DOCSLIB.ORG

Crane Prairie Reservoir

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Crane Prairie Reservoir Crane Prairie Reservoir Deschutes County Deschutes Basin Location Area 4,167 acres (1,686.4 hect) Elevation 4,445 ft (1,354.8 m) Type reservoir Use irrig., recreation, w ildlif e Location 30 mi SW of Bend, 15 mi N of Willamette Pass, in Deschutes N.F. Access Forest Service roads from Cascade Lakes Highw ay USGS Quad Crane Prairie Reservoir (24K), La Pine (100K) Coordinates 43˚ 45' 18" N, 121˚ 47' 04" W USPLSS tow nship 21S, range 08E, section 16 Crane Prairie Reservoir is a large, shallow impoundment on the upper Deschutes River in Central Oregon. It is a component of the Deschutes Project, a Bureau of Reclamation project which includes Wickiup Dam and Reservoir, Haystack Dam and Reservoir, North Unit Main Canal and lateral system, and the Crooked River Pumping Plant. The Project furnishes a full supply of irrigation water for about 50,000 acres of land within the North Unit Irrigation District, and a supplemental supply for more than 47,000 acres in the Central Oregon Irrigation District and Crook County Improvement District. These irrigated lands are all in Source: US Bureau of Reclamation, 1970. View looking northwest. the vicinity of the town of Madras. Storage for the North Unit Irrigation District is provided by Wickiup Reservoir. Releases from the reservoir are diverted from the Deschutes River at ` North Canal Dam and carried to project lands by the North Unit Main Canal. Water stored in Drainage Basin Characteristics Crane Prairie Reservoir is also diverted by the North Canal Dam into delivery and Area 254.0 sq mi (657.9 sq km) Relief moderate Precip 25-80 in (64-203 cm ) distribution systems privately built and operated by the Central Oregon Irrigation District and Agriculture Crook County Improvement District No. I. However, the existence of Crane Prairie Land Forest Range Water Irrig Non Irrig Urban Other Reservoir pre-dates the Reclamation project (Hatton 1980). A rock-filled dam was Us e % 93.6 - 5.4 - - - 1.0 constructed in 1922 by several local irrigation districts serving lands in the Madras area, Note s Other - Wetlands principally the Central Oregon Irrigation District. Waters backing up behind the dam flooded Lake Morphometry M axim um Average most of Crane Prairie and part of the adjacent forest, killing many trees. In order to recover Area 4,167.0 acres (1,686.4 hect) Depth 20 ft (6.1 m) 11ft (3.3 M) marketable timber from the site, the reservoir was drained periodically. Leakage through the Ave/Max Depth Ratio 0.540 Volume 45,420 acre ft (56.11 cu hm ) original dam made it unsafe and a new dam was built by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1939 Shoal area 50% Volum e factor 1.64 Shape factor 2.47 and 1940. It is an earthfill structure 36 feet high and 285 feet long at the crest. The reservoir Length of Shoreline 22.3 mi (35.9 km) Retention tim e 4 mo has a capacity of 55,300 acre-feet when full (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 1983). Notes - Crane Prairie Reservoir is very shallow and irregularly shaped. It is fed primarily by the W ater Quality Deschutes River, but also by Snow Creek, the Cultus River, Cultus Creek, and Quinn Creek. Trophic status eutrophic, shallow depth and high concentration of phosporous These tributaries are short streams originating on the east slopes of the Cascades. Prior to flooding, the prairie was home for an abundance of cranes who fished the Deschutes for their Sam ple date 08/20/81 Tem p 71.6F (22.0C) Diss. Oxygen (m g/l) 7.5 food supply. The prairie and then the reservoir assumed the name of the bird. Today the Transparency 4.9 ft (1.5 m) Phosp (mg/l) 0.108 Cholorophyl a (mg/l) 5.7 landscape shows the results of flooding the meadow. Tall, bare stumps and limbs like grey Alkalinity 14 Conductivity (umhos/cm) 42 pH 9.8 ghosts rise from the lake (Hatton 1980). These snags provide nesting places for osprey, large Major Na K Ca Mg Cl SO4 birds that feed on fish in the shallow waters of the reservoir. Crane Prairie is the home of the Ions 3.9 1.2 2.2 1.8 1.2 0.5 largest nesting colony in the Pacific Northwest. It is also home to blue herons, cormorants, Notes - kingfishers, and many other species of birds. The Crane Prairie Osprey Management Area, covering 10,600 acres, was established in 1970 to preserve this special habitat. Crane Prairie Reservoir is a very popular site for camping and fishing. Several good Forest Service campgrounds are located around the shoreline, accessible from a number of access roads, and there are several places from which to launch boats. Crane Prairie Resort on the east side rents boats and supplies. Fishing has generally been excellent for large trout, particularly rainbow trout and brook trout. Kokanee, stocked by the state in recent years, also provide good angling. Best fishing is in the three major river arms of the reservoir, where the large trout tend to remain in the summer. Fly fishing is particularly good in the shallow impoundment early in the season. