That rain was a nice surprise last weekend.

I was heading out for a ride Saturday morning with a buddy as it began to drizzle on the westside of Bend around 9 a.m. We rolled through Shevlin Park and over to Phil’s area as the rain packed down the dusty trails. While a little slick, there was no risk of us leaving any ruts. After an hour in the woods and taking turns riding on the front, we flew back down into town on wet dirt and paved roads. I stopped for a cappuccino downtown and had enough mud splattered across my face for the barista at Lone Pine Coffee Roasters to comment: “Looks like you had a fun morning.”

Expect more cool spring days this week. Temperatures in town should reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit this weekend. There’s a chance of rain Saturday, but don’t let that deter your plans too much.

While Willamette Pass is extending its season into mid-May, Hoodoo Ski Area is closing this weekend. Its last day of operations is scheduled for Sunday. Mt. Bachelor is shifting to spring hours of operation with a scheduled closure date on Memorial Day.

Weather forecasts are predicting a possible mix of snow and rain on Friday and Saturday in the mountains, which could make these last few April ski days pretty interesting. Expect a return to bluebird skiing Sunday.

Below is a more detailed ski report and some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Spring operations at Bachelor, Hoodoo closing this weekend

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor ski area has made the switch to spring operating hours. Lifts are now scheduled to open at 8:30 a.m., with last chair at 1:30 p.m. for the remainder of the season. The last day of the season is scheduled for May 26.

According to the mountain report, Mt. Bachelor got no snow over the past week. The mid-mountain forecast predicts a mix of snow and rain to fall on the mountain Friday and Saturday. Expect temperatures to fluctuate between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit with overcast skies before things clear up Sunday. Winds should remain around or below 10 mph.

The mountain’s base depth was 114 inches Thursday. Its recorded snowfall for the season remains 439 inches.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo Ski Area is closing this weekend. Its last day of operations will be Sunday. Lift tickets are $55 Saturday and Sunday.

According to its snow report, the ski area saw no new snow this week and, according to the mid-mountain forecast Thursday, could get some rain Friday afternoon through midday Saturday. Temperatures are supposed to reach well into the 40s on the mountain. Sunday should be clear for a nice bluebird spring day to round out the 2024-2025 season. Winds are expected to top out at 10 mph.

Hoodoo’s base depth was 78 inches Thursday, according to the snow report. The ski area has gotten 275 inches of snow so far this season.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass is extending its season through May 11. The mountain will be open for the first two weekends in May, which, according to its website, makes this the longest season in Willamette Pass history.

Like the others, the ski area got no snow this week. It could also get a mix of rain and snow Friday and Saturday, according to the mid-mountain forecast. Expect temperatures to remain in the 30s over the weekend and the sun to come out on Sunday. Winds should be around 5 and 10 mph.

The mountain’s base depth was 43 inches Thursday, according to its snow report. The resort has recorded a total of 272 inches of snow this season. All trails and five out of six lifts were open Thursday.

Consistent fly-fishing on Fall River

Fly-anglers continue to report good and consistent fishing in the Fall River, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website. Nymphing and stripping small streamers with light fluorocarbon tippet have been the most effective methods. With cool winter water temperatures, reports suggest looking for fish to congregate in deeper runs.

New regulations are in effect on the Fall River. It is now closed to fishing below Fall River Falls through May 21. Above the falls remains open year-round. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing with barbless hooks only. ODFW staff have noticed an increase in lures being used on the river and remind anglers that the use of lures and bait is prohibited.

The Fall River runs just north of La Pine and is about a 45-minute drive southwest from Bend.

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

Check out lower Mrazek, avoid Phil’s due to burns

Since Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District firefighters conducted burns in the Phil’s trail network Thursday, I would suggest avoiding the area this weekend. With Saturday’s forecasted rains, the trails may be smoke free by Sunday.

For an option close by, I’d say check out the lower Mrazek Trail. Starting just west of Shevlin Park, Mrazek is likely rideable under 5,000 feet. I rode up to at least 4,500 feet nearly two weeks ago and there was no snow in sight. The trail was even a little dusty, and Tumalo Creek Road, which I took up to it, was sandy. A classic in the summer, opening up much of the western, high-elevation trails like Trail 99, Metolious Windigo, Farewell and the upper portion of the trail of the same name, the trail is 8.4 miles long and offers over 2,000 feet of climbing. If you’re up for a fun out-and-back, see how high you can climb before hitting snow.

The trail can also be accessed from Phil’s trailhead by taking the BS logging road north off Skyliners Road as it winds across Tumalo Creek and crosses the Mrazek just after crossing Tumalo Creek Road.

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

Ian Haupt: 541-617-7821 or ian.haupt@bendbulletin.com.