This weekend is shaping up to be a reimbursement for lost time. With the smoke supposed to clear out by midday Friday — fingers crossed — and highs in the mid-to-low 80s, it could be one of the best weekends in a couple of months for outdoor recreation.

The high country is opening as low-elevation trails have become exhaustingly dusty. Skies should be clear all weekend long. Hopefully, you’ve got some free time and plans to get out or the spontaneity to make something happen and enjoy the weather.

Check out bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group for more specific trail updates and be sure to provide updates if you happen upon some changing conditions. Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Metolius-Windigo trail nearly all clear

Reports on bendtrails.org say the majority of Metolius-Windigo trail from Lava Lake to North Fork Tumalo Creek is clear of snow, and in the few places that aren’t, they are rideable or passable. Between Lava Lake and Todd Lake, the trail is fully rideable. But a user reported last week that the section from the Todd Lake connector to Northfork has deadfall and snow patches, all of which were not a hassle to pass.

The Metolius-Windigo trail is over 100 miles long and begins in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and runs south to Windigo Pass near Crescent Lake. The sections near Mt. Bachelor and Tumalo Mountain run from Lava Lake to the headwaters of Tumalo Creek, where it meets with Northfork and Mrazek trails. They are some of the highest in the Bend area and typically become rideable around mid-July.

Most people ride the section west of Bachelor south from the Batchy West XC trail to Lava Lake. It’s 10 miles long and drops over 2,000 feet. You can ride it north but might have to push your bike up some sandy climbs. The other sections, which are 3.5 miles and 5.4 miles and together include over 2,000 feet of climbing, can be ridden in both directions.

When rideable, these trails are a great option if Phil’s and other lower trails get too dusty — like now. The trail winds through alpine meadows, creek crossings and sections of dark and shady old-growth forest. And since the snow has only recently melted, it should be pretty tacky.

How to float the Deschutes River in Bend this summer

Be on the look-out and prepared to yield to trail runners, hikers and horseback riders.

Warning: The mosquitos in this area might be at their absolute worst the next couple of weeks. Bring some repellant and either keep moving or keep any stops you might take short and sweet.

Head to the Metolius for catch-and-release trout

The Metolius River continues to fish well for mountain whitefish, redband trout, and bull trout, according to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Anglers say nymphing with stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly nymphs has been effective for trout, while streamers are a good bet for bull trout. All trout, including bull trout, are catch and release.

More bull trout are expected to enter the river from Lake Billy Chinook as the spawning migration picks up through July and August. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing only upstream of Bridge 99, near Lower Bridge Campground. Artificial flies and lures permitted below the bridge.

Fishing spots along the Metolius River near Lower Bridge are about an hour drive from downtown Bend. Check out the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website for more fishing reports.

Mild smoke? Paddle or plunge in Mirror Pond

This week’s smoke is supposed to blow through by Friday, but if we aren’t so lucky, some low-exertion exercise like a paddle or swim can be an excellent option for poor, but not harmful, air quality days. And Mirror Pond is a convenient spot for it. (By “low-exertion,” I mean it’s possible to keep your heart rate and breathing down while burning lots of calories. Please don’t be offended fellow swimmers and paddlers.)

Annual toad migration gets hopping in Sunriver

In Drake Park, just west of downtown Bend, the Deschutes River impoundment is really one of the city’s prettiest sights. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than on the water. Kayakers and paddlers can launch from either side of the pond or upstream at Riverbend or Miller’s Landing parks for a longer paddle. Bend Kayak School, on Drake Road on the west side of the pond, rents kayaks and paddleboards, if you are in need of a vessel.

If you’re really worried about the health impacts, try wearing an N95 mask while exercising. I’ve done it. It’s not fun or comfortable, but you sure look cool, wink wink, cough cough.

Check out this FAQ from last year’s fire season for more tips on how to manage the air pollution. But, please, if you have any chronic health conditions, stay indoors and save it for a fresh air day or find a gym.

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