The view from Hodag Chair at Hoodoo Ski Area in January 2022.

Hemingway and gardeners have used the term “false spring” to refer to unusually warm bouts of weather in late winter and early spring that may deceive plants, animals and us humans into believing spring weather is here to stay. The weather we’ve had this past week might fall right into that category. Because, while it is officially spring, overcast skies and highs in the 40s are in the forecast.

After Friday, temperatures in town are predicted to drop into the 30s and 40s with mostly cloudy days for the next 10 days. On the bright side, forecasts are calling for a couple of more inches of snow in the mountains this weekend.

Deschutes National Forest trail crew supervisor Joe Welke reported in this week’s conditions update that the snowpack remains robust in the area’s sno-parks. Following the winter storms over the past month or so, snow coverage in the mountains holds solid — perfect timing for spring-breakers looking for some late season winter fun.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

False spring brings refresh

Mt. Bachelor

Spring skiing will be put on pause this weekend on Bachelor. According to the mid-mountain snow forecast, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing Friday evening on the mountain and a possible two inches of snow could fall overnight. A few more inches of snow is predicted throughout the weekend as temperatures hover just above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

As of Thursday morning, the ski area had received no new snow over the past week. Its base depth had fallen nearly 20 inches to 104 inches. The mountain has received 325 inches of snow so far this season.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo also had no new snow as of Thursday morning, but staff was expecting snow Saturday. Unfortunately, with the active weather pattern, the mountain could see some rain this weekend before the snow comes. But winds should be low.

As of Thursday morning, the mountain’s base depth was 73 inches. It has received 224 inches of snow so far this season. The Autobahn lift remains open for tubers looking to slide down the mountain.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette also received no new snow during the past week of sun and warm temperatures. The mountain’s base depth was 44 inches, as of Thursday morning. A total of 272 inches of snow has fallen at the ski area this season. All 30 trails and five out of six lifts were open Thursday.

10/10 views at Ten-mile Sno-park

Head down east of La Pine this weekend to Ten-mile Sno-park. At 5,560 feet, the snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing area has received a solid amount of snow from the winter storms earlier this month. According to Welke’s report, the area has a base ranging from 18 to 48 inches of snow.

This sno-park offers motorized and nonmotorized access to the Newberry Caldera, Newberry Volcano and its surrounding area, of which Paulina Peak is the highest point.

Be aware that the parking lot often fills up during the weekends in winter. A sno-park permit is also required until April 30.

Fly-fish on the Falls River

Fly-anglers continue to report that the headwaters of the Fall River are a solid option for fly fishing. And, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website, nymphing — using artificial flies that resemble young aquatic insects — has been the most effective method.

The river is closed to fishing below Fall River Falls until May 21, above the falls remains open all year. It has rainbow and brown trout and was last stocked in September. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing with barbless hooks.

Mountain bikers should stay east

According to recent reports in the BendTrails Facebook group, mountain bikers should probably stay away from the Phil’s Trail complex this weekend. With that being the case on the west side, riders are encouraged to head east and north of town for drier trails. The Horse Ridge area is always a go-to for times like these.

The intermediate- and expert-level trails are great for mountain bikers during winter and the wetter times of year. The rocky juniper forest offers 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. 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.

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