A pair of joggers splash their way through a wet and icy section of the Deschutes River Trail.

Phew, that was a lot of snow. Maybe even too much, if it weren’t for warming temperatures threatening to take it all away.

As of last week’s Deschutes National Forest conditions report, all sno-parks had adequate snow coverage for winter recreation. Wanoga had some 33 inches, Swampy had 42 and Virginia Meissner got nearly 3 feet, just in time for the annual Tour of Meissner this weekend. And that was as of this time last week. Even more snow fell over the weekend, making for a great long weekend to play in the snow. But warm temperatures over the next week could make trail conditions less than ideal this weekend.

Expect sloppy trails. The 20 inches or so of snow recorded to have fallen in and around Bend last week is melting. This will make area trails below 6,000 feet slushy, icy and slow. Snowshoers and hikers, aka. trudgers, have likely already packed down heavy-use trails. That packed snow will freeze overnight and slowly melt during the day, making for an awfully treacherous saunter or scamper. Unless you’re on a fatbike, it’s well-advised to aim for the fresh snow and uncomfortably accept the wet snow that gets in your Salomon trail runners.

Forecasts predict highs in the low-40s during the weekend and temperatures rising to the mid- and high-40s midweek. There’s also a chance of rain Saturday, Sunday and into next week. Today looks like the best day to play in the snow, with a possible high of 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

If it’s your first trip to a sno-park this year, make sure to pick up a permit before heading out.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Fresh, wet snow; all to be expected on the mountains this weekend

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor ski area received 5 new inches of snow by Thursday morning and was expecting 3-5 more inches throughout the day, as temperatures on the mountain hovered around freezing. The mid-mountain snow forecast predicts that to be the last major refresher for the next few days, as an inch or two is expected to fall Saturday and Sunday. Winds on the mountain should range from 10 to 20 mph.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo Ski Area received nearly 3 inches of new snow Thursday morning and was expected to receive a mixture of rain, sleet, snow and freezing rain throughout the day, according to its snow report.

The ski area should maintain most of its 61-inch base throughout the weekend as temperatures are likely to stay below freezing on the mountain. More than half of the ski area’s runs are open. Although the mountain’s snowpack is beginning to stabilize, staff suggest people watch for tree wells and deep snow immersion risks.

Although the mountain opened more than a week ago, Hoodoo operations are in full swing. With only the Autobahn Tubing Park waiting to open, night skiing, bonfires, live music and most Nordic trails are open. Head up for Friday Night Lights.

Willamette Pass Resort

As of Thursday morning, Willamette Pass Resort also had 5 new inches of snow. Three of its six lifts open and 10 of its 30 trails were open.

The new snow raised the mountain’s snow depth to 59 inches, but with temperatures just above freezing, staff expected rain showers throughout the day. During the weekend, the mountain was expected to receive a mix of rain and snow.

Kick and glide Virginia Meissner

The annual Tour of Meissner is this Sunday. While registration is closed, skiers and wannabe cross-country skiers are welcome to attend and support racers before hopping on the trails following the event.

The classic-only ski tour showcases Meissner Nordic’s 47 kilometers of groomed trails at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park. It’s also a reminder of the greatness of cross-country skiing’s original style and tradition.

Racers have the option of a 17- or 30-kilometer course and will be greeted with food, drinks, raffle prizes and awards at the finish. The event is free but donations to help support Meissner Nordic’s organization and grooming operations are suggested.

Catch kokanee, bull trout on Lake Billy Chinook

Anglers have reported good winter fishing for kokanee and bull trout on Lake Billy Chinook, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. The Metolius Arm closed to fishing on Nov. 1, but the rest of the reservoir remains open all year.

Check out the department of fish and wildlife’s website for more fishing reports. Anglers should also renew their fishing license for the year, if they haven’t already, and review the 2024 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.

Hazardous road conditions: options close to home

Bend has a variety of trails that wind and weave their way through town. And with the treacherous post-winter storm road conditions, it’s nice having options that are a quick stroll away from home. Whether it’s the Deschutes River Trail, Larkspur Trail or Archie Briggs Canyon Trail, all offer a great, quick mid-winter outing. See Cristina Peterson’s piece today for even more ideas.

Check out Bend Park and Recreation District’s trail locator to find the closest trail near you, and read contributor Cristina Peterson’s related piece today for even more ideas. Stay safe out there.

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

Fire danger is 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.