Multi Sport Days in Bend, Oregon
As the days of Winter fade into a slow arrival of Spring in Bend, Oregon, we sit back and think about our options for the day. With so many choices in adventure being served up in Central Oregon, sometimes it is hard to decide. With the more savvy vacationer to this area, they know what our area has to offer, and truly it seems endless!
With the temperatures looming between 21 degrees here in town early in the morning and warming up to a balmy 53 by the end of the day, it seems to bring those options into perspective. The obvious choice for most of us is Winter sports! Bend's Winter sports range from snowboarding and alpine skiing at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort or cross-country and skate skiing out at Mt. Bachelor's Nordic Center. Taking the lead of the locals, we tend to try to find the path least followed which can take the Winter adventurer to many different directions. With the endless BLM areas we have surrounding Central Oregon the options dot Century Boulevard, the road that leads to Mt. Bachelor. Snow shoeing or telemark skiing up Tumalo Mountain which is directly across Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort or taking our dogs out to pet friendly off leash areas such as Wanoga, Edison Sno Park or Skyliner for a romp in the snow while we run and glide through our Wintery wonderlands is sure to get your blood warmed up.
After lunch with tea or coffee, the afternoon activities can range from mountain biking, road biking, climbing or bouldering in close by locals' crags are a few of our favorites.
Checking out the mountain biking trails as of late, choosing Maston, a beginner's trail, Horse Ridge, an intermediate to advanced trail or a locals' favorite within easy range to get to with varying degrees of trails, the Phil's trail system is a great choice. Having been out to the mountain biking trails of Phil's yesterday, the majority of the lower elevation rides are dry and almost snow and mud free.
As always, with the opportunities that come with Bend, Oregon's bi-polar weather, be sure to dress appropriately with layers that wick away moisture and shield you from the cooler temps and light wind you may encounter with our fabulous, usually cloud free, sunny days of the season. Light snacks and hydration are a key element to enjoying our marathon endorphine filled days of Central Oregon.
See you outside!
Victoria J. Smith lives, works and most definitely plays in Bend, Oregon
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
Pet Friendly Bend, Oregon! The Dogs Are Happy Here!
Pet Friendly Bend, Oregon! The Dogs are Happy Here!
It is a well-known fact that Bend, Oregon is a mecca for many things. If you were to ask for a complete description of what Bend IS known for, it would be infinite. The list would number into the hundreds, if not thousands of things to do, and places to go and you would definitely be able to add PET FRIENDLY to the description!
Bend’s “DogPAC ”, a grassroots organization maintains and expands off-leash recreation in the Bend, Oregon area. Check in with their page for the latest dog activities and suggestions for Bend’s off-leash park areas. If you would like to make a donation to help keep our forests accessible for your pet, click here.
While visiting Bend, Oregon with your four-legged loved one, whether in the Winter or the Summer, taking your beloved to Wanoga, Skyliner or Edison Sno-Park is a must adventure for those who have friendly, socialized dogs that love to romp and play in the open with their humans! For more information and here is how to get there.
This is along the Deschutes River, up off of Century Drive. With no narration necessary, listen and you will hear the reasons why Bend can yet boast another reason why it’s a great place to live and play and your pet will agree!
Here is a list of Alpenglow Vacation Rentals’ Pet Friendly Vacation Homes:
Walk Everywhere, West Side Drake Cottage, Sleeps Four:
http://www.alpenglowvacationrentals.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=33609
Widgi Creek Resort, on the 17th Fairway, Sleeps Six:
http://www.alpenglowvacationrentals.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=33606
Walk Everywhere, Middle of West Side, Drake Cottage, Sleeps Eight:
http://www.alpenglowvacationrentals.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=38748
River Wild, Roller Coaster Court, Sleeps Eight:
http://www.alpenglowvacationrentals.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=33598
Come to Bend and stay in Alpenglow Vacation Rentals Pet Friendly homes! http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
Victoria J. Smith
Bend, Oregon
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
541-385-7100 For Information & Reservations for your Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals
Smith Rock Climbing, First Street Rapids Trail or Mt. Bachelor
When living in Bend, Oregon it is such a difficult task to make a choice sometimes about what an individual could do in one day. There are so many fun things to do and so many choices in the seemingly endless outdoor play land that we call home.
