Nathan Muilenburg, of Bend, takes a fall on his first day of snowboarding while friend Mike Thompson photographs him at Hoodoo in 2007. The pair was among the handful of people taking advantage of springlike weather on Hoodoo's last day of the season.

As sno-parks close for the season, no time is better than now to get out on the dirt. Deschutes National Forest trail crew supervisor Joe Welke wrote in this week’s trail report that most lower elevation trails — below 4,500 feet — are snow-free and dry. Phil’s trails are open for business, but be aware that some upper portions of the system may still have patchy snow. Climb to higher trails while aware and assessing conditions, and please provide updates to Welke, bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group.

Things look to be cooling off this weekend with highs in the 50s. Expect dry, cloudy days until next week.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Check out the lower Mrazek Trail

Starting just west of Shevlin Park, the lower Mrazek Trail is rideable under 5,000 feet. It was reported on bendtrails.org Wednesday that there are a couple of small, rideable snow patches. The rest of the trail was said to be in great shape. A classic in the summer, opening up much of the western, high-elevation trails like Trail 99, Metolious Windigo, Farewell and the upper portion of the trail of the same name, the trail is 7.4 miles long and offers 1,600 feet of climbing. The trail can also be accessed from Phil’s trailhead by taking the BS logging road off the MTB trail and Skyliners Road across Tumalo Creek and connect through an unmarked trail.

Winter storm hits Bachelor, others close

Mt. Bachelor: Reports from the ski area were saying the mountain was seeing the beginnings of a winter storm Thursday morning. Over 5 inches of snow was predicted to fall throughout the day and into Friday. Temperatures on the mountain are expected to stay below freezing through the weekend, according to the mid-mountain snow forecast. Expect overcast and light snow. Also, prepare to see boarders recording tricks on their phones Saturday as the Red Bull Landing Gear contest, which has a viewing party in the evening at River Pig Saloon, will be happening.

Bachelor’s base depth is 79 inches, and it has received 350 inches of snow so far this season. It had not received any snow over the past week as of Thursday.

Hoodoo Ski Area: Hoodoo‘s last day of the season is Saturday. The mountain has received 235 inches of snow this season, and its base depth was 56 inches Thursday morning. 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: Closed for season. The ski resort ended its season this past week. It received a total of 287 inches of snow in winter 2023/2024.

Dutchman only sno-park with snow

As Central Oregon’s snow season winds down, Dutchman Sno-Park is the only sno-park, according to Welke, in the Deschutes National Forest with adequate snow coverage for recreation. Welke reported April 11 in his last winter report of the season that the sno-park, which is over 6,000 feet, had a snowpack ranging from 66 to 96 inches. Dutchman is just across Century Drive from Mt. Bachelor ski area.

Recreationists should expect spring-like conditions on the snow — dense and firm in the morning, softening in the afternoon. Temporary sign removal has begun in the area, visitors are responsible for their own navigation.

Find brood rainbows in Haystack

Anglers have reported catching brood rainbow trout in Haystack Reservoir. Trophy-sized trout from Wizard Falls Hatchery were released into the reservoir during the third week of February, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. Anglers say they’re having success catching these large fish as well as holdover trout.

Haystack Reservoir is southeast of Culver, under an hour drive north on Route 97 from Bend. It is 80% full. The reservoir also has kokanee, black crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and brown bullhead. Check out the fish and wildlife department’s website or past reports for good fishing areas closer to town.

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

Rinse off the workweek ick with nighttime skiing at Hoodoo