Well, it’s been quite the week, in terms of drastic local weather changes. If you were one of the few people out running or riding in 150+ Air Quality Index level over the past week, I envy you, worry for you and respect your dedication. After a short, easy ride on the first day of the recent wildfire smoke, I felt off for a day and took a few days off before jumping on the treadmill.

Thanks to Wednesday’s rain and work done by firefighter crews, things look to be improving this weekend. (Knock on wood.) We are with you in spirit Sunriver residents.

As of Thursday, trailheads on the northside of Century Drive were open up to Dutchman, across from Mount Bachelor. Trail conditions have improved due to this week’s rain. Head out to the high-country before early season snow falls. And be sure to keep an eye on fire progress and air quality.

Expect cooler temperatures and clouds this weekend. The forecasted high for Saturday is 70 degrees, while Sunday is 61 degrees. Enjoy the brisk weather and fresh air.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend. For mountain bike and other trail-specific updates, check out bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group.

Flagline in tip-top shape

According to reports on the BendTrails Facebook group, Flagline in the Swampy Lakes area is in prime condition. The 4.2-mile trail with 1,000 feet of climbing connects the Metolius-Windigo trail in the Cascade Lakes area with the Swampy Lakes area trails. Trail crews have worked on drains, sightlines, corners and rocks in the area since Middle Flagline opened on Aug. 15. The trail is closed for elk calving season during the first half of the summer.

Flagline is accessible from its access route via Dutchman Trailhead and the Metolius-Windigo trail or South Fork. (As of Tuesday, the Met-Win was closed due to wildfires) A suggested route for riders with a shuttle is to start at Dutchman, take Flagline Access to Middle Flagline to South Fork to Tumalo Creek and get picked up at Skyliner Sno-park. For those with one vehicle, another option is to start at Swampy Lakes Sno-park take Swampy Dutchman to Flagline Access to Middle Flagline to Lower Flagline and Swampy Lakes back to the sno-park.

Permits aren’t necessary to park at trailheads and sno-parks during the summer months.

Nymphing suggested on Crooked River

The Crooked continues to fish well through the summer, with nymphing being the most effective method, according to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. Nymphing is using artificial flies that imitate aquatic insects in their larval state. Fly anglers should keep an eye out for fishing rising in afternoon, and try blue wing olive or midge patterns.

Fishing is open all year on the Crooked River below Bowman Dam. Anglers should be aware they may encounter steelhead on the river, and that Rainbow trout over 20 inches are considered steelhead and must be released. There also may be bull trout now that there is volitional passage at Opal Springs. Bull trout should be released unharmed and catches should be reported to the US Fish and Wildlife Service at crookedbulltrout@fws.gov.

Check out the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website for more fishing reports.

Enjoy the last week of summer at Suttle Lake

With fires in the Cascade Lakes region, Suttle Lake may be a good option for paddlers and brave swimmers looking for some late-summer time on an alpine lake.

The deep, clear lake covers an area of 253 acres. It’s surrounded by mixed conifer forest and a 3.5-mile loop trail. Fishing options include naturally reproducing kokanee, plus brown trout, whitefish and crayfish. The lake has an average depth of 44 feet and maximum depth of 75 feet.

The lake, which is about 13 miles west of Sisters just off Highway 20, is a popular spot for anglers, boaters, paddlers and swimmers during the summer. But as temperatures drop this week, the lake spot shouldn’t be too busy this weekend. If the water is too cold, the area also has great nature viewing and tame trails to explore.

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

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