Skip to main content

Search results

Camp Tamarack

Under a towering Douglas fir on the edge of Dark Lake, tucked into the hills west of Sisters, a trio of fifth graders stare intently into a tub of murky lake water. Using a turkey baster and an ice cube tray, they examine tiny critters in the mud. “Leech!” one kid proclaims, and the others nod. It’s macroinvertebrate day at Camp Tamarack’s Outdoor School, where Central Oregon students learn ecology through hands-in-the-dirt experiences.

Along with learning about science, students gain confidence in nature, unplug from technology and have a lot of fun during their three-day stay. Whether they come for Outdoor School or for a summer camp experience, campers absorb a good dose of the Camp Tamarack spirit, captured by the motto that owners Charlie and Michele Anderson infuse into every part of camp: “Live more, every day.”

A Central Oregon Legacy

Camp Tamarack began in 1935, when two Oregonian women, Donna Gill and Lucille Murphy, realized their dream of a horse camp for girls. They leased the forested land around Dark Lake, next to Suttle Lake north of Sisters, and built a camp that revolved around horses and water skills. In an era when few such opportunities existed, Camp Tamarack allowed girls to adventure fearlessly and thrive outdoors.

Kids crafting on table

Since those early years, the camp has stayed true to its core mission: To cultivate passion for the outdoors and confidence to try new adventures. As the newest owners, the Andersons recognized how Camp Tamarack sits at the heart of Central Oregon culture. “So many in our community were campers here. Their experiences shaped who they are—they still feel connected,” said Michele.

In 2013, the Andersons were seeking a location to grow the outdoor camps they’d created to honor the memory of Charlie’s brother, whose silhouette can be seen in the mountains of the Camp Tamarack logo. Tyler Anderson, an outdoor enthusiast and climbing guide, passed away in 2010 while climbing in Peru. “We felt the best way to carry on Ty’s legacy would be to nurture that spark of wonder and love of nature in kids. We started with a few small groups, and it grew from there,” said Charlie.

On their first visit to Camp Tamarack, the Andersons found the place empty and in need of renovation. Charlie and Michele focused on the camp’s potential as the permanent home of Tyler Anderson Youth Camp. Today, camp songs fill the air, campers splash along the lakeshore, and the legacy of adventure and learning continues.

Kids looking at pine needles

Building a Local Outdoor School and Camp

With Charlie’s background in education and Michele’s experience in accounting and real estate, the Andersons shaped their programming around two guiding ideas. First, to make local outdoor experiences accessible to all kids and second, to create an environment where kids feel safe being themselves, away from technology and immersed in the natural world.

“We want to nurture curiosity, give a taste of adventure and the freedom of the outdoors. Campers might arrive with some anxieties, but a day unplugged in nature and those worries fall away. This camp has always been a place where everyone can be their best selves, learning and trying new things, away from the pressures of society,” said Charlie.

Michele and Charlie Anderson

This approach is working. Each spring and fall, more than 2,000 fifth-grade students from 38 schools come for three days of outdoor school—to explore the forest and bond around the campfire. In summer, more than 1,200 campers descend upon Tamarack, choosing camp names for the week, swimming and paddling the lake, making crafts and creating memories. Throughout the year, hundreds of high school students gain leadership and mentoring experiences as volunteers.

As the camp grows, inclusion remains a top priority. The Andersons work with local business partners and organizations, such as Bend Park & Recreation District and The Bend Foundation among others, for grants and scholarships to ensure that outdoor experiences don’t depend on income. “I’m so grateful for the support that’s helped us get here, and now we’re able to give back through Camp Tamarack. This place belongs to the community, and we want every kid to be part of it,” Michele said.

For the Andersons, getting all kids outside is the best way to live more, every day.

Graham Zimmerman Climbs to Protect the World’s Highest Mountains

Graham Zimmerman spends a lot of time on glaciers—climbing them, mapping routes through them and protecting them. Zimmerman, age 36, is an alpinist known for establishing dozens of new routes and first ascents up the world’s highest peaks, from Alaska to Patagonia and Pakistan.

