A heat wave — possibly summer — is forecast to hit Central Oregon this weekend. Expect temperatures to reach the high-70s during the day with lows in the mid-40s at night. Days should be clear and sunny into next week, with bluebird spring skiing in-store on Mt. Bachelor. Hopefully, the warm temperatures and sun will dry out some high-elevation trails this weekend for everyone ready for the dirt season. 

Deschutes National Forest trail crew supervisor Joe Welke said in last week’s trail report that mountain snow and a cool spring have kept summer trail access limited to areas below 4,500 feet. The Deschutes River Trail, Horse Butte area, most of the Phil’s trail system and low elevation trails around Sisters are all accessible. Welke wrote that most other trails are under at least some snow. Individuals who venture up to higher elevations trails should use caution and avoid causing damage to sloppy trails. Also, let Welke, bendtrails.org and/or the BendTrails Facebook group know what you encounter. They always welcome trail updates.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend.

Bluebird spring skiing all weekend

Mt. Bachelor: As of Thursday morning, the ski area had received no snow in the last 48 hours but had received 13 new inches over the past week. It’s also supposed to be clear and warm on the mountain this weekend. According to the mid-mountain forecast, skiers and riders should expect sun and highs in the mid-50s — have sunscreen handy!

Bachelor’s base depth is 93 inches, and it has received 383 inches of snow so far this season.

When at Maston, check out Cline Buttes

About a 20-minute drive north of Bend and east of Redmond, just across Cline Falls Road from the Maston Trails, the Cline Buttes Trail offers high-level riding with steep climbs and descents and 360-degree views of Central Oregon. Expect few flat stretches as the trail winds its way up and back down the buttes. Great for hiking and trail running as well, it’s also rare to run into other people while out on these trails.

In total, the area has only 4.6 miles of trails, but it makes up for it in elevation, with 1,100 feet possible. This is a great add-on while riding at Maston, which is relatively flat. The Cline Buttes summit reaches 4,117 feet and, as some of the easternmost foothills of the Cascades, the buttes offer a strategic vantage point of the Three Sisters, Mount Washington and the rest of the Cascade Range. Of the four trails, three are downhill black diamonds — experts only — and the other is an intermediate cross-country loop. Two gravel service roads on either side of the buttes, off of the cross-country trail, also offer access to the summit and the descents.

Trout fishing on newly opened Crane Prairie

Crane Prairie Reservoir reopened to fishing on April 22. Reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website say anglers have experienced fair fishing for trout. The fish are spread out throughout the stumps and relict river channels, according to reports. Boat ramps are open at the Crane Prairie Resort and snow is melting out quickly at Quinn River and Rock Creek. The reservoir is 88% full and ice free. 

The reservoir is west of La Pine and about an hour drive from Bend. It’s currently 89% full and ice free.

Take a hike to Dillon Falls

The Dillon Falls Day Use Area is a great spot for a casual hike along the Deschutes River Trail and early summer picnicking. The falls are a short walk downstream from the lot and offer stunning views of the rapids in a canyon of the Deschutes River. With access to the Deschutes River Trail, the parking lot has horse trailer parking for the nearby horse trail along the river. 

Just south of the falls is the former Ryan Ranch meadow, formed by a berm constructed in the 1920s to prevent flooding and restored to a wetland in 2015. As the river trail winds its way between the wetland and river, the open area allows for nice views of the Deschutes National Forest and the Cascades on a clear day. Dogs must be on leash at all trailheads in the forest throughout the year and on the Deschutes River Trail from May 15 to September 15.

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

Rinse off the workweek ick with nighttime skiing at Hoodoo