Climbing at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, Oregon
My first choice of the day is to climb at Smith Rock State Park with the weather cam announcing that is currently 42 degrees and a sunny, completely blue bird day making for perfect climbing weather in Terrebonne, Oregon. Smith Rock State Park is a beautiful canyon system with a variety of bouldering, sport climbing, traditional climbing and hiking routes. Terrebonne, Oregon is just a quick 20 minutes from Bend, Oregon so getting there is pretty easy if you follow Highway 97 North passed Redmond, Oregon, the canyon is off to the right, you simply can't miss it unless you close your eyes!
Mountain Biking at First Street Rapids Trail in Bend, Oregon
Taking a nice ride that is quite simple and easy to get to and right in the middle of the West side of Bend, Oregon is the First Street Rapids Trail which is an easy ride along the Deschutes River is also a great choice for a couple of hours. Getting to the location is about 5-10 minutes from generally any location on the West side. Street parking is readily available and the ride is a tranquil area for taking in the sights along the river. The weather for this area calls for a 50 degree day with blue skies.
Snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
Of course, it being January, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is in full operation with blue bird skies and Spring like conditions for the day. Besides epic skiing and snowboarding runs all over Mt. Bachelor, the Gatorade Free Flow competition is under way this weekend and located right off of Pine Martin the main lift and accessible to the main parking lot at the mountain. The weather forecast calls for blue bird skies and 33 degrees at the mountain, making it perfect conditions to ski, snowboard or spectate at the contest.
What is my choice for the day? CLIMBING! Tomorrow presents for another great day, so taking my new mountain bike for a spin on its virgin ride is on the schedule for adventure. It sure is a tough life living and playing in Bend, Oregon. If you are thinking of visiting, Alpenglow Vacation Rentals offers several options for lodging on the West side of Bend, Oregon with a variety of prices and accommodations.
Visit Bend, you won't be disappointed!
Victoria J. Smith lives, works and plays in Bend, Oregon
Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals, LLC
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
541-385-7100
Dog Sledding in Bend, Oregon
Dog Sledding in Bend, Oregon
Waking up to blue skies and Spring like conditions shortly after several days of powder dumping all over Mt. Bachelor was quite a surprise. Today, like so many other days were such a gift, much like peaking at your presents under the Christmas tree before “THE DAY”!
I ritualistically drove up to the mountain with my snowboard in tow, coffee in hand, enjoying the quiet drive and fantasizing about the carving to be done on the mountain. Watching the snow covered Ponderosa Pines pass as I approach Mt. Bachelor, waiting with anticipation to round that last corner before I get a first glance of what the day could promise. This day I was looking forward to not only snowboarding but also checking out the dog sled rides offered with the Oregon Trail of Dreams operating at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. The Sunrise Lodge parking lot is the best approach if you plan to ride the mountain and take part in the dog sled rides.
The first few runs of the day were beautiful and as I was riding up the lift, I could hear over the rolling mountain of snow and trees, dogs yelping excitedly and suddenly all at once as if in a chorus. As I peered over my left shoulder, I could see in the distance several dogs standing in lines like little lively figurines jumping and barking with anticipation. A team of dogs were taking off to venture down the trail through the forest with their sled and passengers. I decided to take a break from snowboarding and go see what all the excitement was about.
