Central Oregon Avalanche Center looks to expand By Mark Morical, The Bulletin
Published: December 21, 2020, 6:00am
Share: Snow covered Mount Hood, a volcano in the Cascade Mountains in Oregon popular for hiking, climbing, snowboarding and skiing, despite the risks of avalanche, crevasses and volatile weather on the peak. (Dreamstime/TNS)
BEND, Ore. A hefty early season snowpack in the Central Oregon Cascades has many skiers and snowboarders eager to explore the backcountry this winter.
And due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased parking restrictions at ski resorts like Mt. Bachelor, more and more folks are expected to seek the solitude, freedom and fresh powder that the backcountry provides.
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During the summer and fall, Newberry Caldera is teeming with recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, mountain biking and more.
But during the winter, the only way to reach the caldera is by snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The good news is you can drive along Forest Road 21 all the way to 10 Mile Sno-park, which is only 3 miles from Paulina Lake, one of two lakes contained inside the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. That is not terribly far on a snowmobile, but itâs a bit more challenging on skis.
Getting there: From Bend, drive 22 miles south on U.S. Highway 97. Turn left at the turnoff to Paulina and East lakes. Itâs 10 miles to 10-Mile Sno-park and the end of the road during the winter season. A sno-park pass is required to park.