An angler carefully casts while fishing the Fall River in 2020.

Can’t complain about a glimpse of spring in January. Punxsutawney Phil may say, “Nay, I see it differently,” but according to the app on my phone, wintry weather appears to be returning to Central Oregon.

February brings mixed conditions this week. Rising temperatures and rain have continued to diminish snowpack at sno-parks. Expect low-elevation sno-parks to be patchy in places and possibly insufficient for winter recreation.

For best possible conditions, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers should head to higher elevations. Temperatures are expected to drop over the weekend and a couple inches of snow should fall in the mountains by Friday morning. Hopefully, that’ll make the snowpack firm and the snow fast.

In town, it looks like things will be cooling off as well. Forecasts predict highs in the low-40s and lows in the 20s during the weekend. Temperatures will drop even more by next week, and there’s a chance of snow Monday.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend. A permit is required to park at designated sno-parks.

Ski areas lose snow

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor ski area had received no new snow in a 48-hour period Thursday morning. Only 1 inch of snow had fallen during the past week. The mountain also lost nearly 2 feet of snow this week due to rain and rising temperatures. As of Thursday, the base depth was 64 inches. It was 85 inches this time last week.

Fortunately, the mid-mountain snow forecast predicts a refresh of 3 inches to fall by Friday morning. More snow is expected Sunday night and into Monday as temperatures cool and hover around 20 degrees Fahrenheit during the weekend. Winds should remain under 20 mph on the mountain.

Also, VertFest is this Sunday for all the backcountry ski lovers out there. Individuals looking to earn their turns should sign up and see how they match up against fellow skinners. Registration closes Saturday at 7 p.m.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Tubers should head to the mountain this weekend as the Hoodoo Autobahn Tubing Park just opened for the season. All-day rates start at $25 for children 12 and younger, and $30 for 13 and older. Tubes are provided. No other tubes are allowed on the Autobahn.

As for skiers and boarders, no new snow had fallen over the ski area as of Thursday morning but staff was expecting snow overnight. Its conditions report said groomed runs would would be firm and fast in the morning and soften as the day warms. The mountain had a base of 37 inches.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass Resort had received no new snow for more than a week as of Thursday morning. The ski area also lost over 10 inches of snow, dropping its base depth to 29 inches. 

Staff expected snow showers to come during the weekend. Early season conditions exist. Staff encouraged people to ski and ride with care, stay on groomed trails and respect trail closures. Three out of six lifts and all trails were open Thursday.

Something for everyone at Wanoga Sno-park

If you’re looking for some family time in the snow this weekend, there’s no better place than Wanoga Sno-park. The “snow play area” offers something for everyone, whether it’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fatbiking, tubing or sledding. The sno-park has its own designated fatbike trails and a popular sledding hill along with snowshoe trails and groomed ski trails. It also provides access to over 180 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times.

As of last week, the area had between 30 and 42 inches of snow, according to the Deschutes National Forest’s report. But most snowpacks have diminished during the past week so watch out for varying conditions.

Expect crowds — this is a popular destination for winter recreation on weekends. If you can hack it, head up on a weekday.

Fly-anglers thrive on Fall River

Fly-anglers have reported productive and consistent fishing in the Fall River this winter, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website. 

A tributary to the Deschutes River, the Fall River converges with the Deschutes near Three Rivers, just south of Sunriver. The river is restricted to fly-fishing and is currently open above Fall River Falls.

Anglers report that nymphing, using artificial flies that resemble young aquatic insects, has been the most effective method. The river has rainbow and brown trout. It was last stocked in early September.

Bessie Butte offers quick hiking option

A great spot for a midday jaunt is Bessie Butte.

Located southeast of Bend, Bessie Butte trailhead is about a 10- to 15-minute drive from town. The out-and-back trail is only 0.7 miles long, winding its way up the butte and peaking at the top around 4,700 feet. From the trailhead, though, it’s about a 482-foot gain and 1.4-mile hike in total that takes an average of just under an hour. Dogs are welcome, but be sure to pick up after your pooch: “Biodegradable” doesn’t mean what you think it does in the dry High Desert air.

Those looking for more distance or flatter trails should also check out nearby Swamp Wells Trail. 

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

Fire danger is listed as Moderate in the Ochoco National Forests, the Crooked River Grasslands. The Deschutes National Forests and Willamette National Forests fire danger is low.

Industrial Fire Precaution Level has been lowered to 1 as of Sep. 20 in the Deschutes, Ochoco and the Crooked River Grasslands and the Willamette National Forests.

Deschutes River access at Columbia Park is closed due to safety concerns and to prevent further riverbank erosion, as of July 22, 2020. 

Reopening of this access point is dependent on the outcome of the McKay, Miller’s, and Columbia River Access Project. To learn more, visit the project page.