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been a decline in the numbers of trout due to a combination of factors, including low water levels and an abundance of fish-eating cormorants. The extent to which these birds deplete the fishery is not precisely known. As noted, Crane Prairie Reservoir is extremely shallow. At full pool it has an average depth of only 11 feet, and a maximum depth of just over 20 feet. The reservoir is lowered in the late summer by the withdrawal of water for irrigation, thereby exposing extensive areas of mud bottom. The water in the reservoir has a moderate alkalinity and moderate mineral content, slightly higher than other lakes and reservoirs of the region. However, in the summer the pH of the water is exceptionally high, frequently in excess of 9 and at times approaching 10. The high pH is caused by the growth of phytoplankton which frequently reach bloom proportions. The concentration of phosphorus is well above average for Cascade mountain lakes, and encourages algal blooms. The shallow depth of the lake may account for continuing high levels in the summer. The growth of phytoplankton in turn decreases the transparency of the water. Due to the extensive fluctuations in water level, aquatic weeds are not as common as they are in most shallow lakes. Nevertheless, there are extensive beds of Elodea, Ceratophyllum, and Potamogeton in places (McHugh 1972). Crane Prairie Reservoir is eutrophic according to all-indicators, and the high primary productivity supports a productive food chain and contributes to the abundance of fish and waterfowl. 58 Atlas of Oregon Lakes Photo Captions 1. Crane Prairie Reservoir 2. Cultus Lake 3. Dam 4. Cascade Lakes Highway Source: US Forest Service, 1974. Vertical photograph. Lake Reports 59 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Upper Deschutes River · ·Basin Prehistory
    Upper Deschutes River · ·Basin Prehistory: A Preliminary Examination of Flaked Stone Tools and Debitage Michael W. Taggart 2002 ·~. ... .. " .. • '·:: ••h> ·';'"' •..,. •.• '11\•.. ...... :f~::.. ·:·. .. ii AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Michael W. Taggart for the degree of Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Anthropology. Anthropology. and Geography presented on April 19. 2002. Title: Upper Deschutes River Basin Prehistory: A Preliminary Examination of Flaked Stone Tools and Debitage. The prehistory of Central Oregon is explored through the examination of six archaeological sites and two isolated finds from the Upper Deschutes River Basin. Inquiry focuses on the land use, mobility, technological organization, and raw material procurement of the aboriginal inhabitants of the area. Archaeological data presented here are augmented with ethnographic accounts to inform interpretations. Eight stone tool assemblages and three debitage assemblages are analyzed in order to characterize technological organization. Diagnostic projectile points recovered from the study sites indicate the area was seasonally utilized prior to the eruption of ancient Mt. Mazama (>6,845 BP), and continuing until the Historic period (c. 1850). While there is evidence of human occupation at the study sites dating to between >7,000- 150 B.P., the range of activities and intensity of occupation varied. Source characterization analysis indicates that eight different Central Oregon obsidian sources are represented at the sites. Results of the lithic analysis are presented in light of past environmental and social phenomena including volcanic eruptions, climate change, and human population movements. Chapter One introduces the key questions that directed the inquiry and defines the theoretical perspective used. Chapter Two describes the modem and ancient environmental context of study area.
