Central Oregon trail conditions: North and South Twin Lakes offer sweet escape; Skyliner trails clear of snow, trees

Published 3:00 pm Thursday, June 6, 2024

While running along the Deschutes River Trail through Riverbend, Farewell Bend and Miller’s Landing parks on Wednesday evening, stopping at every bubbler I could find and regretting not putting on sunscreen, I wondered if I chose the best outing for the day.

Temperatures hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit in Bend and it seemed like nearly anyone with a floatable device was out on the Deschutes River. Floaters and paddlers leisured along. Folks in summer attire enjoyed drinks and dinner at various restaurants in the Old Mill District or sprawled out on the nearby lawns with friends, dates, yard games or a book. The usual double-digit surfer queue unzipped their wetsuits while waiting for their turn on the wave. And plenty of people cruised by me along the trail on various wheeled forms of transportation.

Don’t worry, I’ll have a chance to correct my mistake.

With highs in the 80s, Friday and Saturday look like the best days to be on the water this weekend. If you can, shoot for Friday afternoon and evening. It’s supposed to be clear all day and peak at 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy the heat now because temperatures are expected to drop into next week.

Deschutes National Forest trail crew supervisor Joe Welke wrote in last week’s report that most terrain above 5,500 remains under snow. Welke has said forest visitors should expect a late melt-out. No snow parks have adequate coverage for a mid-June ski or snowshoe, Welke reported.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend. Check out bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group for more specific trail updates.

Check out North and South Twin Lakes

Overshadowed by their bigger and grander neighbor, Wickiup Reservoir, North and South Twin Lakes offer a calmer and quieter outing. Motorized boats aren’t allowed on either of the lakes, making for peaceful swimming, paddling and fishing. The nearly identical lakes formed about 20,000 years ago when rising magma-encountered groundwater resulting in violent steam explosions that created a broad shallow crater, later filling with water. According to Welke’s report, the lakes should be snow free with possible blowdown.

North Twin Lake typically has healthy numbers of stocked rainbow trout averaging from 8 to 12 inches in length. It also has illegally introduced bullhead. The best bait fishing is reportedly along the west shore in the deeper holes using red eggs, power bait or marshmallows and worms suspended just off the bottom. South Twin Lake has great swimming and paddling as well as picnicking areas on its shores. Both lakes have boat ramps for non-motorized boats.

Skyliner trails nearly clear of snow, trees

Most trails from Skyliner Trailhead, including Tumalo Ridge, Swede Ridge, S.S.T. and Skyliner, are free of snow and riding well. Local groups were planning to clear Sector 16 of trees, according to reports on the BendTrails Facebook group. These higher-elevation trails make up the eastern half of the Swampy Lakes Area trail system and the only half currently rideable. Stay tuned for Flagline trails, Southfork and others to open up later in the season.

Tumalo Ridge Trail runs from Skyliner trailhead to Swede Ridge shelter where it meets with S.S.T., Sector 16 and the Swede Ridge trail. Tumalo Ridge Trail offers the most elevation gain in the area as it climbs over 1,300 feet up the ridge via a series of switchbacks. It’s a beautiful trail, with great views and a steep side-slope with a few technical rocky sections. The other trails have flowing singletrack with tight trees and corners.

For a longer day on the bike, ride up to these trails from Phil’s, using Kent’s or Ben’s and Pinedrops.

Fair trout fishing at Prineville Reservoir

Anglers have had decent luck in recent weeks fishing for trout, crappie and bass on Prineville Reservoir, according to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. The reservoir is 99% full and has a boat ramp, accessible fishing pier and fish cleaning station.

Prineville Reservoir State Park also offers plenty of other recreational options, like year-round camping, swimming and hiking. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, it is also great for stargazing. The park is 15 miles south of Prineville and about a 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from Bend.

Meet other runners and grab a beer

If you’re looking to meet other runners and grab a beer after, Midtown Yacht Club and Cascade Lakes Brewing are hosting a Fun Run on Tuesday. Folks will run or walk 3 to 5 miles before reconvening at the food pod for $1 off Cascade Lakes brews, food and a raffle. Maybe you can meet a summer running buddy.

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

Marketplace