Combining ice climbing, rock climbing and glacial traversing to reach remote mountain summits, alpinists climb lighter, faster and closer to the elements. Compared to traditional mountaineering, an alpinist carries minimal gear and pushes to the summit in days rather than weeks. The planning is intense, the weather unpredictable, and the risks significant. For Zimmerman, there’s no better way to experience the majesty of the mountains.

Mark Allen appraoching- he NW Fork of the Lacuna Glacier of AK
Mark Allen approaching- the NW Fork of the Lacuna Glacier of AK in 2011

When he moved to Bend in 2015, the outdoor access and community made it the perfect basecamp for Zimmerman and his wife, Shannon McDowell. He describes McDowell as his best partner, coach, motivator, and the reason he’s determined to return home safely from every climb. “There’s a harmony between my climbing, marriage and creative work. When I get better at one part, it all grows stronger,” he said. That harmony has driven his growth as an alpinist, filmmaker, climate advocate and author.

Graham Zimmerman headshot

Searching for Balance

As Zimmerman explains in his new memoir titled A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains, climbing brings him freedom and challenge unlike anything else in his life. “It’s more than a checklist of ascents and summits. Climbing has become my life’s work, with a deeper purpose. I’ve learned to take on big, audacious challenges and problem-solve strategically,” said Zimmerman. Along the way, he has developed close friendships with mentors and climbing partners. Many of those climbers lost their lives in the mountains they loved, and Zimmerman feels driven to keep their legacy alive.

In A Fine Line, Zimmerman honors these friends by sharing their stories, personalities and achievements, and weaving the wisdom of his mentors through his own lessons learned. These lessons range from managing fear—a critical part of alpining—to cultivating trust between partners, and leveraging his platform for good.

Chris Wright on The French Maid Canada
Chris Wright on The French Maid Canada in 2018

Witnessing Glacial Change

As his alpine expeditions grew more complex, Zimmerman witnessed measurable changes in the size and quality of glacial fields. His filmmaking allows viewers to experience these extreme environments with him, and witness the impact of a warming climate on both the landscape and the local people. To expand the scope of this work, he joined forces with Protect Our Winters (POW), a nonprofit organization working to influence climate policy and nudge society closer to carbon neutrality. “I’m an imperfect advocate—I’ve struggled with the fact that travel increases my own carbon footprint. But through climbing I can show what’s actually happening, and I can speak for those who don’t have a voice or a vote,” said Zimmerman.

Graham, Shannon and their dog Pebble in Bend OR
Graham, Shannon and their dog Pebble in Bend OR

First Ascent

In 2019, Zimmerman was part of the four-climber team that completed the first ascent of Link Sar, a 7041-meter mountain in the Karakoram range of Pakistan. For that achievement, the team was awarded the Piolet d’Or, the highest award given in the climbing world. His film Link Sar: The Last Great Unclimbed Mountain captures the challenges of that ascent–and the staggering beauty of a landscape at risk.

Graham zimmerman Rainy Day Yoga
Graham Zimmerman rainy day yoga in LS Basecamp, 2019

The Greater Goal

Zimmerman’s next climb targets a remote Alaskan range, but this year’s priorities will keep him closer to home. “POW has created a massive engine for building coalitions to work directly with policymakers; continuing that work is my top concern. 2024 is a critical year for keeping the momentum going.”

Despite the overwhelming nature of the problem, Zimmerman remains positive about turning the tide of climate change. “I have a lot of hope that we can fix this,” he said, “but it will take gumption and innovation. Anyone who spends time outdoors has a story, and stories are potent tools for driving positive change. Everyone can play a role in this conversation.” Learn more at grahamzimmerman.com.


Click here to read more adventure stories with us! | Read more on snow sports around Bend.