    [Show full text]
  • Volcanic Vistas Discover National Forests in Central Oregon Summer 2009 Celebrating the Re-Opening of Lava Lands Visitor Center Inside
    Volcanic Vistas Discover National Forests in Central Oregon Summer 2009 Celebrating the re-opening of Lava Lands Visitor Center Inside.... Be Safe! 2 LAWRENCE A. CHITWOOD Go To Special Places 3 EXHIBIT HALL Lava Lands Visitor Center 4-5 DEDICATED MAY 30, 2009 Experience Today 6 For a Better Tomorrow 7 The Exhibit Hall at Lava Lands Visitor Center is dedicated in memory of Explore Newberry Volcano 8-9 Larry Chitwood with deep gratitude for his significant contributions enlightening many students of the landscape now and in the future. Forest Restoration 10 Discover the Natural World 11-13 Lawrence A. Chitwood Discovery in the Kids Corner 14 (August 4, 1942 - January 4, 2008) Take the Road Less Traveled 15 Larry was a geologist for the Deschutes National Forest from 1972 until his Get High on Nature 16 retirement in June 2007. Larry was deeply involved in the creation of Newberry National Volcanic Monument and with the exhibits dedicated in 2009 at Lava Lands What's Your Interest? Visitor Center. He was well known throughout the The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests are a recre- geologic and scientific communities for his enthusiastic support for those wishing ation haven. There are 2.5 million acres of forest including to learn more about Central Oregon. seven wilderness areas comprising 200,000 acres, six rivers, Larry was a gifted storyteller and an ever- 157 lakes and reservoirs, approximately 1,600 miles of trails, flowing source of knowledge. Lava Lands Visitor Center and the unique landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Explore snow- capped mountains or splash through whitewater rapids; there is something for everyone.
    [Show full text]
  • Summer Trail Access and Conditions Update
    Summer Trail Access and Conditions Update Updated June 30, 2017 July Fourth Report! Summer Trail Highlights Summer season high use at recreation sites and trails. Fire season in effect. Possessing or discharging of fireworks prohibited on National Forest Lands. Summer trails below 5,800’ elevation are mostly snow free and accessible. Trail clearing (mostly volunteers) in progress on lower/mid elevation trails. Snow lines are rising to 6,000-7-,200 ft. Please avoid using muddy trails. 60-70% of Wilderness trails are blocked by snow! Wilderness permits required. Biking prohibited in Wilderness! Trails near snow lines (approx.6,000-7,000’) are Be aware of weekday (M-F) trail, road likely muddy. Please avoid using muddy trails as and area closures for logging early season use causes erosion and tread damage. operations, south and west of Cascade Higher elevation trails under patchy, sectional to Lks Welcome Station. near solid snow. 70% of PCT under snow. May 15-Sept 15, dog leash requirement in effect on Deschutes River Trails. Northwest Forest Passes required at various trailheads and day use sites. Cascade Lakes Welcome Station and Lava Lands are open 7 days/wk. NW Forest Passes available. Hwy 46 open but June 19-October 31 bridge related construction at Fall Creek and Goose Creek (Sparks Lk area) will have delays. Cultus Lk and Soda Creek campgrounds are closed until further notice. Go prepared with your Ten Essential Trail clearing in progress on snow free trails with Systems. approx. 50-60% of trails are cleared of down trees. Have a safe summer trails season! GENERAL SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF JUNE 30, 2017: Most Deschutes National Forest non-Wilderness summer trails below 6,000’ elevation are snow free and accessible.
