Between a work from home set up, recently relocated family and the need for some change in the day to day monotony of this past year, I found myself driving the 3.5 hours to Bend, OR more often than not. These trips to Central Oregon, while familiar from childhood road trips, gave me a renewed sense of discovery and appreciation for exploring this landscape as an adult. Each outing to a new trail, lake or river has become a chance to hit pause, take a deep breath and recharge my mind; a true reminder of the power of spending time outside.
- Melanie
Brand Team
Deschutes National Forest
Swampy Lakes
Just 30 minutes or so up the Cascade Lakes Highway toward Mt. Bachelor, you’ll find Swampy Lakes, one of many winter sno-parks for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. We hit the snowshoe route and took the ~4 mile long loop through the forest into calm vistas covered in snow.
You can opt for a shorter route or even stop for a break at the warming hut in the center. Pro tip: go before noon if you want to avoid too many people on the trails.