Y’all, Horse Butte is really good right now. I mentioned it last week, but discussed the forest roads around the area more than the actual Horse Butte trails. And, besides, they’re so good it’s worth belaboring the point.

Until Wednesday, I hadn’t truly experienced this 10-mile loop. Last summer, I made the 10-mile ride out to the trailhead southeast of Bend off of Arnold Market Road a couple of times. But after 10 or so minutes of grinding through the sand on Swamp Wells trail or toward Boyd Cave, I bailed and accepted my ride was destined for the roads those days.

Add some winter moisture and freezing temperatures and these trails pack down nicely. Temperatures are supposed to drop significantly this weekend, so be prepared to encounter some frost. I was out at dusk on Wednesday and noticed some ice crystals in shady spots as well as loose patches in the sun. A couple of cold days might be just what these trails need.

Get out there while you still can. Come May, this area is subject to controlled burns as part of the Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project. Areas include Horse Butte, Coyote Butte OHV area, Bessie Butte Trailhead and Boyd Cave. Violators could face fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both.

Not the news you’re looking for, folks — no snow in the forecast. Local ski areas still have significant snow bases, but powder days have been rare this January. Keep an eye on your favorite forecast. I’ve seen chances of precipitation toward the end of next week.

Temperatures are supposed to drop significantly again this weekend. The high Saturday is 30 degrees Fahrenheit in Bend. Sunday’s is 32. Lows are in the mid-teens overnight. On the bright side, the sun should be out through the weekend and temperatures should get back into the 40s by Monday.

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

No new snow; bluebird, groomer skiing continues

Mt. Bachelor

As of Thursday, Mt. Bachelor ski area had received no new snow in over the week and, according to the mid-mountain forecast, no snow was expected well into next week. Friday had a chance of snow showers during the day, but nothing significant.

Skies are expected to be clear all weekend. Temperatures are predicted to remain in the teens Saturday and rise to 30 degrees Fahrenheit by Sunday morning. Winds could reach 30 mph Saturday.

Bachelor has tallied 244 inches of snow so far this season, according to the mountain report. The mountain’s base depth was 96 inches Thursday.

Hoodoo Ski Area

The last week has brought no snow to Hoodoo Ski Area. The mountain is also expecting more bluebird days to come, according to the mid-mountain forecast. Hoodoo’s base depth was 64 inches Thursday, according to its conditions report. Its season total was 148 inches of snow.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass had seen no snow over the week, according to the snow report Thursday. Its base depth was 45 inches. The resort had received a total of 122 inches of snow this season. All trails and five out of six lifts were open Thursday.

Fly-fish the Metolius this winter

According to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website, anglers continue to find excellent fishing for mountain whitefish, redband trout and bull trout on the Metolius River. Nymphing with stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly nymphs has been effective for trout, while streamers are a good bet for bull trout.

Current restrictions allow anglers to catch-and-release trout, including bull trout. Artificial flies and lures are permitted below the lower bridge, Bridge 99. Fly-fishing only upstream.

The river upstream from Allingham Bridge to its headwaters is closed until May 22. Below the bridge is open to fishing year-round.

Check out the ODFW’s website for more fishing reports.

Paths and trails through town

Bend has a variety of trails that wind and weave their way through town. On Tuesday, I finished up work just in time to run 5 miles through town and along the Deschutes River Trail at sunset. I set out from place in River West around 5 p.m. with just enough daylight to make it beyond First Street Rapids Park to the hill up to Mt. Washington Drive and on around Aubrey Butte. I ran by dog walkers, bikers and other joggers out enjoying Central Oregon’s chilly midwinter evening air. My inner-Midwesterner forced a couple of waves and smiles to oncoming traffic. Got the occasional sympathetic nod or wave back. After a minor foot injury sidelined me from running for a couple of weeks, it was the perfect return.

Whether it’s the Deschutes River Trail, Larkspur Trail, Archie Briggs Canyon Trail or the various canal trails on the east side of town, all offer a great, quick midwinter outing. Check out Bend Park and Recreation District’s trail locator to find the closest trail near you.

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

Hiking in Oregon’s redwoods sparks imagination, serenity