly 1,000 acres in size and has a variety of trails.

Here are this week’s highlights from The Bulletin’s Conditions Report. To get the regularly updated conditions of Central Oregon trails and spots for camping, cycling, fishing, hiking and skiing, go to bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.

There’s plenty of time to get those last miles and runs in for 2023.

The area’s recent rains have left some trails in variable conditions but below are a few recreation areas and trailheads ready for end of the year visitors. The forecast predicts dry weather, so many trails that were soggy from the past week’s rain may drain by the end of the week. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-40s throughout the weekend and New Year’s Day. And skies may clear Sunday and Monday. 

Sno-parks remain unsuited for winter recreation due to lack of snow. Last week, Deschutes National Forest trail crew supervisor Joe Welke said most sno-parks did not have adequate snow coverage for winter activities. And with the past week’s mild temperatures, that is likely to remain true.

Permits are required at most sno-parks this time of year, so if the snow comes, make sure to pick one up.

Here are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Horse Ridge trails winter resistant

These intermediate- and expert-level trails are great for mountain bikers during winter and the wetter times of year. Out in the High Desert east of town, the Horse Ridge Trail Area soak up and drain moisture better than its western counterpart Phil’s Trailhead. The area’s terrain and foliage also look much different than Phil’s. It’s a rocky juniper forest with open landscape views of the Cascade Mountains to the west and surrounding High Desert to the east.

In total, the area has about 30 miles of trails and 1,300 feet of climbing possible, topping out at 4,700 feet elevation. Five trails are black diamonds — experts only — while one is for beginners and the rest intermediates. Hikers are welcome on the trails and so are dogs, but they must be on a leash.

Looking for more wide-open, beginner trails, check out nearby Horse Butte Trailhead off of China Hat Road. 

Fast conditions on Mt. Bachelor

While the snow base remains low at Mt. Bachelor ski area, there is a chance of new snow this weekend. Two inches at most is expected on the snow forecast, which could refill and soften groomer runs to make for some of the last good turns of 2023. 

As of Thursday, the ski area reported fast conditions on the mountain with a 26-inch base and 1 new inch of snow. Staff asks skiers and snowboarders to remember to ski/ride in control, maintain a safe distance from others and abide by the skier’s responsibility code to keep the slopes safe for all.

Ochoco and Prineville reservoirs for fishing

Anglers report good winter fishing near Prineville at Ochoco and Prineville reservoirs, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. Both bodies of water are about 50 minutes to an hour drive from Bend and should be ice-free. Recent reports say the rainbow trout fishing is excellent at Ochoco Reservoir and that fishermen have had luck catching large fish from the bank near Ochoco Dam. The Prineville Reservoir has fair fishing for trout, crappie and bass but, unfortunately, may still be experiencing an algal bloom, which was last reported Dec. 20.

Be sure to check of the department of fish and wildlife’s website for more fishing reports in the area.

Shevlin Park popular for all

Shevlin Park is the perfect destination to take the family. With easy hiking and mountain bike trails that also offer cross-country skiing when conditions are right, it offers something for everyone.

Part of Bend’s parks and recreation district, the park was donated to the community in 1920. Less than three miles from Bend, its nearly 5-mile loop trail along Tumalo Creek is a beautiful option for a quick midday jaunt. The trail winds its way through old-growth forest and High Desert sage-covered lands, offering rich nature scenery. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.

Fire danger is currently listed as Moderate in the Ochoco National Forests, the Crooked River Grasslands. The Deschutes National Forests and Willamette National Forests fire danger is low.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level has been lowered to 1 as of Sep. 20 in the Deschutes, Ochoco and the Crooked River Grasslands and the Willamette National Forests.

Deschutes River access at Columbia Park is closed due to safety concerns and to prevent further riverbank erosion, as of July 22, 2020. 

Reopening of this access point is dependent on the outcome of the McKay, Miller’s, and Columbia River Access Project. To learn more, visit the project page.