PORTLAND, Ore. — With Oregon’s spring break on hand, there are more things to do outdoors than ever this time around.
How much more? Well, instead of having to cross-country ski or snowshoe to Trillium Lake on the Mount Hood National Forest, you can drive to it. Same thing with Lemolo Falls trailhead at 4,500 feet on the North Umpqua River, down in southern Oregon, and other scenic settings in the state’s mountains.
And Mt. Hood Skibowl is opening its Summer Adventure Park — in the middle of March!
The mild winter, when snow was in short supply in the Pacific Northwest, has made terrain accessible like in few other years.
But do remember that should you get an early jump on camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing or the lake season, there is no guarantee mild weather will continue
Reservations are available at many Oregon State Park campgrounds, and there are also first-come, first-serve spots.
Whale watching often draws crowds of visitors to the Oregon coast during spring break, many of whom camp if the weather is good.
The U.S. Forest Service operates a little differently, since many of its campgrounds are in snow zones and have predetermined opening dates. Many Forest Service campgrounds will remain closed this year by a gate until May, according to the Mount Hood National Forest staff, but it’s OK to walk in and claim a site. Park outside the campground without blocking the gate, bring all you need including water, and carry everything out when you’re finished.
The road to Trillium Lake, the popular spot just south of Mount Hood, is already open from U.S. 26. You can drive to the lake, but the campground is still gated closed.
And do know that the weather can change quickly. April is often snowy in Oregon’s mountains, though this year that would be a surprise.
Additional caution about using unmaintained national forest campgrounds before the season opens comes from Kathleen Walker, recreation program manager at the Mt. Hood Zigzag District, via email:
“There are no services and no fees; no toilet paper, no toilet cleaning (and they can be nasty!); no water; pack it in, pack it out! Hazards may exist, including trees that may fall in high wind conditions. Campgrounds are inspected prior to opening officially and hazards are mitigated and managed.
“If there is a gate on the campground entrance, the campground is closed to vehicles. You may not park in front of the gate. You may walk in and camp if a crew is not cleaning or falling hazard trees in preparation for opening.”
Mount Hood National Forest campgrounds have a prescribed way of opening, beginning March 1 at Bagby Hot Springs. They follow in waves this year on April 17, May 8, 15 and 22 and June 5. Check with a ranger station for specifics.
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