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NORDIC SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING AROUND SUNRIVER

IN SUNRIVER

BEST FOR: Skiing and Snowshoeing out your cabin door

If snow is on the ground, Suniver is a nordic skier's and snowshoer's paradise.   Village Bike and Ski can point you to the nearest trails, both of which are a couple hundred feet from our shop. The Meadows and Woodland golf courses are open to skiers and snowshoers. The bike paths near the airport, marina, and stables also remain unplowed and a great destination for those looking to ski along the Deschutes River. For the more adventurous, the Deschutes River trail can be accessed from Circle 7.  Starting at Circle 7, Benham Falls (~5 miles round trip) is a worthwhile, quiet, scenic tour through the forest and along the river. For adventures in the Deschutes National Forest, just across the river to the west of Sunriver, Circle 5-Cardinal Landing is a convenient gateway.  There are a few other local "secret" spots that you won't find online ; please come by Village Bike and Ski and we can show you these areas.  

EDISON SNO PARK

BEST FOR: Dog Owners and Snowshoers

Edison is home to beautiful old growth Ponderosa Pine forest. The contrast between the long green needles and huge red trunks of these giants and a freshly fallen snow is a truly beautiful sight. There are several warming shelters with wood stoves and seating that make great lunch destinations on your ski or snowshoe outing. Edison is one of the few dog friendly Sno Parks in the area, so this is a great choice if you have a pooch. There is no grooming at Edison but all trails are well marked. Village Bike and Ski has both Edison Snow Park and in depth Central Oregon topographic maps available for purchase. Snowmobiles do share a staging area at Edison, but once on the trail, they are unlikely to be a nuisance.  

TODD LAKE DUTCHMAN FLAT

BEST FOR: Leaving the crowds behind for a true wilderness experience

Todd Lake is a pristine high elevation lake on the edge of the Three Sisters Wilderness.  Despite it's relative easy access, Todd Lake does not see a ton of traffic, so if you are looking to feel a little more "out there", this is a good spot for you.  Parking at Dutchman Flat fills up early and adds distance to the trip.  Those in the know will park at Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center and access the trails from there.  Ask for a common corridor ticket at the Nordic Center and you will be allowed to cross Mt. Bachelors prepared trails free of charge.  Navigation in this area can be a bit tricky and there are several ways to reach the lake so be sure to take a map.  Backcountry skiers can find some great downhill terrain in this area as well.  

SWAMPY LAKES SNO PARK

BEST FOR: Options. Well marked, well traveled trails for all abilities. Beautiful mountain and forrest scenery

Swampy Lakes is one of the most popular ski and snowshoe destinations in the area and for good reason. There are many loops for all ability levels in this picturesque meadow filled area. Warming shelters can be found at the midpoint of the major loops for a little rest and relaxation before returning to the trailhead . The intermediate Swede Ridge Loop offers stunning views of Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor and the Tumalo Creek Canyon below. The relatively easy Swampy Lakes Loop follows an old road through a lodgepole pine forest to a ridge overlooking Swampy Lakes with excellent views of the mountains in the high country. The easy Nordeen loop descends through sparse woodlands to the Nordeen shelter located atop a southeast facing ridge from where Newberry Crater and the eastern plains can be easily seen. Like the Edison Sno Park, the Swampy lakes trails are not groomed but the groomed Tangent Loop of the adjacent Meissner Sno Park extends to and connects with the Swampy Lakes Snowpark Trails at various points.

VIRGINIA MEISSNER

BEST FOR: Skate and classic skiers looking to tick off miles on a vast network of prepared trails

The Meissner Sno Park is Bend’s Community Nordic ski recreation area maintained by volunteers and features 40 kilometers of exceptional track, stunning views and a variety of terrain, for skating and classic skiing techniques. The park is routinely maintained with trail grooming occurring four days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) throughout the season. Various snowshoe trails intertwine with the groomed skiing trails and lead to the new Meissner Shelter with spectacular views of Bend and the surrounding mountains and plains. Meissner Sno Park is a great place for non-skiers alike as located at the trailhead is Jane’s Hut, a 30 ft. diameter heated Yurt with wi-fi, picnic tables, and bench seating. Adjacent to the yurt is Skinny Skis Café, catering trailer serving hot beverages, soup, sandwiches and baked goods. Meissner even has its own Android App featuring current weather and trail conditions and trail maps: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tumalolanglauf.meissnerSnowPark&hl=en

TUMALO AND VISTA BUTTES

BEST FOR: Big views on clear days

On a clear day, these are the spots for expansive views into the Three Sisters wilderness.  Because the steepness of the trails, snowshoes are the equipment of choice for these two.  Depending on snow conditions, expert nordic skiers may be able to make it to Vista Butte but Tumalo is not advisable.  Tumalo is the bigger of the two and popular with backcountry skiiers and snowboarders.  From the north east corner of the Dutchman Flat snowpark, look for a path heading straight uphill, all tracks should lead to the top.  Come early as parking is limited and tends to fill up on weekends.  Expect from 1-2 hrs to reach the summit. Vista offers more solitude, a shorter hike and just as good a view.  This makes it a great option for those looking for less commitment.  While shorter, the hike isn't as straight forward as Tumalo so think about grabbing a map before heading out.  Vista Butte Sno Park is just a small pull out on the side of Century Drive, just east of where Spring River Rd (the road from Sunriver) hits Century Drive. 

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