The Oregon Trail of Dreams is situated to the left of Sunrise Lodge as you approach Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. I booked a ride and within a short amount of time, Jerry Scdoris, the owner of Oregon Trail of Dreams gave me my first dog sled ride. He chose the best of his dog team for my ride and we were off on the trail that leads to Sunriver Road. Tall snow-capped Ponderosa Pines lined the trail with the blue sky framing the whole scene with 26 degrees and sunny, it was the best ride I could even imagine. It was so much fun riding along swiftly as the dogs worked together like a well trained synchronized team. Some of these dogs are on Rachel Scdoris professional team that she will be using in her next racing adventure. I felt so honored to be able to experience this ride, with the weather and snow conditions the best anyone could request!
Thinking of coming to Bend, Oregon and staying in a vacation rental? While you are here, I highly recommend this dog sled tour with the Oregon Trail of Dreams while vacationing in Bend, Oregon. Bring a snack and thermos filled with your favorite hot liquid, its perfect for family, friends and of course, a romantic dog sled ride! To reserve your dog sled ride at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort with Oregon Trail of Dreams, call 1-800-829-2442
Victoria J. Smith lives, loves and plays in Bend, Oregon!
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
Bend, Oregon
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
Victoria of Alpenglow Vacation Rentals in Bend, Oregon experiences a dog sled ride with Oregon Trail of Dreams, located at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
Snow Shoeing, Snowboarding and Telemark Skiing at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
Early Wednesday morning at the end of October was a perfect day, filled with sunshine, blue skies and fresh powder snow. As my friend placed his skins on his telemark skis and I strapped on my snow shoes and with my snowboard on my back, we skinned and snowshoed up the side of the resort to the top of a run called Ed's Garden. With the mountain in pre-season opening mode, we were delighted to find such a glorious day for free, and with some effort, we were able to get in fresh tracks on two "rides" down pure fresh, dry powder snow.
Open vistas along the way to and at the top of Ed's Garden offered glorious, spectacular panoramic views of a portion of the Cascade Mountain Range : Broken Top, North Sister, Middle Sister and South Sister. We were in awe of the beautiful sight and the tranquility that the open blue skies and snow capped mountains offered to us as we ventured forward to find "freshies" for the day! We were not disappointed with our adventure for the day: untouched snow was waiting for us! As I changed out my snow shoes for my snowboard and my friend eagerly removed his skins from his skis, we went hooting and hollering all the way down Ed's Garden as we sprayed snow from beneath our rides of "choice"!
The reward proved to be well worth our hard earned trek, and now we were faced with the uphill climb up Ed's Garden and then to the right of "The Cone" located off of "Lee's Way". Reaching the top of this independent small butte-like mound, accessible only by hiking up with your gear in tow, whether the resort is open or not, it granted us our second wish for a nice ride. From the top of this cone, the views to the East are as equally spectacular. As we repeated our ceremony of swapping out gear to take our second ride, we were again given the great satisfaction that only comes from hard work as we rode down the hill, I took the path to the right leading me down The Cone to Lee's Way and almost to the edge of resort's parking lot. My friend chose telemark ski to the left as gracefully took off for his descent.
We are hoping Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort will open by early or Mid-November, but until then we will poach our rides and our powder accordingly! Don't forget to purchase your tickets for your powder day on the "hill" soon and book your Winter vacation rentals in Bend, Oregon with Alpenglow Vacation Rentals at http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com and GET SOME!
Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
Bend, Oregon
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
541-385-7100
Rock Climbing, Hiking, Kayaking or Mountain Biking at Smith Rock State Park
Classic routes ranging from the easiest to extremely difficult, Smith Rock features sport climbing, traditional climbing, top roping and bouldering. Not in the mood for climbing, but would love to take in the sights and beauty of a natural canyon with a river running through it? Take a small day pack with plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, good hiking shoes and your camera and you are ready for your adventure! For the most simple and easiest way to see Smith Rock, go over the bridge, take a left and the trail leads all around the base of the crag following the river all the way around to the West side to see the famous Monkey Face featured in almost every publication you see about this area.
