The Paulina Peak Road Has Snow But it is Melting Fast

Reports about the trail to the top of Paulina Peak in Newberry Crater National Monument on June 1, 2024 stated that the last mile had a lot of snow. Rather than navigate through this and the abrupt steep drop off the last mile of the trail, hikers could elect to walk the road up to the peak. This road was not yet open for vehicles and had snow patches in the shady areas, but was very much passable by hikers. The last 1/2 mile to the peak on the road had three feet of compacted snow, but with the use of trekking poles, it was easily traversed. The views of the snow capped Cascades and Paulina Lake were splendid from the top as were eastern views toward Fort Rock and the Obsidian Flow. Hiking the road results in 1600 feet of elevation gain to the peak which is just under 8000 feet above sea level, but over a more gradual grade than the trail, making for a longer hike but more easily done. All in all, the total hike by the road is just under 8 miles up and back from the gate off the main road through the monument.

Black Butte Trail is Short but Steep

The trail to the top of Black Butte starts part way up the butte after a drive on a fairly well maintained dirt and gravel road followed by a poorly maintained dirt and rock road. Once you reach the trailhead (complete with stocked toilets), the two mile hike to the top of the butte can be accomplished fairly quickly.  Hikers gain over 1500 feet in the two miles, but the Cascade views from Broken Top to Mt Adams can be spectacular on a clear day. 

There is limited parking at the Black Butte Trailhead (forest pass required) so hikers are recommended to arrive early to get a spot and to avoid crowds.  The hike is very popular with visitors to Black Butte Ranch and and Camp Sherman as well as local year-round residents.

What's in the April 2024 Bend Premier Real Estate Newsletter?

• Bend Home Prices Up and Inventory Levels Down
• Minty Salsa Verde
• 7 Paint Colors to Decorate With This April
• Alder Springs is a Little Known Central Oregon Hike
• Top 5 Reasons to Hire an Agent

What's in the March, 2024 Bend Premier Real Estate Newsletter?

• High Mortgage Rates and Prices Affecting Bend Home Sales
• Bright Spring Salad
• Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
• Spring in Central Oregon?
• The First Step: Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Spring Snow Sports to Enjoy in Central Oregon

What really makes spring snow sports in Central Oregon so special are the extended seasons.  It is no guarantee, but when the snow comes back again and again, it is like getting bonus time to savor the magical snow-covered landscapes.  Central Oregon is a winter sports enthusiast paradise, especially in spring time when we can see more comfortable conditions, more light and less crowds.  Here are a few of the most popular local snow excursions:

• Alpine Snow Sports - Mt. Bachelor offer great classic skiing and snowboarding opportunities and warm cozy lodges for snacks and people watching. 

• Cross Country and Skate Skiing- Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center, Meissner Nordic Center and Ray Benson Sno-Park are just a few of the popular locations to exert and have a blast in the snow.

• Snowmobilers - there are plenty of great spots to enjoy snowmobiling in Centr...

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