B10 The BulleTin • Friday, March 26, 2021
TOP PICKS
WHERE TO EXPLORE
Top picks north of Bend
Mark Morical/Bulletin file photo
Lake Creek flows near the Lake Creek Trail between Suttle Lake
and the Metolius Preserve.
Submitted photo
Young climbers train in Bend Endurance Academy’s youth climbing program. The BEA climbing program focuses on both indoor competition
climbing and outdoor climbing.
Climbers
Continued from B1
Balancing outdoor climb-
ing with competition climb-
ing is important, but another
primary aim for all BEA pro-
grams is to teach kids to be
good people.
“We work hard to create a
culture that supports everyone
as they push to improve, to the
point where BEA has a repu-
tation for cheering the loudest
at competitions. And to show
kids what it can be like to work
hard towards something they
want to achieve,” Rougeux
said.
The path to a tough goal
can have highs and lows. Ella,
a youth climber in the pro-
gram for about two years, has
learned that “In terms of suc-
cesses and failures, my mind
has an amazing amount of
power,” she said. “My thoughts
can determine whether or not
Smith Rock climbing
closures
To protect nesting rap-
tors, the following climbing
routes are closed: Cajun Cliff,
Victoria Tower, Little Three
Fingered Jack, Puddy’s Tower,
The Monument, Anglin’s But-
tress, French Tent Rock, First
Kiss Area north of Monkey
Face and Smith Rock Group
NE Face (both towers, above
100 feet).
The Canyon Trail near the
bald eagle nest is restricted
to groups of four or less and
noise must be kept to a min-
imum.
See smithrock.com/sea-
sonal-closures for more in-
formation.
“We work hard to create a culture that supports everyone
as they push to improve, to the point where BEA has a
reputation for cheering the loudest at competitions. And
to show kids what it can be like to work hard towards
something they want to achieve.”
— Mike Rougeux, Bend Endurance Academy executive director
I send a difficult route or nail
a new move, and what’s more,
I can harness my thoughts to
empower me to do my best.”
Ella also recalled an impact-
ful moment with her coach
when she was nervous ahead of
a big competition. Her coach
told her that whenever she is
worried about something, to
focus on what she can control.
There’s no use in worrying
about things you can’t control.
That allowed Ella to have fun
and do well. These powerful
lessons apply to so much more
than climbing and will better
prepare her for many chal-
lenges.
Moxie, another climber on
the team, says that the big-
gest thing she has learned is to
maintain a positive attitude.
Neither of these athletes said
that climbing a hard route or
learning a new move were the
most important things they
gained from being part of the
program. They both empha-
sized lessons about mindset
and shared experiences.
The BEA youth climbing
program successfully trains
youth for impressive achieve-
ments in climbing. It is known
to be one of the strongest
teams in the country and many
athletes, up to 10 in some
years, qualify and compete in
Nationals each year. But in-
stilling important and relevant
life lessons is an even greater
success that will have lasting
impacts on the program’s par-
ticipants and in the climbing
community.
Hoodoo Ski Area — The ski area near Sisters still has around 100
inches of snow at the base to play on for anyone wanting to take on
spring skiing. The area nestled within the Willamette National Forest
is typically less busy than Mt. Bachelor and has over 800 acres of ter-
rain and 34 runs to play on.
Lake Creek Trail — The easy, 8.8-mile out-and-back trail runs be-
tween the Metolius Preserve near Camp Sherman and Suttle Lake.
Typically used for mountain bikes, hikers can also enjoy the conif-
erous trees overhead and quiet forest setting. The trail follows Lake
Creek, the crystal clear stream that runs from the lake into the Meto-
lius River.
Scout Camp Trail — With beautiful geologic formations to take
in, the short but steep 2.5-mile loop near Crooked River Ranch has
some breathtaking views on the way into the Deschutes River can-
yon. Some sections of the trail are pretty narrow, and the gravel un-
derfoot can slip every now and again, so trekking poles are recom-
mended if you get nervous in such conditions.
Learn more about wine with
Monthly and Quarterly
Wine Club Options
Pinot Club
PNW Quarterly
Underground International Cellar
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Tues-Thurs 11-6:30
Fri/Sat 12-8
Sun/Mon Closed
141 NW Minnesota Ave
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541.410.1470
LES NEWMAN’S
QUALITY OUTDOOR WEAR
On NE Franklin Avenue across from Les Schwab
541-318-4868
Larry Carlton
Masterclass
Learn improvisation, rhythm
playing, and soloing skills
with one of the all-time
greatest guitar players!
March 27 • 3 PM
Links and info at