Are you desiring more of a challenge for your hiking pleasure? After you cross the bridge, follow the signs to "Misery Ridge" for the most spectacular views of the area (short of climbing the walls there!). After you ascend, the top of this trail offers panoramic views of the entire West side of the park which includes the river below as well as the Cascade Mountain Range.
Another recommended hike is along Burma Road, which is easily found by turning right after crossing the bridge.
We suggest purchasing the Smith Rock Guide, 2nd Edition, by Alan Watts if you are considering a day or a week of climbing at Smith! You will love variation of rock which includes basalt and welded tuft.
Also, please respect the trail system that is taken care of by volunteers in the area, LEAVE NO TRACE (pack out what you brought in) and STAY ON THE TRAIL for your safety and the longevity of our wonderful climbing crag!
If you are thinking of coming to Bend, OR for a vacation rental please check out our website at http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals, LLC
541-385-7100
YU! Bend Yogis Unite Outdoors in Bend Oregon
YU! Bend , Yogis Unite September 12, 2010
A beautiful blue sky with warm sunshine was what we all hoped for in Bend Oregon on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The backdrop of Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort in the distance and along the grassy river banks of the Deschutes River was a perfect place for the inaugural event of YU! Bend, Yogis Unite.
Some 300 and more yoga enthusiasts referred to affectionately as “yogis” came to practice yoga together, united, moving as one under the sun in Bend Oregon. The day proved to be a successful one as the vision of good friend P.J. Miller came to pass perhaps exactly as she envisioned it the year before. Her vision was “to hear three rounds of “Ohm!” echoing along the Deschutes River in Bend Oregon ”.
Eight teachers from a variety of yoga studios with disciplines ranging from Vinyasa, Zin and Bikram yoga from across Bend Oregon made perfect segues to one another as the practice of yoga ensued with the rhythmic and beautiful sounds of Vasudeva. The magical and hypnotic melodies of this new local band was at times the help of focus of mediation and movement of the day and an integral part of making YU!Bend a complete success. Numerous volunteers worked tirelessly together to bring to Bend Oregon this gift to the strong yoga community that exists in this area. Many sponsors in the form of vendors offering their products and knowledge were a great addition to this new annual event. The event was a fundraiser benefitting The Bethlehem Inn & C.A.N. Cancer with a suggested donation of $10.
This will be a great addition to Bend Oregon’s diverse annual events not to be missed for years to come! Alpenglow Vacation Rentals looks forward to participating and being a part of this event next year. Alpenglow Vacation Rentals specializes in customer service affordable luxury vacation rentals, homes and properties in Bend Oregon.
Victoria J. Smith
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
541-385-7100
Kayak & Fly Fishing Adventures at Cultus Lake
Nothing beats a lazy drive up the Cascade Scenic Highway in Central Oregon on a sunny Summer day on Labor Day weekend. Bend Oregon is well known for many outdoor adventures, and the water sport haven Bend has is no secret! On any given day during the Summer or early Fall while driving the Cascade Scenic Highway you will see eager families and friends driving up the hill to find the lake du jour with their variety of kayaks and/or mountain bikes strapped to the top of their vehicles in one form or another.
While approaching the drive up the Cascade Scenic Highway in Central Oregon, the famous drive that leads to all of the Cascade Lakes, prepare yourself for the eye candy of tall Ponderosa Pines that reach tall into the clear, blue sky and line the highway like long vast corridors. The Cascade Scenic Highway is the home to 40+ lakes of varying degree of natural landscape diversity and wildlife. At the beginning of the Cascade Scenic Highway , selecting the lake du jour from the large sign which boasts just a handful of the more known, popular lakes may cause a heated discussion before arriving to your destination of the day of kayaking and hiking outdoor adventure. Each lake has its own spectacular features as unique as the lake the preceeds it along this beautiful highway.
