Locals break out the snowshoes and try new trails

Snowshoers rest during a weekend excursion. photo by Conrad Weiler Recent snows have encouraged more snowshoers to get out to local parks.

Last week a group of 10 toured the new snowshoe trails at Virginia Meissner Sno Park in Bend, located off Century Drive. Led by Mark Murzin, the snowshoers trekked 5.5 miles in four plus hours, stopping at the Meissner shelter for lunch. Weather was overcast with sun breaking through in the afternoon.

One of the highlights of the trip was Kim Boddie, former Forest Service worker, locating the "Big Tree" -- perhaps the largest ponderosa pine in the Meissner area.

Dick Spray of Camp Sherman, also a former forest service employee and fire lookout, used his GPS (global positioning satellite) unit to mark the location.

These types of trips offer exercise, companionship, and spectacular views of nature. Equipment for snowshoeing has improved dramatically in recent years. Shoes have become lighter, stronger and less expensive. People wanting to try out the sport may rent at several local shops in the Sisters area, such as Eurosports, Black Butte Ranch Sport Shop and Hoodoo.

Many snowshoers will use poles for balance and walking up or down hillsides. Hiking boots or X-country ski boots will generally work for use with snowshoe bindings.

As with all activities, some precautions are necessary before hitting the trail. A map of the area to be walked, a compass, cell phone, duct tape, comfortable clothing layers, GPS unit, emergency medical kit and camera are some of the things to consider carrying. Sno Park parking permits are required at most locations. These may be obtained at several local shops or at the Sisters Ranger District office.

Locally, excellent snowshoe trails exist at Ray Benson Sno Park, adjacent to Hoodoo Mountain Resort. The North and South trails offer varied terrain for several miles of enjoyment. Brandenburg shelter is a nice goal for more experienced snowshoers.

Corbett Sno Park, located off Highway 20 between Sisters and Hoodoo, offers many miles of trails in and around several small lakes in the area.

The Three Creek area, South of Sisters, has a nice trail leading up to Jeff View shelter. Take lunch and enjoy the mountain views on a clear day.

Meissner, Swampy, and Edison Sno Parks, located in the Mt. Bachelor area, also offer fine snowshoe trails for beginners to advanced snowshoers.