Outdoors and Adventures by Laurel Brauns:
Grand Canyon
The party in the Grand Canyon started in the parking lot of Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe even before we left Bend. The group of nine of us gathered on the grasses near Geoff Frank’s large passenger van, sharing beers and stacking gear and kayaks on top of the roof. Although we had a fourteen-hour drive ahead of us that Saturday night in late September, our spirits were soaring with anticipation of three weeks of rafting on the Colorado River.
Elk Lake in Winter, Bend OR
I got a late start on my sunset ski out to Elk Lake this weekend and didn’t leave the parking lot from Dutchman until 6 p.m. My pack was heavy and kept throwing me off balance, and once the wind kicked back up and clouds closed in, I considered turning around more than once.
Paulina Lake in Winter, Bend OR
Travel to the lost world of Paulina Lake Lodge, just 45 minutes from Bend and you will feel transported to a wintry haven, far from the traffic lights and noise that can at times feel claustrophobic to so many of us who made the move to Bend for a life of serenity.
Smith Rock Running Trails, Bend OR
Bend is home to arguably some of the best trail runs in the world as well as the best trail runners. While the running scene in Central Oregon might often be overshadowed by its flashier and faster cousin—cycling—Bend is known nationally as a great place to train, compete or plan a vacation around exploring the trails.
Lucky for us locals, many of Bend’s trails can be accessed through other trails maintained by the Bend Parks District. In many cases, we can avoid getting in the car altogether. Within a few miles of downtown, there is everything from loops that feel like mountain climbs to gentle routes along the Deschutes River that have almost no elevation gain.
Cross Country Ski with Your Dog or With Drink in Hand, Bend OR
Night Skiing
Not all of us have the luxury of flexible jobs that allow us to ditch the desk for an afternoon ski. But, because our sno-parks are so close to town, getting out on the trails at night has developed into quite the phenomenon in Central Oregon. On any given evening, you’re likely to run into at least a few other skiers, if not a whole group, like the gang of WebSkis skaters that usually goes up on Tuesday nights.
Over the last few months, I’ve had the chance to get out there with a bunch of friends at night to bask in the light of the full moon or celebrate a few birthday parties. We’ve often ended up at the Nordeen Shelter, which is about two miles from Swampy Sno-Park. Thanks to volunteers, most shelters have a well-stocked supply of firewood that skiers are welcome to burn for warmth. If it’s your first time organizing a group-hut excursion, try picking a destination that isn’t too far out – in case you lose energy or have a few too many rounds by the fire. The Meissner Shelter is also a safe bet and offers views both to the north and south.
Ten Ways to Stay Cool in the Summer
published in Central Oregon Magazine, 2011
