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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 30, 2016)
Page 10C OUTSIDE East Oregonian Saturday, January 30, 2016 Snowshoeing gains in popularity across region By RICH LANDERS The (Spokane) Spokesman-Review SPOKANE, Wash. — Explaining the growing popularity of snowshoeing, Mark Beattie of Mountain Gear retail store in Spokane says it all comes down to a 10-step program for learning the sport. “All you have to do is strap on modern snowshoes and by the time you walk 10 steps you’re pretty much an expert,´ said Beattie, who’s been selling snowshoes for 24 years. While he still treasures a classic pair of ¿ ve-foot long cedar-rawhide models, the smaller, ultralight, no-main- tenance models being sold today get the credit for the giving the sport its traction for growth. Perhaps the biggest snow- shoeing misconception is that a lot of extra gear is required, he said. Teamed with gaiters, the waterproof shoes or boots one uses for hiking will work Must ¿ ne for most snowshoe day hikes. “And newcomers to the sport tend to overdress and get too hot,´ he said. Snowshoes range from simple small À otation platforms ideal for traipsing around a snowy city park to larger models with more À otation and crampons for navigating deeper snow and icy conditions one might encounter stamping into Chimney Rock. “Size typically is based on body weight,´ he said. “Bigger people need bigger snowshoes, with some exceptions. At 180 pounds, I technically would go for a 30-inch snowshoe. But I have Snowshoeing tips Rich Landers /The Spokesman-Review via AP In this photo taken on Jan. 2, Margaret Bowers, right, and Holly Weiler join a snow- shoeing group exploring the McKenzie Conservation Area above Newman Lake, Wash. a short inseam, so I opt for 25-inchers. I sink about an inch more in the snow but I don’t have to alter my stride, which is more important.´ Although many experi- enced snowshoers will keep their hands free in reasonable terrain, adMustable length poles with snow baskets are highly recommended for balance and to aid in getting up in a fall, he said. Snowshoe bindings come in several models. MSR, for instance, makes bindings with multiple straps that readily accommodate wider boots. The Atlas Endeavor models have two straps that might not work for such a wide range of boots, but they’re simple. “In most cases, I think simple is good,´ Beattie said. Once geared up for snow- shoeing, the larger question is where to go. New devotees to snow- shoeing — and there are legions of them — have ¿ nally been ¿ nding plenty of places this winter to use the truck loads of snowshoes purchased in recent years from retailers ranging from outdoor specialty shops to Costco. In the past four weeks, there’s been enough snow to make tracks from the city lowlands to the top of Mount Spokane and beyond. Spokane County Conser- vation Areas, secured through the voter-approved Conser- vation Futures property tax levy, have been popular winter destinations. People were quick to be out after the December snow storms and break trail at a half dozen or more of the larger conservation areas, said Paul Knowles, County Parks planner. “I think there’s Musti- ¿ cation to start calling the (Mount Spokane) snowmobile parking lot the snowshoe parking lot,´ said Holly Weiler, a Spokane Mountaineer and Washington Trails Association leader who helped lead more than 40 people on the First Day Hike on Jan. 1 at Mount Spokane State Park. “Two years ago for the ¿ rst New Years Day hike, we had two leaders but Must one snowshoer showed up,´ she said. Plowed roads and parking access is a consideration at many winter destinations. “We try to get conservation area trailheads plowed out at some point, but it depends on available resources,´ Knowles said. “But snow Snowshoeing burns a lot of calories and can lead to dehydration, even on frigid days. Hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea or soup in a warmer bottle is a great mood lifter to chase away chills. • Bring basic safety equipment in a daypack in case of an emergency — including a map, compass, headlamp, extra clothing, weatherproof i re-starter and a space blanket. A GPS and cell phone are other options, but cold weather can quickly drain batteries. • Wear layers of clothing that can be peeled off as needed to avoid overheating. • Get an early start. Daylight doesn’t last long in winter. A late start invites an encounter with dark- ness if something goes wrong. • Leave an itinerary with someone trustworthy. • Watch the weather. Blizzards can cause white- outs that erase tracks and make route-i nding difi cult even on marked trails. Temperatures also can drop drastically during winter. • Dogs aren’t equipped to handle all snow condi- tions. Some will fl ounder and wear out quickly in deep snow or breakable crust. Plan trip distance according to conditions and the dog’s ability. Frequently check for ice buildup between the dog’s toes. Bring dog booties. • Gaiters keep snow out of boots and add warmth. really generates interest. I’ve seen a huge up-tick in snow- shoer use this winter.