Bend is one of the Northwest’s truly epic spots for snowmobiling. The Mt. Bachelor trail system alone spans more than 250 miles into acres of backcountry brimming with open snowfields and old growth pines. The rugged high mountain terrain offers exhilarating mountain views at every twist in the trail.

One of the most popular day trips leaves from Dutchman Flat, directly across from the main entrance to Mt. Bachelor. A groomed trail follows the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway for 11 miles to Elk Lake Resort, where you can grab a hot meal and a tasty beverage. Order a draft beer from Cascade Lakes Brewery then cozy up to the bar for spectacular views of the lake and mountains.

If you are traveling without your own machine this time around, Central Oregon Adventures, Inc. offers two- and four-hour snowmobile tours leaving from Wanoga Sno-Park.

Paulina Lake Lodge is another favorite Central Oregon snowmobiling destination. Surrounded by 200 miles of snowmobile trails, the lodge is in the heart of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Take Highway 21 up to 10-Mile Sno-Park. The lodge is another three miles in by sled or ski. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are required.

Snowmobiling in Bend provides the perfect break from a day out on the slopes and is an exciting way to explore areas of the National Forest that most will never see. Please visit the Central Oregon Avalanche Association’s website for avalanche resources and recent snowpack observations.