We’re only halfway into fall but the snow has begun to dust our mountain passes. If you don’t live to shred, brah, then I can understand why you wouldn’t want head for the mountains this winter. But just because you weren’t built for the slopes doesn’t mean you have to sit in the lodge sipping $15 Rumplemintz while your friends have all the fun (although I suppose you could if you wanted to). There are plenty of other great outdoor activities that won’t cost you a fortune and don’t require several lessons:
Snowshoeing
When I went to Costco the other day, there was a giant stack of snowshoes for sale – entire kits (including poles) for under $100. Dozens of hiking trails are open in the winter for snowshoeing – so you can check out some of the same amazing views you’d see in the summer adorned in white powder. Depending on how long you plan on being outside be sure to wear waterproof clothing, pack some snacks, and fill that thermos up with some spiced rum. Here are some spots to check out.
Oregon
- Mt. Hood National Forest: best for families and beginners. Close to Government camp, you’ll find the Trillium Lake Loop Trail # 761. It’s only a 4.4 mile trip and has stunning views of Mt. Hood.
- Crater Lake National Park: best for the ambitious. The only access to the park during the winter is through Highway 62. You can check in with the Steel Visitor Center for daily conditions (the park gets an average of 44 feet of snow each winter). There are several different trails to choose from, and weather permitting, you can get catch a view of the lake that most tourists won’t.
Washington
- Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge: best for animal lovers. Located south of Spokane, Turnbull is made up over 2,000 acres frequented by elk, moose, coyotes and several bird species. The trails pass by several lakes that offer several places to enjoy perfect peace and quiet.
- Mt. Rainier National Park: best for those who want to stand above the clouds. At Washington’s tallest peak, park rangers offer guided snowshoe treks beginning Christmas Eve (they cover about 1.5 miles in 2 hours). You can bring your own shoes, or rent for a small fee. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Winter Cycling
Fat-biking is probably something you’re not familiar with but has actually been around since 1980 and gained much popularity over the past few years in the mountain biking community. These bikes have mountain-style frames with enhanced wheels and extra large tires that allow the rider to traverse snow trails without sinking.
For ideal conditions, head to Winthrop, Washington in the north Cascades or Bend, Oregon. The Wintrhop/Mazama region is best known for its cross-country skiing but has seen an uptick in fat-bike tourism. The area is still recovering financially from the devastating fires earlier this summer but welcomes visitors with is sunshine and dry fluffy snow. Likewise, Bend offers the benefits of the high-desert climate with several sunny days and dry snow that easily packs on the trails. Both areas offer plenty of accommodations and other activities (and some of the best breweries I’ve ever been to).
Hot Springing
The ultimate cold weather leisure activity is definitely soaking in a natural hot spring. And the Pacific Northwest just happens to be one of the foremost areas for recreational hot springing. You don’t have to wait for the snow to fall to head to these spots. Depending on your relaxation wishes (au natural, family-friend, easily accessible, remote), there’s a destination for you:
Oregon
- Breitenbush Hot Springs. Breitenbush is a co-op community retreat center spanning 154 acres in the Willamette National Forest. In addition to hot spring pools, there’s yoga, meditation and dorm-style lodging (meals included). Clothing is optional in the pools and it is a dry property. If you have trouble releasing the death grip on your iPhone, this may not be the place for you, but you could probably use the trip here.
- Bagby Hot Springs. Bagby is located about 45 minutes southeast of Estacada up Highway 224. This 24-hour hot springs is clothing optional in the tubs but clothing required in and around the bathhouses. Caution: you may feel like you’ve transcended the space-time continuum. Words can’t really describe how beautiful this place is, so you have to check it out. It’s about a 1.5 mile hike (45 minutes) from parking, but there is limited accessibility when snow is heavy, so be sure to check conditions before you go.
Washington
- Scenic Hot Springs. Located off Highway 2 near Stevens Pass, Scenic Hot Springs is open year-round and can require some intense snow-hiking/shoeing in the wintertime. However, once there, you’ll be immediately rewarded with warm pools nestled into the hill. Advance permission and donation is required. You can contact Matt who manages the springs through scenichotsprings/blogspot.com
- Bonneville Hot Springs. Bonneville offers a more pampered approach to the hot springs experience. Located northwest of the Bridge of the Gods, Bonneville offers soaking experiences both outdoors and inside, including a large mineral pool that has restricted hours for anyone under the age of 16 (so, it’s family friendly but the resort makes sure to offer adults-only relaxation time). More information is available here.
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