´ The most popular accessible snowshoeing destinations this winter have included the Slavin, Dishman Hills, McKenzie, Antoine Peak, Haynes, Liberty Lake and Mica conservation areas, he said. Washington Sno-Park areas such as Sherman Pass are dependable destinations for ¿ nding plowed parking and good snow. Mount Spokane trails are probably the most popular in the region. Vehicles must display state Sno-Park permits at these sites. Warming huts especially for snowshoers have been installed by state park rangers and volunteers at Mount Spokane. At Fourth of July Pass, two shelters are maintained by the Panhandle Nordic Club. The Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Refuge southeast of Colville is a peaceful destination for snowshoeing, along with Turnbull Wildlife Refuge south of Cheney. Changing conditions must be factored into every trip. The route off Mineral Ridge overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Wolf Lodge Bay was excellent with rewarding views for snowshoers around the New Year, but portions of it have transformed. When a snowy trail has been tramped and the weather turns it to ice, the best option may be to leave the snow- shoes in the car, ¿ t Yaktrax or MICROspikes onto your boots for traction and simply go for a winter hike. Spring chinook season set on Columbia Rhino cannonball P S U P O R T O U R N E I G H B In Conjunction with Milton Freewater Chamber 2015 HONDA UTV SIDE BY SIDE E C O M O N Y T H R I V E S . L I V E Spout Springs C L O A L . H E L O C A L W H E N S , T SKI REPORT Submitted photo Pendleton resident Andrew Clark, who works often in Africa, recently traveled to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in Botswana. While sitting down to lunch, Clark said this black rhino “sauntered by, took a drink out of the swimming pool, lay down for a bit of rest, and then went on his way.” O R SSring FKinooN ¿ sKing season is set on the Columbia River in Oregon and Wash- ington. Anglers will be able to keep salmon from March 16 through May 6 on the river above Bonneville Dam. Fishery managers expect a recreational harvest of about 00 ¿ sh. This year’s season should see returns of 299,200 spring chinook, including 188,800 upriver salmon. That’s down compared to last year’s banner run of 415,200 springers, but still beats the 10-year average of 285,000 ¿ sh. Below Bonneville Dam, the recreational season will run from March 1 through April 9, with two days off to allow for commercial ¿ shing. From the dam to the Oregon-Washington border, the daily bag limit will be two ¿ n-clipped adult salmon or steelhead in combination. Of those, no more than one can be a chinook. Oregon rules also allow for up to ¿ ve ¿ n-clipped Mack salmon per day. The ¿ shery will be managed for up to 1,000 upriver chinook, and could be extended or shortened based on that quota. Anglers will not be allowed to ¿ sh for salmon or steelhead from boats between Bonneville Dam and the Tower Island power lines, located approxi- mately six miles downstream from The Dalles Dam. From March 1 through April 9, boat ¿ shing will be allowed all week from Buoy 10 at the mouth of the Columbia up to Beacon Rock, about four miles below Bonneville Dan. The recre- ational ¿ shery will close on March 29 and April 5, both Tuesdays, for commercial ¿ shing. Bag limits are the same. Special rules for ¿ shing within Youngs Bay in northwest Oregon and Blind Slough-Knappa Slough are listed in the 2016 regulations booklet. “We’re looking forward to another year of good spring chinook ¿ shing,´ said Chris Kern, deputy administrator of the ¿ sh division for the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. ——— Contact George Plaven at gplaven@eastoregonian.com or 541-966-0825. W E By GEORGE PLAVEN East Oregonian Tollgate, Ore. New snow: None Base depth: 6” fell Jan. 24. Conditions: Lots of snow, open regular schedule 1-800-522-1601 Anthony Lakes North Powder, Ore. New snow: None, storm Thursday Base depth: 55” Conditions: Fast groomers, good coverage, clear skies Ski Bluewood 610 1/2 Main Street Milton-Freewater, OR threedivas@q.com 541-938-3727 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Dayton, Wash. New snow: None Base depth: 71” Conditions: Machine groomed, wet snow off-piste Ski Fergi Beads, Findings & More Joseph, Ore. Depth: 25” on top Conditions: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mt. Hood Meadows Government Camp, Ore. New snow: Rain/snow mix mid- to late-week Base depth: 91” Conditions: Wet, rain-streaked groom. To Advertise here, Call Terri Briggs, Cell: 541-215-0447