    [Show full text]
  • Todd Lake Boardwalk Article
    A Wild Life Protects Wildflowers BY AMY JENSEN | 03.2020 F or the Swift family, memories of their mom include a The predominant concern regarding the ecology and myriad of happy times spent outside. Flower walks, geology of Todd Lake lay along the shoreline. The shore birding, camping and appreciating historical sites; their includes narrow meadow land along both the south and mom Carol Swift could always find inspiration and a laugh west side of the lake, and there is a large meadow that lies outdoors. One of her favorite places to visit was Todd Lake at the north end of the lake. Prior to the commencement of – lying at the base of Broken Top Mountain and boasting the project in 2017, there were many competing human- stunning views of the Cascades. Todd Lake is the highest made trails scattered all along the shoreline. Although it’s elevation lake along the Cascade Lakes Hwy outside of enjoyable and beautiful to walk around freely in a wildflower Bend, sitting 6,150 feet above sea level. The area is home meadow, there are diverse and fragile ecosystems to more than 160 species of birds and plays host to a functioning right beneath your feet which are easily diverse and stunning array of wildflowers from June until destroyed by human contact. Could they build some sort of August. boardwalk? Protecting the native flora and fauna – keeping our wild places wild – now that was a project the Swift When ovarian cancer took Carol’s life in 2014, the family sisters knew would honor their mom.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of 1997–2008 Groundwater Level Changes in the Upper Deschutes Basin, Central Oregon
    Prepared in cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources Department Analysis of 1997–2008 Groundwater Level Changes in the Upper Deschutes Basin, Central Oregon Scientific Investigations Report 2013–5092 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover: Upper Left: Irrigation diversion dam on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, May 2002. Upper Right: Groundwater-fed wetland between Cultus Lake and Crane Prairie Reservoir, August 2012. Lower Left: Headwater spring feeding Fall River, Oregon, May 2002. Lower right: Strata of the Deschutes Formation and overlying lavas exposed along the Crooked River, May 2002. All photographs taken by Marshall Gannett, U.S. Geological Survey. Analysis of 1997–2008 Groundwater Level Changes in the Upper Deschutes Basin, Central Oregon By Marshall W. Gannett and Kenneth E. Lite, Jr. Prepared in cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources Department Scientific Investigations Report 2013–5092 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior SALLY JEWELL, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2013 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS. For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 5 Supplemental Planning Sections
    Chapter 5 Supplemental Sections Planning Section 5.1 Introduction Background This chapter provides material that supplements the other chapters of the Plan. There are no goals or policies in these sections. Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to provide a glossary, list all acknowledged Goal 5 resources in one location (see Section 2.4) and list all Goal Exceptions and Goal 5 inventories. The final section in this Chapter is a table to track all amendments to this Plan. This table will ensure a clear legislative history is maintained. The following information is covered in this chapter. Glossary and Acronyms (Section 5.2) . Goal 5 Water Resources (Section 5.3) . Goal 5 Wildlife Resources (Section 5.4) . Goal 5 Open Space and Scenic Views and Sites Resources (Section 5.5) . Goal 5 Energy Resources (Section 5.6) . Goal 5 Wilderness, Natural Areas and Recreation Trails (Section 5.7) . Goal 5 Surface Mining Resources (Section 5.8) . Goal 5 Cultural and Historic Resources (Section 5.9) . Goal Exception Statements (Section 5.10) . Goal 5 Adopted Ordinances (Section 5.11) . Ordinance History (Section 5.12) 2 DESCHUTES COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - 2011 CHAPTER 5 SUPPLEMENTAL SECTIONS SECTION 5.1 INTRODUCTION Section 5.2 Glossary and Acronyms Glossary Note: Terms defined in Deschutes County Code 18.04 (Zoning Code) are not repeated here, but have the same meaning as DCC 18.04. “Agricultural-tourism” or “Agri-tourism” means a commercial enterprise at a working farm or ranch, operated in conjunction with the primary farm or ranch use, conducted for the enjoyment and/or education of visitors, that promotes successful agriculture, generates supplemental income for the owner and complies with Oregon Statute and Rule.
