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 Bendare 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
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort Summer Lift Rides
Riding the Lifts at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, Summer Style!
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort isn't just a Winter destination for fabulous skiing , it's a great place to escape the heat of the Summer while vacationing in Bend Oregon. Situated just minutes from vacation rentals or properties at Widgi Creek Resort and luxury vacation homes or houses in River Wild of Mt. Bachelor Village Resort , Mt. Bachelor is very accessible, even in the Summer.
The Pine Marten lift offers a ride to the middle of Mt. Bachelor where you can eat at Scappolo's during the day and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers a reduced lift ticket price and happy hour pricing for appetizers and drinks which segue's into a perfect dining experience viewing the Summer sunset.
Experience all that Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort has to offer during the Summer, besides dining and lift rides, there is a great Disc Golf course situated to the South West of the Pine Marten lift.
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals offers great customer service specializing in affordable luxury lodging in vacation properties located on Bend Oregon's West side. For a Winter or Summer vacation rentals for your family and friends, we have some vacation homes that are pet friendly as well, call Alpenglow Vacation Rentals at 541-385-7100.
Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
541-385-7100
White Water River Rafting in Bend Oregon
Visiting Bend Oregon during the Summer and cooling off while riding the white water on our famous Big Eddy sounds great, doesn't it? Imagine traveling through the Deschutes National Forest during the Summer on a raft with the Inn of the Seventh Mountain white water rapids rafting adventure . You will enjoy your family time while staying in one of our affordable luxury vacation rentals with Alpenglow Vacation Rentals. We have several vacation homes and luxury lodging in a prime location for your dream vacation rental property or house with easy access to many outdoor summer adventures. Some of our vacation rentals in Bend Oregon are pet friendly .
We recommend white water rafting as one way your family will spend time together and on the water with up to Class III Rapids on the Big Eddy in the Deschutes River . Pack light and wear water shoes or sandals that will stay on your feet, grab your sunscreen and hold on while you are expertly guided with a trained guide on the Deschutes River and laughing all the way, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather with your family .
Need more recommendations while staying in one of our affordable luxury vacation rentals in Bend Oregon ? Please contact Alpenglow Vacation Rentals !
Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
541-385-7100
Lava River Cave, Newberry National Volcanic Monument
The Lava River Cave is an excellent adventure while visiting Bend Oregon during the Summer. It is a cave that is just South on Highway 97, just passed the High Desert Museum on the West side of the highway. Admission is free, parking is $5 so load up the car and take your whole family. In addition to dressing for cold weather regardless of the temperature above ground bring a head lamp, lantern and/or flashlight for each member in your party. The cave is 42 degrees so bring a long sleeve shirt and jacket and for our warmer weather family members from the South perhaps mittens might be appreciated.
The Lava River Cave South of Bend is not a state park,but part of the Deschutes National Forest - Newberry National VolcanicMonument. The self guided tours take about an hour and if you go all the way to the end of this approximate 3 mile easy walk you could find yourself sliding on your belly to see the very end of this fascinating tube in Central Oregon. Entering the cave down a stable and well maintained stair with rail, prepare to turn on your headlamps immediately. The cavernous walk takes you under Highway 97 and in most places, the ceiling of this cave or "tube" is about 50 feet high. Even though I had seen it before, I will always be fascinated by this adventure that lays quietly beneath the surface in Bend Oregon.
I highly recommend if you are a family or a group of people looking for something different to do while visiting or renting a Bend vacation rental or property during the Summer in Bend Oregon or anywhere in Central Oregon, not to miss this quiet treasure! If you are looking for an excellent Summer or year round vacation rental in Central Oregon or specifically Bend Oregon, consider renting with Alpenglow Vacation Rentals, some of our Bend vacation homes are pet friendly vacation rentals !
Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
Bend Oregon
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
Mountain Biking in Bend Oregon
Anyone who knows mountain biking knows about the endless trail systems in Bend Oregon . Bend Oregon is the perfect place to ride especially during this Summer ! We have had perfect trail maintenance and with three days of Summer quick rain storms, complete with thunder and lightening last week which makes for nice, dust free riding in the Deschutes National Forest .
Looking for the perfect place to take a Summer vacation and bring Fido or Fifi? Alpenglow Vacation Rentals has pet friendly vacation rentals that make perfect Summer vacation homes for your canine loved ones, and they will love our endless trail systems as well.
