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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 17, 2018)
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon 7 Off-season winter hiking By Craig F. Eisenbeis Correspondent As is often the case, I planned an extensive vacation trip for late fall to escape the dreary days between hiking and skiing seasons. I returned, however, only to find that the snow season has yet to mate- rialize. So, my hiking friend and I have been out on the trails again; and I’ve had quite a bit of feedback that indicates we are far from alone in mak- ing some lemonade out of a lemon of a snow season. In November of 2016, we were snowed out of a planned hike in the Badlands east of Bend. That certainly has not been a problem this season, and the nearly 30,000-acre desert wilderness should be a top destination for hikers looking for some winter trails this year. If you have not hiked the area, the Bureau of Land Management main- tains many miles of trails here. Popular Badlands trails include Flatiron Rock, Badlands Rock, The Castle, The Ancient Juniper Trail, the Larry Chitwood Trail, and many others. The area is lightly used, and we have often been the only hikers in sight. If trudging up and down hills is not to your lik- ing, you will like it here; this is flat country. One negative about the Badlands is that trail signage throughout the area is rather poor; so maps, com- pass, and orienteering skills are vital, particularly since scattered user trails can lead the hiker astray. Most trails along Whychus Creek can also be good go-to hikes at this time of year. That includes the Whychus Trail and its connectors south of town, as well as Alder Springs farther downstream. The Deschutes Land Trust’s Whychus Canyon Preserve offers some excellent nearly all-season hikes, and the Trust’s Metolius Preserve — with its ever-expanding network of trails — has been mostly snow free so far, too. We hiked there last week; and, if it ever does snow, the Metolius Preserve can also PHOTO BY CRAIG F. EISENBEIS This very large frost-enhanced mountain lion track was observed on the north slopes of Black Butte. Come See Us! ܂ Full-service bathing & grooming for all types of dogs ܂ Self-service dog wash ܂ Dog daycare ܂ Overnight dog boarding Top Rated on Yelp! Central Bark & Groomingdales 541-549-8836 by appt. 367 Sisters Park Drive H’ H 115 NW Greenwood, Redmond | 541-588-6119 A’ H 192 E. Tall Fir Ct., Sisters | 541-549-1726 P’ P 182 E. Tall Fir Ct., Sisters | 541-549-1336 D L T | O/O Business Cell (541) 848-3194 “Enriching the lives of those we serve, one day at time” offer some pleasant cross- country skiing in an area that is mostly flat. Also, don’t forget about the local trails maintained by the Sisters Trails Alliance. The Sisters Tie Trail is an eas- ily accessed local trail; and Peterson Ridge offers many opportunities, including some that you may not have tried yet! Sadly, a recent car break- in in this area has caused the Forest Service to remind trail users not to leave valuables in their vehicles. The Suttle Lake Trail may be another local pos- sibility if the dearth of snow persists. Plus, winter trails are often accessible along the Metolius River and near Camp Sherman. The Lower Crooked River is another possibility, along with vari- ous spots along the Deschutes River, such as Steelhead Falls. And don’t forget Fryrear and Dry (Deep) Canyons, which are just east of town on the way to Redmond. Hikers should always be properly equipped; but, if you are planning to do some win- ter hiking, keep in mind that conditions are very different at this time of the year. Carrying the Ten Essentials, extra pro- visions, and other appropriate emergency equipment — such as a bivy bag — is always important, because potential dangers and problems are magnified in the cold weather. As a result, due diligence and safety precautions take on even greater importance. Keep in mind that you may encounter icy areas, so PHOTO BY CRAIG F. EISENBEIS Winter conditions can give rise to delicate frost formations on trailside vegetation. be sure to consider the need for proper footwear, traction devices, and trekking poles — particularly on slopes. Instead of preparing only for what you expect, always seek to be over-prepared for unex- pected conditions. A few extra pounds of gear can make a big difference in your safety or survival if things suddenly go wrong. Remember that winter weather conditions can change rapidly and with- out warning; and it is always a good idea to let someone know where you are going and your expected return time. Hiking in the off-sea- son can produce some big rewards in terms of seeing different things and enjoying new experiences in Central or A lab Oregon’s winter wonderland. Leaves with inch-long frost spikes, pine groves covered in frozen fog like flocked Christmas trees, quiet soli- tude, and animal signs in fresh fallen snow are only a few of the treats awaiting the winter adventurer. During one recent hike on the north slopes of Black Butte, we saw something quite unexpected. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of mountain lion tracks, includ- ing large and small probable mother and cub combina- tions; but last week, in frost- enhanced frozen mud, we saw mountain lion tracks far big- ger than we’ve seen before. You won’t see things like that if you are sitting at home! e of lov s Siste e r d! n Ow “Pete is the best! He does an amazing job and spends more time on my carpet than any other cleaner in the past. I highly recommend him.” — Ernest Larrabee 541-549-6471 35 Years Experience | Peter Herman, Owner