    [Show full text]
  • Celebrating Twenty Years of Conservation Work in the Deschutes Basin
    SUMMER 2016 VOL. 10 NO. 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TOD HEISLER Artist: Susan Luckey Higdon PHOTO: DRC STAFF Celebrating Twenty Years of Conservation Work in the Deschutes Basin Twenty years ago, a small group of District, flows have increased signifi- irrigation purposes, and upstream people came together with a vision cantly below the district’s pumps. from irrigation diversions, so the of leaving our rivers and streams tools we have used in the past will better than they found them. Bend While these reaches have vastly not be enough to solve this complex was on the precipice of a population improved, we still have work to do. and far-reaching problem. boom, and the Deschutes River and Work like this is only possible The solution to restoring the Upper its tributaries had already been over- through building trust and strong allocated for nearly 100 years. Deschutes River lies in the way we relationships. Working with our use and manage water in Central Since 1996, the Deschutes River partners, the DRC has used flow Oregon. Our century old system will Conservancy has brought stakehold- restoration tools such as piping and not meet the changing demands for ers together across the basin to lining canals, water rights leasing, water in our basin. Cities with grow- restore 200 cubic feet per second and instream transfers to make real ing populations are challenged to (cfs) to our rivers. progress in these reaches. meet future water needs. Increased pressure from drought and litigation What does that look like? 20 years After 20 years, an area that has seen practically no restoration is the have created insecurity for commer- ago, Whychus Creek ran dry two out cial farmers who depend on unreli- of every three summers.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of 1997–2008 Groundwater Level Changes in the Upper Deschutes Basin, Central Oregon
    Prepared in cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources Department Analysis of 1997–2008 Groundwater Level Changes in the Upper Deschutes Basin, Central Oregon Scientific Investigations Report 2013–5092 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover: Upper Left: Irrigation diversion dam on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, May 2002. Upper Right: Groundwater-fed wetland between Cultus Lake and Crane Prairie Reservoir, August 2012. Lower Left: Headwater spring feeding Fall River, Oregon, May 2002. Lower right: Strata of the Deschutes Formation and overlying lavas exposed along the Crooked River, May 2002. All photographs taken by Marshall Gannett, U.S. Geological Survey. Analysis of 1997–2008 Groundwater Level Changes in the Upper Deschutes Basin, Central Oregon By Marshall W. Gannett and Kenneth E. Lite, Jr. Prepared in cooperation with the Oregon Water Resources Department Scientific Investigations Report 2013–5092 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior SALLY JEWELL, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Suzette M. Kimball, Acting Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2013 For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS. For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Part II – Reservoir Operations Assessment for Reclamation Tributary Basins
    Climate and Hydrology Datasets for Use in the RMJOC Agencies’ Longer-Term Planning Studies: Part II – Reservoir Operations Assessment for Reclamation Tributary Basins U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Boise, Idaho January 2011 U.S. Department of the Interior Mission Statement The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our Nation's natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to Tribes and our commitments to island communities. Mission of the Bureau of Reclamation The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. Photographs on front cover from left to right: Arrowrock Reservoir, Boise River, Idaho; Payette River, Idaho; Yakima Valley, Washington. Climate and Hydrology Datasets for Use in the RMJOC Agencies’ Longer-Term Planning Studies: Part II – Reservoir Operations Assessment for Reclamation Tributary Basins Regional Resource & Technical Services River & Reservoir Operations Report prepared by Toni Turner Pacific Northwest Regional Office, Boise, Idaho And Levi Brekke Technical Service Center, Denver, Colorado U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Pacific Northwest Region Boise, Idaho January 2011 Acknowledgements: RMJOC Sponsors: • Patrick McGrane, Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region • Rick Pendergrass, Bonneville Power Administration • Jim Barton, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division RMJOC Agencies’ Comments and Contributions from: • Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region: Patrick McGrane, Chris Lynch, Jennifer Johnson, Sharon Parkinson, Bob Lounsbury, Ted Day, Carol Kjar, and Lori Postlethwait • Bonneville Power Administration: Rick Pendergrass, Brian Kuepper, Nancy Stephan • U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Surface Water Supply of the United States 1953
