It’s the last weekend of summer and the forecast predicts sun and highs in the 70s on the horizon. Couldn’t really ask for more.

Temperatures may even get to the 80s early into next week. And with the fires under control, Central Oregon is treating us to a splendid start to fall.

Trail closures are still in effect in some areas of the Deschutes National Forest. The Metolius-Windigo is closed between Quinn Meadow and Todd Lake, for example. Check the U.S. Forest Service website for more details.

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.

Ride from sisters toward Black Butte, Peterson Ridge

Sisters has a wide range of trails accessible from downtown, and recent reports on bendtrails.org say they are in decent shape. Sisters Tie Trail, off of North Pine Street, heads north from town for 6.5 miles before connecting with Lower Butte Loop at Indian Ford Campground. From there, riders can do the full loop or connect with the more difficult Upper Butte Loop, which winds all the way around the butte, and a section of the Metolius-Windigo. Both trails also connect to the Green Ridge Trail, a 12-mile intermediate trail that traverses the ridge and climbs nearly 2,000 feet.

On the other side of town is Peterson Ridge. It’s around a 16-mile loop with various trail options en route that starts from just the south end of town. Ranging from beginner to intermediate terrain, the trail system has a combination of singletrack and old Forest Service roads. It starts just across Whychus Creek, off of Elm Stree/Three Creek Road. Expect to encounter lots of walkers, runners and dogs out on these trails. There are also several horse trails that connect into this system.

Many of these trails in both the Black Butte and Peterson Ridge network can be ridden on a gravel bike. There is a clockwise loop around Black Butte, taking Sisters Tie to Lower Butte Loop to a forest road that connects with Upper Butte Loop and reconnects with Lower Butte upon heading back toward town. All the trails are mountain bike friendly as well.

Steelhead, Chinook salmon on Lower Deschutes

The next few weeks anglers on the Lower Deschutes River are likely to see some of the best steelhead fishing of the season, according to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. The steelhead fishing was good the first week of September, the report says, and expected to continue through the month.

Anglers have also been catching fall Chinook from the mouth to Sherars Fall, which is about 10 miles north of Maupin. There are some coho in the mix now too, according to reports. The salmon season opened on Aug. 1.

The Lower Deschutes River starts below Pelton Dam, which is in between Madras and Warm Springs, about a 60-mile drive from downtown Bend. Check out the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website for more fishing reports.

Paddle the Deschutes on a warm fall day

With temperatures in the 70s this weekend, there are few better places to spend a warm, early fall day than on the Deschutes River. Paddling or floating through town is fun, but I would suggest getting a little way out of town to really enjoy the magic of the Deschutes.

The Dillon Falls and Slough day use areas in the Deschutes National Forest provide access to a mellower section of the Deschutes River. Only a 20-minute drive from downtown Bend, the area offers great paddling between Dillon and Benham falls. There are plenty of picnic spots along the banks of the river that are accessible via the Deschutes River Trail.

Farther from Bend, paddlers and floaters can put in at Harper Bridge in Sunriver to meander along the Deschutes and enjoy unimpeded views of Central Oregon.

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

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