Best Outdoor Winter Activities Near Mt. Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging
Best Outdoor Winter Activities Near Mt. Bachelor Village Resort in Bend
It is no surprise locals and visitors alike head to Central Oregon for winter fun! There is something for everyone from world-class skiing, sledding, and tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, to scenic hiking and mountain biking trails. Book your family winter getaway? Mt Bachelor Village Resort by Meredith Lodging has an impressive collection of Central Oregon vacation rentals to suit every group and budget. From cozy cabins to golf course estates.
However you like to stay and play in the snow, here is a guide to some of the best outdoor winter activities in Central Oregon:
Skiing.
Experience world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and much more at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon’s premier ski resort. Hoodoo Ski area also offers more than 800 skiable acres, as well as Central Oregon’s only night skiing.
Sledding.
Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park is the perfect spot for the whole family – pups included – to slide into a fun filled day of sledding and tubing! Pack a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy while you warm up in their large warming hut.
Hiking.
Smith Rock State Park – Enjoy scenic views of snow-covered canyons, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and sightings of local wildlife (golden eagles, deer, river otter and beaver, and falcons) in this stunning state park. Leashed dogs allowed.
Explore local hot springs.
Paulina Lake Hot Springs – Come explore these hidden hot springs dotted along the shores of Paulina Lake Beach. In order to reach the hot springs, you will need to hike along the shore for 1.25 miles. The hike is flat and appropriate for all fitness levels and offers stunning views along the way.
Spelunking.
Tucked away in the high desert of Central Oregon hides hundreds of lava tubes formed from Oregon’s volcanic past. Sawyer Cave is a hidden gem. If you choose to visit, you will likely have the cave to yourself. We recommend parking at the Little Nash Sno-Park, following the edge of the forest to get to the cave.
Explore local caves.
Boyd Cave is one of the largest and best-preserved caves in the region. Its accessibility and location make it one of the most popular caves to explore. Bring a flashlight and dress warm, as temperatures drop dramatically inside the cave. Hidden Forest Cave is unique and magical to explore because it is both a lava tube and a 500-foot long, 40-foot-deep depression where the cave’s ceiling collapsed. The cave is easily accessible and open all year long.
Hike to local falls.
Benham Falls Hike – The whole family will enjoy this 1.5 mile, out and back trail that features a waterfall and majestic old growth ponderosa pines. The trail is accessible year-round, and leashed dogs are allowed.
Ice Staking.
For a classic winter holiday experience, hit the rinks at The Village at Sunriver or Seventh Mountain Resort with the whole family. Enjoy music, light displays and the sound of laughter from kids of all ages, as you glide over the ice.
Try Snow/Fat Biking.
Plow over snow with ease while you enjoy the rising popularity of fat bikes, mountain bikes with 4.5-inch-wide tires. Crow’s Feet and Pine Mountain Sports are two local outfitters that rent fat bikes.
Snowshoeing.
Central Oregon boasts tons of amazing spots to snowshoe, and plenty of them are pup-friendly too! Wanoga Sno-Park offers a short, easy 1-mile loop. Perfect for first timers and pups. The friendly team at Powder House can help get you and your whole family geared up for a memorable snow day. Please note, Sno-Parks require a permit for usage between November 1st and April 30th.
Go with a guide!
Prefer a guided experience? Wanderlust Tours offers a wide variety of winter experiences to choose from, and Crater Lake National Park offers a free ranger-led tour.
Ready to stay and play at a Meredith Lodging Mt. Bachelor Village vacation rental?
Book your trip online at MeredithLodging.com or call our Reservations team at 888.752.2220.