Snowy Diamond Peak looms over Crescent Lake last June. Travelers should expect snow at the lake during winter, making access difficult. 

Welcome back, winter. Some of us have missed you.

Now is the time for individuals looking to cross-country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile or fatbike to head into the Deschutes National Forest and enjoy. This week’s winter storm should have replenished much of the area’s snowpack. Travel to sno-parks at higher elevations for the most snow and best possible conditions.

Expect cold weather in town Friday and Saturday, with a 50% chance of snow Saturday. Highs are 32 degrees Fahrenheit Friday and 37 degrees Saturday. Temperatures should rise into the 40s starting Sunday. That’s when local trails might start to get sloppy, if they aren’t already.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Storm brings powder to local ski areas

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor ski area received a foot of new snow Thursday morning and was expecting more throughout the day. According to the mid-mountain snow forecast, the mountain was expected to get another 10 inches total on Thursday. Another possible 8 inches was expected overnight Friday and into Saturday. The mountain’s base-depth was 83 inches as of Thursday. Temperatures should stay below freezing through the weekend and into next week.

Winds were expected to affect operations Thursday but the forecast says they should die down over the weekend.

Large accumulations of snow like these can pose avalanche risks. Check reports before heading out into the backcountry. Ride with a buddy and watch out for tree wells.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo received a couple of inches of snow as of Thursday morning and was expecting 12 to 20 inches over the next 24 hours. Temperatures were just above freezing at the base Thursday morning and 27 degrees Fahrenheit at the top of the mountain.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass Resort had received 6 inches of snow over a 24-hour period as of Thursday morning. The ski area’s base depth was 35 inches. Staff expected more snow during the day and 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.

Fresh tracks available in the national forest

Vista Butte might be the spot to go this weekend. The sno-park provides access to six miles of ski trails and connects to the Swampy and Dutchman trail systems. Its base as of Feb. 9 was between 18 and 42 inches and should be replenished following this week’s snow.

Be aware that this is a popular destination for winter recreation on weekends. The parking lot is small, so prepare to adjust plans and head over to nearby Dutchman or Swampy sno-parks. Both offer access to the systems trails. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed in the area through April.

Overcome access difficulties for good fishing on Crescent

Anglers report that winter fishing for brown and lake trout has been good at Crescent Lake. But, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website, snow and low water levels can make access challenging. The lake is currently 15% full and the boat launches are closed. Fishermen can keep one lake trout, 24-inch minimum length, per day. They can also, as a new rule, take home five kokanee.

Crescent Lake is off of Highway 58, about an hour drive from Bend. Looking for something a little easier to get to? Check out the fish and wildlife department’s website.

Fatbikers don’t need to go far

Phil’s Trailhead is truly a gem. Only 4 miles from downtown Bend, the trail system is the go-to spot — maybe not their absolute favorite, but certainly the most reliable — for any mountain biker in the Central Oregon area. And on a wintry weekend like this, the trails are great for fatbikes. A popular route on snowy days is to take Ben’s Trail to MTB to Kent’s Trail. It’s about a 4-mile loop with under 400 feet of elevation gain, which is plenty to do on the beefier bikes.

Riders should be aware that there are some weekday closures to look out for, but plenty of alternative trails to ride. And when you get the chance, thank the Central Oregon Trail Alliance folks for all the trail building and maintenance work they do.

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.