The headwater spring of the Metolius River, which produces the crystal-clear water, is experiencing its lowest discharge rates in two decades of record-keeping. Here, the river flows downstream near the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery.

Oh, to live in the High Desert, where overnight snow melts by lunchtime. It offers a constant dilemma for multi-sport athletes and recreationalists. Hopefully, this trail update can make that decision a little easier.

Last week, warm weather and rain significantly diminished area snowpack. According to the Deschutes National Forest conditions report, some low-elevation sno-parks no longer have enough snow for winter recreation. Individuals looking to cross-country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile or fatbike this weekend should head to high elevation sno-parks, like Dutchman and Vista Butte, for best possible conditions.

Temperatures are expected to rise in town over the weekend, while a couple of inches of snow should fall in the mountains by Friday morning. Saturday might be a prime bluebird day with weather forecasts predicting sun and a high of 32 degrees on Mount Bachelor. Mountain bikers and hikers should find trails that drain well as this week’s snow melts. Expect highs in the mid- to high-40s during the weekend and into next week.

A brief clarification from last week’s report: Dogs are allowed to be off-leash on trails out of Wanoga Sno-Park, but must be on a leash in the parking lot. Thanks to grooming and maintenance work done by local organization DogPac, the Wanoga area trails have been open to off-leash dogs for 15 years.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Much needed snow falls at ski areas

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor ski area received an inch of new snow as of Thursday morning and had received 13 inches over the past seven days, bringing its base depth up to 70 inches. Varying snow dumps and warm temperatures this season have hampered the snowpack. In total, more than 200 inches of snow has fallen on Mount Bachelor this season. Only one-third of that remains.

This intermittent snow accumulation can pose avalanche risks. So be careful when venturing out into the backcountry, check reports and freshen up on your avalanche safety education.

The mountain doesn’t appear to be getting any major refreshes this week, according to the mid-mountain snow forecast. An inch or two may fall Sunday and Monday. However, temperatures should stay below freezing except for maybe a sunny Saturday.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo was expecting snow Thursday and into Friday. Staff reported as much as four new inches could fall by Friday morning. The ski area also received a few inches over the past week, raising its base to 49 inches.

Remember the Hoodoo Autobahn Tubing Park opened last week. Tubers should head on up to enjoy some downhill fun. Tickets start at $10 and tubes are provided.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass Resort had received 2 inches of snow in the past 24 hours as of Thursday morning. The ski area’s base depth 31 inches. 

Staff expected more snow during the day Friday and warned that early season conditions still exist. Staff encouraged people to ski and ride with care, stay on groomed trails and respect trail closures. Five out of six lifts and all trails were open Thursday.

Romantic snowshoe opportunities for Valentine’s Day

Wanderlust Tours and Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center are running romantic snowshoe tours in the Deschutes National Forest and on the flanks of Mt. Bachelor this weekend and on Valentine’s Day.

Wanderlust Tours will have its guided tour all weekend and Wednesday. Naturalist guides will lead snowshoers to Wanderlust’s hand-carved amphitheater out in the Deschutes National Forest and point out planets, stars and constellations while couples huddle around a bonfire. The Mt. Bachelor tour is Valentine’s Day evening and will take a group through old-growth forest on the lower flanks of the mountain to a high point to watch the sunset. Both tours will have hot cocoa and snacks provided. Check websites for prices and more details.

Nymphing ticket for trout anglers on Metolius

Anglers report that nymphing, using artificial flies that resemble young aquatic insects, has been the most effective method for catching trout on the Metolius River this winter, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. Fishermen are having the best results between Wizard Falls hatchery and Lower Bridge, a section of the river a few miles north of Camp Sherman and Black Butte. That’s just under an hour drive from Bend.

Don’t take the Deschutes River Trail for granted

I was lucky enough to get out for a midafternoon walk this past Wednesday. I decided to check out a section of the Deschutes River Trail between Sawyer Park and Archie Briggs Canyon. I had never been over there before, and it did not disappoint. The winding and mildly rolling trail offers spectacular views of the High Desert, the Deschutes River and its bedrock.

I would’ve been running on that nice soft-surface, compacted gravel if I wasn’t a little under the weather. To spare my sore throat and ego, I had to stop myself from jogging in my cargo pants.

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.