    Surface Water Supply of the United States 1953 Part 14. Pacific Slope Basins in Oregon and Lower Columbia River Basin GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1288 Prepared in cooperation with the States of Oregon and Washington and with other agencies UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Douglas McKay, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY W. E. Wrather, Director For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D. C. - Price $1 (paper cover) PREFACE This report was prepared by the Geological Survey in cooperation with the States of Oregon and Washington and with other agencies, by personnel of the Water Resources Division, C. G. Paulsen, chief, under the general direction of J. V. B. Wells, chief, Surface Water Branch, and B. J. Peterson, chief, Annual Reports Section. The data were prepared under supervision of district engineers. Surface Water Branch, as follows: N. M. PMllips___________________________Portland, Oreg. F. M. Veatch___________________________Tacoma, Wash. CALENDAR FOR WATER YEAR 1953 OCTOBER 1952 NOVEMBER 1952 DECEMBER 1952 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1234 1 123456 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2345678 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 25 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 50 31 30 JANUARY 1955 FEBRUARY 1955 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 123 1234567 1254567 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 15 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17
    [Show full text]
  • Outdoor Recreation for Release at Will Contacts
    OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR RELEASE AT WILL CONTACTS: Justin Yax, DVA Advertising & PR, 541-389-2411, [email protected] ​ Zack Hall, DVA Advertising & PR, 541-389-2411, [email protected] ​ Katie Johnson, Visit Central Oregon, 541-389-8799, [email protected] ​ A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING ADDS UP TO SOMETHING BIG IN OREGON’S UNOFFICIAL OUTDOOR RECREATION CAPITAL (BEND, Ore.) — Blessed with incomparable natural geography, Central Oregon has undeniably become a mecca for outdoor adventurists regardless of their activity of choice. For good reason, too. Bordered by the Cascade Range to the west and the High Desert to the east, with Wild & Scenic rivers, pristine mountain lakes, and perfectly preserved lava caves, Central Oregon’s unique landscape has created a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Though Central Oregon’s outdoor recreation options are virtually endless, the Deschutes ​ National Forest is without a doubt Central Oregon’s most visited outdoor playground. In fact, ​ the Deschutes National Forest is one of the most popular recreation forests in the entire Pacific Northwest, drawing some 8 million visitors who flock to its trails, lakes, rivers, and peaks each year. At more than 1.8 million acres and nestled along the Cascade Range, the Deschutes National Forest offers four seasons of opportunities. Whether your interests lie in the solitude of fly fishing, the adrenaline of river rafting, mountain biking, skiing, or snowmobiling, the challenge of summiting mountain peaks, or the peaceful pleasure of camping under the stars, the Deschutes National Forest has something to offer everyone. Of course, there is so much more to explore, both within the confines of the Deschutes National Forest, and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • Dutchman Flat Area Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing
    DUTCHMAN FLAT AREA NORDIC SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING Common Corridor and snowshoers. Nonmotorized users should in good weather. The route crosses snowmobile yield the right-of-way to the motorized trails two times. traveler. The first ½ mile follows flat terrain to 0.5 miles Todd Lake junction. The next 1 ¼ miles are Flagline Access This route links the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center uphill to Big Meadow. At Big Meadow, the with Cascade Lakes Hwy. The trail is trail goes northwest until it intersects the Big designated as a common corridor to allow skiers Meadow Trail. From Big Meadow the views of 1.0 mile to travel from the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area to the Mt. Bachelor are spectacular. Because of trail This trail branches off Dutchman Loop at the Forest Service Nordic trail system at no charge. congestion, and some steep fast pitches, all northeastern corner of Dutchman Flat and users should exercise caution when coming travels north through dense hemlock until it hits Todd Lake Trail down this route. Flagline Trail. The route is all uphill and provides very few scenic views, but it provides a loop opportunity as well as alternative access 3.3 miles Todd Ridge Trail to the Three Sisters Wilderness. The trail begins at Dutchman Loop and goes west. This more difficult trail has some exciting 1.0 mile Todd Lake Snowshoe Trail challenges, and is a good alternative to the This trail offers some steep challenges, rising heavily used Cascade Lakes Hwy and Road 370 350 feet before it joins the Big Meadow Trail. 2.8 miles Trails.
    [Show full text]