Snowshoeing gives winter a different pace. There is time to notice the trees, stop for a warm drink and decide that the walk itself was the reason to come.
In this Check It Out outing, David Keyte visits Virginia Meissner, Swampy Lakes and Dutchman Sno-Parks. Each offers a starting point for a day in the snow. Pick the setting and route that suit you, pack the thermos and leave the stopwatch at home.
Watch the original snowshoeing episode on YouTube.
Meissner: a walk with somewhere to pause
At Virginia Meissner, the thought of a shelter gives the walk a destination. David opens the tour with that appeal: time in the trees, a place to take a break and a reason to spend the day outside. The pleasure is in the whole outing, including the stops along the way.
Meissner Nordic’s maps distinguish snowshoe routes from the ski network and show options toward the Meissner and Nordeen shelters. Choose a distance that leaves comfortable time for the return. Follow marked snowshoe routes and keep off groomed ski tracks and skate lanes, as outlined in the trail etiquette guide.
The Forest Service site page covers facilities and seasonal rules, including winter dog restrictions. Bring your own water and give the route a look before leaving the parking area.
Swampy Lakes: choose a route for the day
The Swampy Lakes stop continues the tour’s unhurried mood. There is no need to turn a snowshoe walk into an endurance event. A manageable route, a snack and enough daylight to enjoy the return make a complete plan.
At present, keep the Swede Shelter area out of that plan. The West Bend closure notice includes the shelter and the Swede Ridge connection from Swampy Lakes Loop. Check the notice against your route and respect the posted closures. The broader winter-recreation information will help you find an appropriate open outing.
Dutchman, farther up the road
Near Mt. Bachelor, Dutchman brings another setting to the tour. The surrounding winter terrain attracts a range of recreation, so give your own route a clear purpose rather than simply following the next set of tracks.
The Dutchman Sno-Park page has access details and restrictions. Its small parking area can fill quickly. Overnight camping is prohibited, and additional overnight-parking restrictions allow for plowing. Keep a second daytime plan in mind.
Choose terrain suited to your experience and the weather. Being near a resort does not bring the surrounding backcountry under resort supervision; current maps and a realistic route are part of getting ready.
Keep the preparation simple and useful
A Sno-Park parking permit is required at designated sites from November 1 through April 30. Check TripCheck for the drive and Forest Service alerts for the destination. Pack layers, food, water, a light and navigation, and tell someone the plan.
A thermos supplies the warm-up without needing a fire. Leave time to stop, eat something and appreciate where you are. If the weather or the group’s energy changes, turn back early. There will be another day for a longer walk.
One good outing is enough
Choose one Sno-Park and give it the time you have. For equipment and food stops, our winter Bend day offers a longer itinerary. For a more playful afternoon, try the Wanoga sledding outing.
There are more ways to spend the seasons in Check It Out. Sometimes the best winter day is simply the one when you put on your boots and went.
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