My suggestion last week to head out to Horse Butte over the weekend may have been a little too hopeful. I made it out to the trail network Friday to ride some of the trails and gravel roads in the area, and I’d say they were on the brink of being too loose. By Saturday, I’m sure they were pretty sandy. So, sorry for steering you in the wrong direction, folks. If we get any rain this month though, be sure to get your fill of those High Desert trails and landscapes before they go away for the year.

Expect more 50-degree weather this weekend before temperatures climb into the 60s and, eventually, the 70s next week. Starting Saturday, the sun should be shining well through next week.

Local ski areas are expected to see temperatures in the 40s and 50s again this weekend. With no snow in the forecast, get ready for some bluebird skiing and riding.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Bluebird skiing, warm temps on the horizon

Mt. Bachelor

More spring, bluebird skiing on the way this weekend at Mt. Bachelor ski area. The mountain got 5 inches of snow over the week, according to the mountain report, and local weather forecasts predict above freezing temperatures and mostly sunny skies through the weekend.

Mt. Bachelor’s mid-mountain forecast predicts cooler temperatures Saturday, with clear skies and a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit on the mountain. While there may be cloud coverage, highs are in the 40s Sunday. Monday will be clear with temperatures possibly reaching the 50s on the mountain. Winds should remain around or below 10 mph.

The mountain’s base depth was 134 inches Thursday. Its snowfall season total is 439 inches.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo Ski Area saw a couple of inches of snow this week. According to the mid-mountain forecast Thursday, the mountain could get a refresh Friday evening before a weekend of spring skiing. Temperatures are predicted to reach 36 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday and into the mid- to high-40s Sunday. Expect clear skies Saturday afternoon and some overcast Sunday. Winds should be tame.

Hoodoo’s base depth was 94 inches Thursday, according to its snow report. The ski area has seen 275 inches of snow so far this season.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass got no new snow this week, according to its snow report. However, the resort could see some snow Friday evening as well, the mid-mountain forecast predicts. Expect temperatures to reach the mid-30s Saturday and mid-40s Sunday, with mostly sun forecasted both days. Winds should be mild this weekend, topping out at 10 mph.

The mountain’s base depth was 64 inches Thursday. The resort has recorded a total of 272 inches of snow this season. All trails and five out of six lifts were open Thursday.

Angling picking up on lower Deschutes

Fishing is expected to pick up over the next couple of weeks on the lower Deschutes River, according to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website. Flows have been up on the river this spring, but angling should improve this month. Warm weather during the end of March also probably brought a few hatches to the lower Deschutes. Stonefly nymphs are likely a good option this time of year, ODFW suggests.

There will be no spring Chinook sport fishery on the Deschutes this year. Also, all fishing from the northern boundary of the Warm Springs Reservation upstream to the Pelton reregulating dam, just north of Pelton Dam, is closed. This section reopens on April 22.

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

Spring cross-country skiing at Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center

Shoulder season can be tough for cross-country skiers trying to enjoy some nice spring kicks and glides. Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center is a sure bet for groomed trails with decent snow coverage. With nearly 40 miles of ski trail above 5,700 feet, these might be the most reliable option for avid skiers looking to extend their season into May. The center provides daily condition reports on its website and also has rentals and lessons available.

Spring season unlimited passes are available for $139, while a day pass is $31. Looking for free skiing? Check out Virginia Meissner and keep an eye on its website and the Meissner Nordic Conditions Facebook page for snow and grooming updates as the season tails off.

Seen it with my own eyes: Lower Phil’s good-to-go

I went for a long, meandering gravel ride out to Sisemore Road Wednesday evening. On the way back, I rolled over to Phil’s trails via National Forest Road 4606. I crossed Skyliners Road and hopped on the MTB trail, taking it to Kent’s and then KGB before dumping out onto Skyline Ranch Road and heading home. The trails were pretty great — soft and tacky in places, while a little loose in others. The rocks did seem a little more exposed. That could just be me returning from months of riding Horse Butte and paved and gravel roads.

I didn’t make it very high up but, from reports of those who have on bendtrails.org, it sounds like most everything below National Forest Road 300 is rideable. With warm weather and no precipitation in the forecast, expect trails at higher elevations, like Whoops and Storm King, to be good-to-go soon.

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