Sisters trekkers test new trail

Dick Spray leads snowshoers along the trail. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Sisters College Center's snowshoe class visited Virginia Meissner Sno-Park (5,350 feet) last Friday, January 24, to test out the new 3.25 mile snowshoe trail constructed by snowshoe volunteers and the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District.

They were not disappointed. The trail is well marked and offers changing terrain challenges for snowshoers. The new trail is not recommended for cross-country skiers and indeed, some narrow, curving portions of the trail are not good for skis.

New trail markings, blue diamonds with a yellow snowshoer symbol, are found about every 200 feet on the well-marked trail.

Class leader Dick Spray pointed out the use of aluminum nails for the trail markers.

"They're softer than the old iron nails and would not cause damage if the trees were later harvested for lumber at a sawmill. Also, the nails are left out a few inches from the tree surface to allow for growth," he said. "Some of the signs are placed on holders projecting out from the tree in case of heavy snow accumulation. The diamond shape would still be visible as a trail marker."

During the mostly rainy trip through pine and fir forests the group's spirits remained high. Reaching the Meissner shelter at midday signaled time for lunch and a rest stop. The shelter is supplied with wood, stove and comfortable benches.

Part of the reason for the new snowshoe trail is the recent rise in popularity of the sport. Snowshoers have traditionally shared mixed trails with cross-country skiers and/or snowmobilers. Now, sno-parks like Meissner are offering separate trails for all three sports.

Besides the trail at Meissner, new snowshoe trails have been laid out at Swampy Sno-Park (3.25 miles) and Edison Sno-Park (4.25 miles). These trails offer majestic views of Broken Top, Mt. Bachelor and the South Sister.

These sno-parks are located on or near Century Drive traveling towards Mt. Bachelor.

The group plans to snowshoe Potato Hill on Friday, January 31. This is located off Highway 20/126 just past Lost Lake.

For more information call 549-7331.