As the temperature drops and it seems impossible to escape the everyday rain, it's easy for us in the Northwest to cuddle up on the couch with a warm cup of coffee and binge watch Oregon Field Guide (or maybe that's just us here at OPB). But this time of year is actually the perfect time to venture forth and enjoy the great Oregon outdoors! With a bevy of places to ski, snowboard, snowshoe and explore in the Northwest, here are seven picks that are a great place to adventure.
Snowshoe around Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake isn't just beautiful in the summertime. The national park happens to be one of the snowiest inhabited regions in the United States, which makes for some spectacular views and provides a whole new way to explore one of Oregon's greatest natural wonders.
Take in this snowy wonderland this winter on a ranger-guided snowshoeing tour. On the weekends, visitors can sign up to tag along with a park ranger and explore the natural beauty of the park. These 1-mile guided tours are free (and snowshoes are provided free of charge as well) and last about two hours.
Want to trek out on your own? You can! The park is technically open 24 hours a day. Just be safe, smart and check weather reports ahead of time. For more information on snowshoeing tours and winter conditions, check out the National Park Service's website.
Bonus: Crater Lake National Park doesn’t collect entrance fees during winter months.
Dog sled rides on the Oregon Trail of Dreams
Take in the stars from Crystal Crane Hot Springs
Soak away in 100-plus degree mineral water under a brilliant Harney County sky at these rustic hot springs. Escape from the stresses of wintertime life and get out to Oregon's high desert for a remote, relaxing trip to Crystal Crane Hot Springs.
From a teepee with a private hot tub in the middle to old-school cabins, there are accommodations for everyone. Their wide selection of comfortable overnight accommodations start at $45 a night and go up from there. And these remote hot springs offer the perfect excuse to disconnect for the weekend and unwind. Just want to soak for a day? Day use passes begin at $4.25.
Ski the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort
Explore the Willamette Pass
Find frozen waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
This adventure takes a bit more luck, but has the potential to offer some of the best visuals you'll find. Oregon's side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is home to more than 70 waterfalls, including gems such as Multnomah Falls, Horestail Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
If the weather is just right (read: frigid cold) these powerful waterfalls can partially freeze, creating gorgeous natural ice sculptures. Roughly 30 miles east of Portland and easily accessed from Interstate 84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway 30, seeing many of these frozen falls require little more than parking the car. Hikes up into the Gorge offer even more possibilities.
Make a day out of it and grab lunch at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge while taking in the view of Oregon's highest waterfall.