Central Oregon trail conditions: Spring bluebird days ahead; Eastside trails offer escape
Published 3:30 pm Thursday, April 18, 2024
- The Three Sisters and Broken Top as viewed from Dutchman Flat Sno-park during a snowshoe outing. Snowshoers should be careful not to step in nordic ski tracks.
Sixties and sun this weekend, what more can I say? It’s spring.
Weather forecasts predict clear, 60-degree days with temperatures dropping into the low 30s overnight. Expect sun through Monday, and keep sunscreen at the ready.
Deschutes National Forest trail crew supervisor Joe Welke wrote last week, in what will be the last winter-focused trail report of the season, that most area sno-parks have plenty of snow. Central Oregonians and visitors are encouraged to head to high-elevation sno-parks for best possible conditions. Folks who have already put the skis and snow pants into storage for the summer and are looking for dirt should start at low-elevation trails. Climb to higher trails while aware and assessing conditions, and please provide updates to bendtrails.org, the BendTrails Facebook group or both.
Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.
Spring bluebird days ahead
Mt. Bachelor: The ski area has received no new snow over the past week, but the mountain will see clear days and temperatures in the high-30s and 40s this weekend, making for some prime spring bluebird skiing.
According to its mid-mountain snow forecast, Bachelor may get some light snow Saturday night. The rest of the next week calls for temperatures above freezing on the mountain and mostly sunny days. The mountain’s base depth is 91 inches, and it has received 350 inches of snow this season.
It’s also passholder appreciation weekend, which includes perks like giveaways, live music, discounts in food, beverage and retail.
Hoodoo Ski Area: Hoodoo also had no new snow as of Thursday morning. The mountain has received 235 inches of snow so far this season, and its base depth was 65 inches. Hope y’all had fun at the annual Spring Fling last weekend. As the season winds down — this is the second-to-last weekend the ski area is open this season — be on the lookout for any remaining events and deals before closing day.
Willamette Pass Resort: It didn’t snow on Willamette this week either, according to its snow report. The ski resort has received a total of 287 inches of snow so far this season. Its base depth is 31 inches. Two lifts were open Thursday, and 28 of 30 trails. The forecast says the area could get snow Saturday night and Sunday morning. Late-season conditions exist, staff warns skiers and boarders to use caution.
Best sno-park option: Dutchman
If you’re looking to cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile this late in the season, Dutchman Sno-Park has to be the first choice. At 6,250 feet — the highest sno-park in the Deschutes National Forest — Dutchman is just across Century Drive from Mt. Bachelor ski area and will likely have the best conditions for the rest of the spring. Last week’s conditions report said the snowpack ranged from 66 to 96 inches. The sno-park offers access to Dutchman Flat, Todd Lake and Tumalo Mountain.
For a lonelier spot to park, head to nearby Vista Butte or Swampy sno-parks, both offer access to Dutchman trails.
Steelhead looking good on Hood River
For anglers willing to travel this weekend, it’s steelhead season on the Hood River. Recent reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website say there are steelhead throughout the system and the run is about at its peak near the mouth of the river. Three hatchery steelhead are allowed per day.
Spring Chinook fishing also opened Monday, but counts are low over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. Peak fishing will be around Memorial Day, according to the department of fish and wildlife.
Fishing spots on the river are about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bend. Check out the fish and wildlife department’s website or past reports for good fishing areas closer to town.
East side trails offer escape
The Horse Butte Trailhead, southeast of Bend, offers access to more than 30 miles of trails, including Swamp Wells, Coyote Loop and Arnold Ice Cave as well as the calm and less-traveled peace of the High Desert. This is a great spot for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers, and reports from the BendTrails Facebook group say the dirt is in great shape. With sun and warm temperatures in the forecast, this weekend is looking perfect for getting out to the High Desert.
For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.