This Labor Day weekend, Alpenglow Vacation Rentals of Bend Oregon went to visit Cultus Lake, which is a well known lake for its crisp cool water for fly fishing and its easy approach for your kayak,motor boat and/or mountain biking and hiking trails. A mini resort of sorts it has a small restaurant with patio seating and a small store in which to pick up that item you forgot to pack. A small selection of water toys are available for rent at reasonable prices such as a kayak or a skidoo.
History of Cultus Lake
Cultus Lake was formed by a glacier, and the name is from the Chinook tribe, and means variously bad or worthless, or simply "in vain". In the early 1800s, the lakes in this area abounded with beavers. The earliest explorers to this area were primarily on a quest for furs.
Cultus Lake lies at the base of the Cultus Mountain. The lake itself is natural and is 211 feet (64 m) at its deepest point and about two miles long. Cultus Lake is a popular lake in a beautiful setting and is well known for producing trophy size lake trout (mackinaw). Many lake trout in the 10 lb. range are taken each season. A 17.5 lb. lake trout was weighed in at this beautiful lake in 1996. In addition stocked rainbow including larger holdovers and an occasional brook trout are caught near the mouth of Winopee Creek.
The lake also has a creek running into it inhabited by young fish and minnows, a popular fly fishing spot. The lake has a twin lake called Little Cultus Lake and the lakes are divided by Cultus Mountain. The area around Cultus Lake is known for its old growth large Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir and western White Pine, sometimes rising to 120 feet (37 m) tall.
All of the vacation rentals or properties listed with Alpenglow Vacation Rentals of Bend Oregon are located on the West side of Bend and are easily accessible to the Cascade Scenic Highway and are situated off of the scenic highway either in River Wild of Mt. Bachelor Village Resort or Widgi Creek Resort. All of the homes are supplied with the COTA trail maps and mountain biking and hiking trail books to ensure your experience in Central Oregon is filled with local knowledge to navigate your way around what Bend Oregon has to offer!
Victoria J. Smith
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
(541) 385-7100
Lake Kiosks Made For Paddlers
Lake kiosks made for paddlers
Informational signs posted at several Cascade Lakes
By Mark Morical/ The Bulletin
On any given hot summer day, the Deschutes River in Bend is clogged with inflatable watercraft and the sun-soaking revelers who ridethem.
An unofficial count of just how many watercraft float the stretch of the Deschutes from the Old Mill District to Drake Park —mostly inner tubes and air mattresses — tallied 600 in a single hour one day last month, according to Karl Koenig, president of the Bend PaddleTrail Alliance (BPTA).
The high Cascade lakes southwest of Bend are also filled with kayakers and canoeists. And around Central Oregon, more and more vehicles every summer seem to have some sort of boats trapped to their tops. Koenig and other locals saw a need to guide these outdoor enthusiasts along their way when they formed the BPTA five years ago.
This month, a major piece of the Deschutes PaddleTrail will be completed with the installation of 30 informational kiosks at nine Cascade lakes in Central Oregon.
The signage offers information about access points, hazards, private property issues, amenities, riparian restoration and wildlife. The focal points of the BPTA — stewardship, safety and education — is reflected on the signs, which include a code of outdoor ethics and an equipment checklist.
“When we got into it, it was looking at what the coming trends were in terms of water resources,” Koenig said this week. “We decided to combine it all into the Deschutes Paddle Trail, to provide something for everybody.”
Kayakers, canoe ists, anglers, or even just float-tubers on the lakes can use these signs to plan their outings. Similar kiosks along the Deschutes River are scheduled to be completedby spring of next year.
On Wednesday morning, dozens of kayakers were lined up to launch at Hosmer Lake, one of Central Oregon's mostpopular paddle destinations because of its narrow channels and water soclear it allows easy viewing of the salmon and trout within.
Behind the kayakers a few feet off shore, a crew was putting the finishing touches on the Deschutes Paddle Trail kiosk for Hosmer Lake. Then the workers were off to Elk Lake, where they would install four such kiosk sat various access points.