So, pack up your dog, mountain bikes and family to travel to Central Oregon and call Alpenglow Vacation Rentals at 541-385-7100 for lodging in perfect summer vacation properties today or just go to http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
mountain biking in bend oregon
Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend Oregon, July 2010
The Cascade Cycling Classic in Bend Oregon
While Alberto Contador (Spain) was busy winning the Tour de France – “beating” Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck by a whopping 39 seconds (the blink of an eye in the three week event) – 172 riders from all over the world descended on Bend, Oregon for the Cascade Cycling Classic. The CCC is the longest consecutively run elite stage race in the country, and an event where Lance Armstrong made an early appearance and (perhaps ironically) Floyd Landis made a recent one.
For six days and as many grueling stages, riders on super-thin wheels sped through town while the city watched in fascination. How could they ride so fast, all clustered together in a pack (peloton) wheel to wheel? But ride they did, in stages ranging from 14 to 83 miles.
Race Results:
Rory Sutherland, riding for United Healthcare, won the pro men’s event. Twenty seconds back, Ben Day of Fly V Australia took send, and his Fly V colleague, Darren Lill came in third.
On the pro women’s side, Mara Abott continued her winning streak with another yellow jersey. The CCC championship crowned a stupendous year for her, as she took the American National Championship as well as Italy’s prestigious Giro Donne overall title.
In France: Bend, Oregon native Chris Horner took 10th place, while Lance Armstrong topped off his swan song at 23rd place saying, “I need a cold beer.”
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com
Vacation Properties Summer Winter with Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
Bend Oregon Vacation Rentals
Bend Oregon Vacation Rentals
for all of your family's needs. Whether you desire a Winter vacation property or vacation properties for skiing at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort in Bend, Oregon, or relaxing and taking in the sights and shopping in Bend, OR, we are confident you will have a relaxing and enjoyable experience in any one of our summer vacation properties or winter vacation rentals or properties, your year round vacation home away from home. Do you need a Bend vacation house that is fully equipped and located near Sunriver? The destination is Bend Oregon for Winter and Summer vacation homes or vacation property of your choice. Some of our vacation rental properties and homes are pet friendly. We have affordable luxury vacation rental properties in Mt. Bachelor Village Resort , River Wild , Widgi Creek Resort and in the trendy West Side of Bend, Oregon.See our website at www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com or call us at 541-385-7100 for more reservations and information!
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals Live Reservation Website 24/7
Outdoor Adventures in Bend, Oregon
Outdoor Adventures in Bend, Oregon
By Victoria J. Smith, Alpenglow Vacation Rentals, Bend, OR
Everyday seems to be a new opportunity for a new outdoor adventure in Bend, OR. Traveling to Sunriver from the West side of Bend, OR by car with three of my friends on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon was a great idea for mountain biking. Loading our bikes on our racks and rambling down Highway 97, we went to seek out our adventure for the day. The air was crisp and cool, the blue skies varied with sunshine, high clouds and a light breeze. The temperature was perfect, which seemed to provide what I like to call “automatic air conditioning".
All of us seem to be in the range from beginner to intermediate mountain bike riding, so the trail we picked suited all of us for the beginning season. The trails were perfect, the dirt was packed and had no dust at all, we rode for about three hours. The trail we chose for the day took us along the river trail on the Deschutes River in the pristine Deschutes National Forest. This beautiful, scenic trail took us past lava beds, Benham Falls, fly fishing areas , and rushing rapids.
From one moment to the next, we were taken in by the sights of the river, the Ponderosa Pines and sounds of the breeze flowing through the trees or the water rushing through the rumbling River. It was fascinating to see at the different areas along the Deschutes River change its calm temperament with excellent conditions for fly fishing. With a few pumps of the peddles, the scene would quickly change to hearing and seeing tumultuous water rushing over the rocks and around the eddies presenting a perfect setting for white water kayaking in the great Deschutes River.
We decided to ride to Dillon Falls and back to the car at Circle 7 in Sunriver, Oregon. We came across a few hikers, riders, runners and families walking with their kids and dogs pausing at the scenic points all along the well-groomed trail. At Benham Falls there is railed trail for easy walking to the vista point for great photo opportunities. At the top of this area, there is a clean restroom facility. Go a few miles farther and just before where we turned around at Dillon Falls, we stopped at a few picnic tables arranged along the River and enjoyed the light lunch we brought while laughing and talking with one another and trading our different versions of “did you see that?!”
We rode back to the car instead of directly into town. From Circle 7 in Sunriver to Dillon Falls, it is approximately a 15 mile easy ride with easy ascents and “whoops” jumps along the trail. If you choose to ride all the way into Bend, OR, you will have the opportunity to keep going for several more miles where the trail presents a more technical ride with rocks and boulders with single-track opportunities. Another choice would be to take Road 41 that leads out to Century Drive and leads all the way back into the West side of Bend, OR. What a great life we live in Bend, OR.
If you are interested in visiting Bend, OR and would like to find a great place to stay: Try Alpenglow Vacation Rentals!