Max Johnson, of Bend, casts along the Metolius River near Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery in fall 2007.

Snowfall in the mountains and warm weather on the horizon should make for a beautiful Central Oregon outdoor weekend.

After a cooler, much-more-like-fall week, temperatures are supposed to get back into the 70s this weekend. Both days should be partly cloudy and reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit by mid-afternoon.

This week’s precipitation — a mix of rain and snow depending on the elevation — has made local trails almost tacky. I rode some trails in the Phil’s trail system on Wednesday that were firm and grippy. As Thursday morning’s dusting of snow will likely melt within a day, if not hours, this should just improve trail conditions on what were sandy, dusty trails five or so days ago.

For those who aren’t afraid of a little early-season snow, head to the high country for your hikes and other adventures. According to local reports, snow fell as low as 5,400 feet.

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.

Last ride of year in the Cascades

Before too much snow falls in the mountains, head out to the Cascade Crest trail network. According to recent reports on bendtrails.org, the Crescent Mountain trail is in good shape and reopened last week following closures due to the Pyramid Fire in August. The expert-only trail includes a north and south end combining to make for over 8 miles of old-growth forests, creek crossings, huge alpine meadows and a summit spur with views of the Cascade Range to the west.

Together, the two sections of trail total for over 5,000 feet of climbing and descending. These are tough climbs with 30% grades that many may choose to walk, but the descents make for the work done to get to the top. Keep an eye out for fallen trees and debris on the trails.

Another option in the area is the McKenzie River Trail. The 25-mile trail is often ridden east to west as a shuttle, making for a slightly downhill ride. With a technical upper section and multiple photo opportunities along the way, most riders could take four to five hours to complete.

The first 10 or so miles are considered a “black-diamond” technical trail, with lots of pumice and lava. From there, the trail becomes an intermediate route with flowy twists and turns to the bottom. Riders not comfortable with rock gardens can start the ride at a number of mid-way points. The Trail Bridge Reservoir at Tamolitch Pool trailhead is probably the most popular. The trail is also heavily used by hikers especially around the area of Tamolitch Pool, which is often referred to simply as “Blue Pool.”

These trails start just west of Santiam Junction, the junction of Highway 20 and 126, about an hour drive from Bend.

Trout and whitefish on the Metolius

Anglers report excellent fishing for mountain whitefish, redband trout and bull trout on the Metolius River, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website. More bull trout are expected to enter the river from Lake Billy Chinook. Bull trout spawning peaks in September and the fish follow spawning kokanee in October. Current restrictions allow anglers to catch-and-release trout, including bull trout.

The river is about an hour drive from Bend. Nymphing with stonefly, mayfly or caddisfly has been effective for trout, while streamers are a good bet for 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 will close for the season Nov. 1 and reopen May 22. Below the bridge is open to fishing year-round.

Check out the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website for more fishing reports.

Tumalo Falls may be less traveled now

With a dusting of snow in the mountains, now is a cool time to head to some of the more popular day use areas as they will likely be less traveled than in the middle of summer. Tumalo Falls is a great spot for a scenic hike, and a little snow on the ground might just add to the fun. Hikers don’t have to venture far to see the falls, which is only a brief hike up the trail from the trailhead. But there is certainly more to see than the 97-foot waterfall, like birds, tall pines, the meandering Tumalo Creek and other waterfalls. There are seven waterfalls along the trail.

The trail, called North Fork, also allows for uphill biker traffic. Riders can climb the trail up to the Metolius-Windigo trail, making for a variety of loop options.

The trailhead is about a 25-minute up Skyliners Road from Bend. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Daily passes are available at the trailhead for $5. Annual passes are $30 and available at the Bend Visitor Center and most local outdoor businesses.

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

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