“It's a big project,” said Koenig, as he watched the installation of the kiosk at Hosmer. “It's a lot of work. It's taken a little longer than we thought, but it's coming tofruition.”
The Deschutes Paddle Trail includes the navigable sections of the Deschutes River and the Little Deschutes River in Deschutes County, along with nine of the largest Cascade lakes in the county, according to www.bendpaddletrailalliance.org.
Those lakes include Sparks, Elk, Hosmer, Cultus, Lava, Little Lava, Paulina and East, as well as Crane Prairie and Wickiup reservoirs.
The river portion of the Deschutes Paddle Trail includes 95 miles of the Deschutes River, from Wickiup Reservoir in the south to Lower Bridge in the north. It also includes 26 miles of the Little Deschutes River, from LaPine to the river's junction with the Deschutes River near Sunriver.
The river kiosks will include information similar to the lake kiosks, but they will also focus on the difficulty levels of rapids, times when certain stretches can safely be paddled based on water flow, and portage locations.
Waters along the Deschutes Paddle Trail include everything from calm, easy sections (Class I) to surging whitewater and waterfalls best suited for experts only (Class V).
The lake kiosks have been a two-year project for the BPTA, requiring $36,000 worth of grants and donations to plan and construct.
“It's a very important step for the BPTA to highlight the Deschutes River and the Cascade lakes ,” said BPTA board member Mark Schang of the kiosks. “Paddling in Central Oregon has become one of the more popular recreational opportunities. (The kiosks will) make it easier for locals and touristsalike. It'll be a resource and identify proper put-ins.”
The lake kiosk project is the second of four phases for the Deschutes PaddleTrail, Koenig explained. The first was the design of brochure-sized maps and guides of the Deschutes River and Cascade lakes, which were finished in 2008 and are available at Central Oregon outdoor shops.
The third phase is installation of the river kiosks, and the fourth phase is the big one: the proposed conversion of the spillway under the Colorado Avenue Bridge in Bend .
“The ultimate success will be the conversion of the Colorado dam,” Koenig said. “That's the most major piece, also the most difficult, also the most expensive. That's one of the most dangerous spots.”
Boaters paddling along the Deschutes from the Old Mill to Drake Park must portage around the bridge to McKay Park.
The BPTA's idea is to reconstruct the spillway so paddlers need not portage, and also to build a whitewater play park — which would include man-made waves on which kayakers could ride and perform tricks — in the same area of the river.
“If we continue at the pace we're at,” Koenig said, “we'll be the first (whitewater play park) in Oregon .”
Looking for a great vacation rental while visiting and playing in the water in Bend Oregon ? Contact Alpenglow Vacation Rentals at http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com or call 541-385-7100.
Delicious Dining in Downtown Bend Oregon
Dining has never been more tantalizing and delicious in Bend Oregon more than it is this Summer. We have had several restaurants make their debut as of late and Bourbon Street in downtown Bend Oregon is no exception. With its specialty as a New Orlean's Cajun and seafood style menu, it is sure to please an epicurean's taste and sense for something different in the dining scene in Bend Oregon.
The customer service was excellent and attentive, if not humorous at times. We ordered a dozen oysters, but alas, we were not to try them this night, because the chef did not feel they were acceptable for presentation. We opted for the crab cakes instead and they did not disappoint. Well presented and delicious to boot, the cakes were made mostly of tender crab and melted in your mouth.
Our entrees consisted of their traditional spicy Jambalaya and the savory Red Fish, both living up to its Cajun roots. I highly recommend this new restaurant with an excellent venue located downtown Bend Oregon in the Old Fire Hall Buidling on the corner of Lava Street and Minnesota Avenue.
When visiting Bend Oregon for your vacation rental get away, think of Alpenglow Vacation Rentals for excellent customer serivce and recommendations on the latest additions that Bend has to offer by calling 541-385-7100 or visit our website at http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
Victoria J. Smith
Bend Oregon
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals, LLC
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
541-385-7100
