Central Oregon trail conditions: Climb and descend the Ochoco Mountains; Last month to fish Crane Prairie, Odell and Wickiup
Published 4:00 pm Thursday, October 10, 2024
- Pristine singletrack along the climb up Lookout Mountain in 2015.
If I keep saying this could be our last nice weekend — in terms of weather above 65 degrees Fahrenheit — it surely won’t be. Will it?
The weather continues to look promising for outdoor recreation this weekend. Saturday is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun should be out Sunday and Monday. Both days are forecasted to have temperatures peaking in the mid-70s.
Local trails are in decent shape. Sandy and dusty in places — I’ve seen the term “beachy” used in local riding groups — but there’s definitely some good singletrack out there. Aim for the high country and the overlooked trail systems that may have yet to be blown out. Take your hikes and other adventures to the mountains, too, if you can.
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.
Climb and descend the Ochoco Mountains
Late summer and early fall is the best time to ride trails in the Ochocos, according to bendtrails.org. Lookout Mountain Trail has been called one of the best sustained downhill trails in Central Oregon, and the rest of the area is simply beautiful. From the summit, the trail drops about 3,500 feet in 7 miles with varying terrain — rough, rocky and technical for the first few miles, then fast and flowy. There are just a few short uphill punches as you descend. Most riders climb or shuttle to the summit using Canyon Creek Road and Lookout Mountain Road. But the trail does climb to the top and has an alternative climbing route, Independent Mine Trail, that’s worth exploring.
Nearly treeless, the summit offers spectacular views in all directions. The biggest view is off the steep drop-off to the south. For an “all day epic ride,” combine both Round Mountain and Lookout Mountain trails into a big loop.
Other trail options in the area include Cougar Creek and Scotty Creek along with newer-trail Bandit Springs on the other side of Highway 26. Mountain bikers looking to ride the Cougar area trails can park at either Cougar East or Cougar West trailheads. The Cougar area offers a wider range of trails to choose from, with both beginner and intermediate loops. These trails make for great hiking and trail running as well.
Lookout Mountain Lower Trailhead is east of Prineville, about a 75-minute drive from Bend.
Last month to fish Crane Prairie, Odell and Wickiup
October is the last month to enjoy fishing at Crane Prairie Reservoir, Odell Lake and Wickiup Reservoir before they close for the season. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website, the bodies of water will close to fishing for the year on Oct. 31.
Crane Prairie Reservoir is currently 70% full. Anglers report good trout fishing with the Cultus and Deschutes River arms producing fish. Good reports for bass fishing as well.
Anglers report good fall fishing for lake trout on Odell Lake. Anglers should be aware there are bull trout in Odell Lake and must be released immediately, unharmed. Bull trout fishing closure areas are marked with buoys and include the mouth of Trapper Creek and the lake outlet at Odell Creek.
Wickiup Reservoir has nice rainbow and brown trout fishing, according to recent angler reports. Wickiup Reservoir is currently 21% full, and boat ramps will be difficult to access as the reservoir level continues to drop.
The Deschutes River Arm from the Gull Point Boat Ramp to the ODFW markers near Sheeps Bridge is already closed to protect spawning kokanee. The rest of the reservoir will close to fishing at the end of the month.
Check out the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website for more fishing reports.
Quick, stunning outings at Dillon, Benham falls
The Dillon Falls Day Use Area and Benham Falls West Day Use/Trailhead in the Deschutes National Forest are easy-to-get-to spots for a casual hike, trail run or ride. With access to the Deschutes River and the Deschutes River Trail, and only a 20-minute drive from downtown Bend, these areas offer outlets to a wide-range of outdoor activities. Feeling brave in October, bring a kayak or paddleboard to paddle the river between the falls or a mountain bike to ride along the river trail and other trails nearby. The stretch of trail between the two day use areas is great for a relatively flat and smooth trail run as well.
The falls are a short walk from their lots and offer stunning views of rapids in the Deschutes River canyon. Benham Falls is located in a beautiful stand of old-growth ponderosa pines. The Deschutes River Trail heads south from the falls toward Sunriver. Take it north to get to Bend. Dogs are allowed to be off leash on the trail this time of year.
For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.