8 \”Must Do\” Central Oregon Winter Vacation Ideas You Don\’t Want To Miss!

Central Oregon is well suited for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families year-round. If you love winter, then the Crooked River Ranch Cabins https://crookedriverranchcabins.com/, are your go-to destination for winter fun! Whether you are looking to shred the slopes with family or friends, golf or enjoy the stunning beauty of the area, there are plenty of activities to explore. Here are just a few ideas!

HIT THE LINKS AT CROOKED RIVER RANCH GOLF COURSE

Take part in our new Stay and Play Packages, starting at just $99 per person, and get your lodging, golf at Crooked River Ranch Golf Course and drinks at Over the Edge Tap House all in one great deal! The course is open year-round!

The Crooked River Ranch Golf Course is a flat, player-friendly, 18-hole par 71 course overlooking the Crooked River with views of the canyon and the surrounding high-desert. The course has three sets of tees for different skill levels. The fairways are well-maintained and the greens challenging. It’s also home of the No. 5 Canyon Hole. The No. 5 Canyon Hole, overlooking the gorge, is a par 4 with a severe dogleg left. There are two ways to play the hole, cut the corner over the 500ft canyon or play it safe and lay up to give yourself a short at the green. How would you play it? Open seven days a week all winter. For more information and to take a virtual tour go to http://crookedriverranchgc.com/

SKI/SNOWBOARD AT MT. BACHELOR

If the thrill of hitting the slopes makes your heart leap with anticipation, then look no further than Mt. Bachelor; Oregon’s largest ski resort. With a wide range of terrain options, to include Nordic and snowshoe trails, Mt. Bachelor is a snow rider’s paradise. With 4,323 skiable acres, 3,365 feet of vertical drop, and 101 runs, the pow is suitable for beginner to expert skiers and boarders. BONUS, children 5 and under ski free!

The winter season opens on 26 November 2021. For more information regarding tickets, parking, shuttle service, weather, or other inquiries go to mtbachelor.com.

 

HIT THE SLOPES WITH A FOREST NATURALIST

U.S. Forest Service offers you the opportunity to ski or ride around with one of their naturalists for free! Join one of the 90 minute interpretive tours mid-December through March out of the West Village Base area and learn about winter ecology at Mt. Bachelor as you take laps (and find the hidden pow stashes!) with a local forest expert. Tours also cover the geology of Central Oregon, the Deschutes National Forest watershed, and the plants and animals found throughout this area – https://www.mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/resort-activities/ski-with-a-ranger

Lift ticket is required to ride the ski lifts.

 

HOODOO SKI AREA

With 800 skiable acres, 1,000 feet of vertical drop and 34 runs, Hoodoo offers a smaller, less crowded, and more economical ski experience. Hoodoo opens early to mid-December. Prefer night skiing? There are 23 runs lit up for your skiing pleasure. For more information go to skihoodoo.com.

 

SNOWSHOES WITH A RANGER

Want to learn more about the ecology, geology, and wildlife of the Cascades?  U.S. Forest Service Naturalists offer free 90-minute interpretive tours, and a Junior Snow Ranger Program for children. Dress warmly and wear snow boots. Snowshoes are provided, no experience required.  Go to https://www.mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/resort-activities/snowshoeing to learn more about the snowshoe tours or the Junior Snow Ranger Program.

 

GO ON A DOG SLED RIDE

Answer the call of the wild while snuggled in a sled pulled by a dog sled team with professional mushers. Enjoy the pristine beauty of the winter wilderness with the Oregon Trail of Dreams. Advance reservations required. To learn more about the Oregon Trail of Dreams visit: https://www.mtbachelor.com/things-to-do/resort-activities/sled-dog-rides

 

VISIT WANOGA SNO-PARK

For an inexpensive family-filled snow day, take the kids sledding or tubing on the sledding hill at Wanoga Sno-Park. Wanoga Sno-Park features motorized and non-motorized dog-friendly trails designated for fat biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing; as well as over 180 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Sno-Park permit required. Go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38542 to learn more about Sno-Park permits and for information regarding driving requirements in winter conditions.

 

GO FOR A HIKE AT SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

Go for a hike at Smith Rock State Park dependent upon weather conditions. Be awed by the majestic spires and ponder the geologic history. Observe overwintering wildlife, practice your photography skills, have a picnic with the family. You can’t go wrong with an outdoor adventure to Smith Rock State Park. The Park requires a $5 day use parking permit or an Oregon State Park Pass. Go to smithrock.com for more information regarding hikes, weather conditions, and parking.

End your snow-filled days relaxing at the Crooked River Ranch Cabins. Make s\’mores around the fire pit, swap stories, and plan how you are going to make more memories. Adventure awaits.

See you at the Cabins,

Meghan

\”Crooked River Ranch Cabins, a great place to kick off your boots and stay awhile!\”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *