Monday evening, I ran over to the canal trail off of the Deschutes River Trail and Brookswood Boulevard in Southern Crossing. The snow on the flattish trail was evenly packed down by walkers, making it safe enough to open up the legs without having to worry about each and every foot placement. That’s all I was thinking about on my way over.

While things may get slushy this weekend — 40-degree temperatures approaching — keep these trails in mind for a walk or run if you’ve been avoiding getting outside during this chilly week. If you’re worried about falling, like I am, these are about as safe as it gets for snow-covered trails. Check out the Bend Park & Recreation District’s trail locator to find what may be out your backdoor.

Local ski areas received around 10 inches of snow over the past week and were expecting more Thursday and this weekend, according to forecasts.

Temperatures are supposed to rise significantly in town this weekend. After 20-degree highs this past week, forecasts show highs around 40 degrees Fahrenheit both Saturday and Sunday as well as all of next week. Temperatures will drop to around 30 degrees overnight. Expect cloudy days.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Snow falling in mountains Saturday night, Sunday

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor ski area received 3 inches of snow overnight Thursday, according to the mountain report, and more snow was expected throughout the day.

The mid-mountain forecast predicted Thursday that Bachelor was to get 5 inches of snow by Friday morning. Between Saturday and Sunday evening, 10 inches of snow is forecasted. Temperatures are expected to remain in the 20s all weekend with winds reaching 20 mph.

The mountain got 10 inches over the past week, which puts its base depth at 115 inches. Overnight Thursday, 7 inches in 24 hours and 9 inches in 48 hours. Bachelor has tallied 288 inches of snow so far this season, the mountain report records. Beware of snow immersion and tree well risk on the mountain. Ski or ride with a partner and keep them in sight at all times. For more information on deep snow safety, visit deepsnowsafety.org.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo Ski Area was also expecting snow throughout the day Thursday. According to its conditions report, the mountain received up to 2 inches overnight. Staff were expecting another 3 to 5 inches during the day and 3 to 7 inches Friday night.

The mid-mountain forecast predicted the ski area will get 11 inches of snow between Saturday evening and Monday morning. Temperatures were expected remain just around freezing on the mountain.

Hoodoo’s base depth was 85 inches Thursday. The ski area has seen 178 inches of snow so far this season.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass has got a foot of snow over the past week, according to its snow report Thursday. The ski hill had received 1 inch in 24 hours Thursday. More was on the way, according to the mid-mountain report. Another 4 inches was expected Thursday night and into Friday morning while Saturday evening and Sunday could bring in another 8 inches. Temperatures may get above freezing Saturday but will remain around 30 degrees Fahrenheit the rest of the weekend.

The mountain’s base depth was 62 inches Thursday morning. The resort had received a total of 164 inches of snow this season. All trails and four out of six lifts were open Thursday.

Ice fishing on Walton Lake in Ochocos

Walton Lake is a popular winter ice-fishing spot when ice conditions are safe. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website, the U.S. Forest Service reopened public access to Walton Lake last month. Winter access, however, is walk-in only as the gate has been closed for the season.

When ice fishing, take the following precautions from ODFW: use the “buddy system,” wear a life jacket in case of thin ice, carry a throw-rope and use a heavy metal staff to check for thin-ice. Any hole cut in the ice for fishing can’t be larger than 12 inches in diameter. Find ice thickness guidelines and other safety tips on the Minnesota Department of National Resources website at dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.

Walton Lake is 30 miles east of Prineville in the Ochoco National Forest, making it about a 90-minute drive from Bend.

Check out the ODFW’s website for more fishing reports and other ice fishing options.

Snow adventures at Dutchman

Check out Dutchman Sno-park if you’re looking to cross-country ski, snowshoe or snowmobile this weekend. The sno-park — just across Century Drive from Mt. Bachelor ski area — is at 6,250 feet and will likely have cool and fast conditions. It has marked snowshoe, ski and snowmobile trails that offer access to Todd Lake and other sno-parks, like Swampy Lakes.

Be aware that this is a popular destination for winter recreation on weekends. The parking lot is small, so prepare to adjust plans and head over to nearby Vista Butte or Swampy sno-parks. Both offer access to Dutchman trails.

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

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