Sixties and sunny feels like a treat in mid-November. While temperatures are expected to drop a bit heading into the weekend, thanks to last week’s precipitation, it should be a great couple of fall days on the trails.

Local trail conditions look supreme heading into the weekend. Most trails below 5,000 feet are rideable and will have dried out following last week’s mix of snow and rain.

Forecasts predict dry, moderate weather this weekend as well. Highs Saturday and Sunday are in the mid-50s. Temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. It should be cloudy over the weekend, with chances of precipitation into next week.

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.

Lower Phil’s pretty good right now

Last week’s precipitation has turned dusty and sandy Phil’s trails into tacky superhighways. Phil’s lower trails should be in great shape this weekend for easy riding just outside of town.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the snow line in Phil’s trail complex was around 4,800 feet. That means Upper Whoops, Helipad and upper sections of Storm King were snow covered. There were even patches of snow Wednesday in shady spots in the Ticket to Ride canyon. But the trails will continue to dry out through Sunday.

Phil’s trails offer a mix of beginner, intermediate and expert riding. Most of the lower trails range from beginner to intermediate and offer moderate climbing as you head west from the trailhead.

Trail conditions can change dramatically day-to-day this time of year. With precipitation in the forecast next week, beware and try to avoid muddy trails.

Find trout, whitefish in Crooked River

The Crooked River continues to fish well this fall, according to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website. Nymphing — using artificial flies that imitate aquatic insects in their larval state — has been the most effective method. 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 may encounter steelhead and Rainbow trout over 20 inches on the river. Both must be released. There also may be bull trout due to 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.

Early-season turns await

Skiers and snowboarders — eager to get some early-season turns — have been skinning and hiking Mt. Bachelor and the Cinder Cone over the past week. According to the Mt. Bachelor ski area snow report, the mountain has received over 3 feet of snow so far this season. The current base depth is 22 inches.

The resort is scheduled to open Nov. 29, conditions permitting. Skiers and boarders should keep in mind that the slopes are uncontrolled and unpatrolled. The resort asks that people stay away from equipment and teams at work, especially near Thunderbird and Pine Marten lift, where snowmaking is underway. There are high voltage power lines and water hoses in those areas. Call 911 in the case of an emergency, and enjoy the early-season snow.

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

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