Mount Washington, just north of Santiam Pass, is pictured in the distance from the top of Hoodoo Ski Area in this file photo. 

I have to admit, with clear skies and highs in the 60s predicted all weekend, that little porcupine might have been right. Spring has come early. Which, in Central Oregon, makes choosing the day’s activity difficult. Hopefully, the list below can aid your indecision or offer something new — two-a-days are also encouraged.

Last week’s winter storm brought plenty of snow to the mountains, most of which has stayed. That’s good news for the winter recreationists, because it’s about to get warm. Forecasts are predicting temperatures will reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the Cascades and 60 degrees in town both Saturday and Sunday. With no signs of clouds well into next week, everyone should be rearing to get out and enjoy the sun.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Bluebird spring skiing all weekend

Mt. Bachelor

It’s looking like spring skiing all weekend on Bachelor. According to the mid-mountain snow forecast, temperatures are expected to rise above freezing Friday on the mountain and remain there over the weekend, with highs in the low- and mid-40s Saturday and Sunday. Bring the shades and sunscreen because it should be bluebird days well into next week.

As of Thursday morning, Mt. Bachelor ski area had received no new snow overnight. Three inches had fallen in the last 48 hours. Following last week’s winter storm and another 15 inches of snow that fell over the past week, the ski area’s base depth remained 123 inches — the same as this time last week.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo was expecting similar sunny spring days over the weekend and predicting some unsettled weather to come into next week. Ski area staff wrote Thursday in the resort’s conditions report that they are hoping to see Central Oregon’s customary spring pattern and continue to cycle back and forth between sun and snow for the rest of the season.

As of Thursday morning, the mountain had received 18 inches of snow since Sunday. The high was 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The Autobahn lift was also open for tubers looking to slide down the mountain.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass Resort received also had 18 inches of snowfall on its slopes over the past week. The mountain’s base depth was 62 inches, as of Thursday morning. Staff reminded people to be aware when off trails for deep-snow immersion risks. All 30 trails and five out of six lifts were open Thursday.

Catch some rays, views

at Dutchman

Whether you’re looking to cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile, Dutchman Sno-Park might be the spot to go this weekend. The sno-park — just across Century Drive from Mt. Bachelor ski area — is at 6,250 feet and will likely have the coolest and fastest conditions this weekend. After last week’s storm, Deschutes National Forest trail crew supervisor Joe Welke reported that the sno-park had between 7.5 and 10 feet of snow.

As temperatures rise into the 40s during the warmest hours of the day, expect wet and slow snow but make the most of the clear, high-altitude spring air.

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 Vista Butte or Swampy sno-parks. Both offer access to Dutchman trails. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed in the area through April, except for working dogs in harnesses. They’re allowed on groomed snowmobile trails only.

Metolius offers variety

Mountain whitefish, redband trout and bull trout are abundant on the Metolius River. Anglers report that nymphing — using artificial flies that resemble young aquatic insects — with stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly has been effective for trout, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. Streamers are a good bet for bull trout.

Artificial flies and lures are permitted below Bridge 99. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing upstream of the bridge, and fly-anglers should keep an eye out for fish rising in the afternoon. The department of fish and wildlife’s website says to be prepared to try blue wing olive or midge patterns.

The Metolius River from Allingham Bridge upstream to the headwaters is closed for the season and will reopen May 22. Fishers are required to release all trout caught on the river.

Maston in great shape

Recent reports from the BendTrails Facebook group say that the trails east and north of town are riding great as of late this week. Considering the sun and rising temperatures this weekend, that means the Maston trail system should be primo this weekend. The trail network, which is between Bend and Redmond, just north of Tumalo, offers nearly 20 miles of fairly flat and dry trails and sweeping views of the Cascades, High Desert and neighboring buttes.

No matter where you go this weekend make sure to bring some sunscreen and eye protection because it’s going to be bright. For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.