The Outdoors: So much to do

            The Central Oregon Spring dilemma…What to do?

            It’s still March. Last night the temperature dropped into the 30s but it will reach 70 by mid-afternoon.

Time for a quick 25-minute trip up for a few runs at Mt. Bachelor? There’s a 150-inch base at Mt. Bachelor.

On the way out to “the mountain” Widgi Creek is open with an early season discount on green fees for 18 holes.

Phil’s Trail on the edge of Bend is snow free and firming up for some mountain biking.

Fly fishing at Fall River is really good for nymphing and chasing some midday BWO hatches. 

What to do? Maybe try a little of everything. That proposal can wait another day. Will make those calls tomorrow.  

Rather than the exception these possible scenarios are commonplace in the Bend area as winter merges into Spring, sometimes hesitantly with a sunny 70s day followed by a few snow flurries the next.

On the first day of April  2011, the mercury topped 70 in Bend while less than a half hour away at Mt. Bachelor there were great Spring conditions—as well as excellent cross-country skiing out of several closer-by SnoParks on the way there from Bend.

Just this week PowdrCorp., owner and operator of Mt. Bachelor, announced it would extend grooming of its cross-country trails until late June, following earlier announcements that downhill runs would be open through May 29. And a new $149 Springtacular pass will cover a week of lifts for an adult and any “kid” under 18—for those who act before April 4.

Mt. Bachelor

As for golf, most of the area courses except Sunriver and Crosswater, at slightly higher elevations south of Bend, are now playing. Included are such premium courses as Tetherow, the links-style course on Bend’s west side, and Pronghorn, with courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio.

Altogether there are nearly 30 courses in Central Oregon, about 20 of  these open to the public and most within 25 miles of downtown Bend.

Guide to Central Oregon golf courses