7 Central Oregon Wellness Destinations Perfect for a Retreat

If your New Year’s resolutions include bringing balance back into your life, it may be time to step out of the daily grind and plan a wellness retreat for 2023. Practices such as meditation, yoga, heat therapy and massage reduce stress hormones, slow heart rates and clear our thinking. They activate the parasympathetic nerves to shift bodies out of fight-or-flight mode into a restful sense of wellbeing. Fortunately, finding that zen doesn’t require traveling far. Between the high desert to our east and the lush valley to our west, Central Oregon is home to a wide range of destinations to help jumpstart healthier new habits.

High Desert Havens

Juniper Preserve

Twenty miles northeast of Bend, Juniper Preserve offers an oasis where self-care meets luxury. Formerly known as Pronghorn Resort, the lodge recently shifted to put wellness at the heart of the golf community. “We want transformational experiences that maintain health,” said Maddison Katchem, director of wellness. Integrating experiences into the high desert landscape means yoga in the lava cave, sound baths on the island, or meditation in the serene interior of a teepee, followed by Ayurvedic-inspired massage or energizing gemstone facials. Golfers needing a meditative break might discover a rock labyrinth tucked behind the 15th green. See juniperpreserve.com. (First image shown is of Juniper Preserve.)

Silvies Valley Ranch

Part dude ranch, part retreat, Silvies Valley Ranch is an escape from the stress of a fast-paced world. The remote location north of Burns makes it easy to unplug and get grounded, according to Sandy Campbell, co-owner of the ranch. “Spending time in the meadow, the old growth timber, along the river…this place nurtures your soul,” said Campbell. Balance that quiet contemplation with ranch activities such as goat herding and horseback rides, followed by bodywork in the Rocking Heart Spa. This year the ranch reopens in late spring. If the goats cooperate, opening weekend may include caring for the baby goats, followed by a massage and dinner. See silvies.us.

Nurtured by Nature

Breitenbush Hot Springs covered in snow
Breitenbush Hot Springs covered in snow.

Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat

Wellness has been central to the Breitenbush mission since it began in 1977. As the Breitenbush community rebuilds what was lost to a wildfire two years ago, a restoration theme holds more meaning than ever before. Even while under construction, Breitenbush is open for guests. The lodge, sauna and kitchen survived the fire, allowing them to resume daily yoga sessions, massage services, special events such as a sacral chakra and chocolate meditation or frequent live music. Best of all, the tradition of soaking in mineral hot springs remains unchanged. While Breitenbush is WiFi-free, substance-free, and occasionally clothing free, it is abundant in soul-nourishing experiences. See breitenbush.com.

Green Rock Retreat

Between the rimrock cliffs of the Crooked River Canyon and the rushing waters below, the Green Rock Retreat creates a refuge that is both calming and energizing. Meander the trails and you’ll find a soaking tub with a panorama view, an intricate labyrinth adorned with gemstones, and an abundance of inspiration for reflection and meditation. From May through October, raised canvas wall tents provide unplugged glamping at its best. Guests gather on the outdoor patio for meals, drawn by the scent of the wood-fired oven, and the lodge meditation room offers indoor space for yoga or group sessions. Plan now for a Green Rock retreat scheduled this spring and summer, or plan an individual getaway. Once you experience the magic here you’ll come back again and again. See greenrockretreat.com.

Healthy Resorts

Relaxing stone tub at Shubui Spa
Shibui Spa at FivePine Lodge

FivePine Lodge, Sisters

Where wellness meets romance and adventure—that is how Beverly Garcia, lodge manager, likes to describe FivePine Lodge. Wellness weekends here begin with a serenity cabin, where the soaking tub looks out over the forest. Next comes a dose of nature, with a snowshoe trek on the Peterson Ridge trails. Let the Himalayan salt stone massage at Shibui Spa work its magic. For an added boost to circulation, immunity and mood, follow a soak in the spa’s hot pool with the cold plunge shower. “The wellness weekend is designed for anyone feeling overwhelmed. It’s a lovely baby-moon for expecting parents, or an early-moon to relax before a wedding,” said Garcia. See fivepine.com and shibuispa.com.

Sunriver Resort, Sunriver

Known for family fun that spans generations, Sunriver also encourages taking self-care breaks from busy vacations. Escape for a few hours at a Sage Springs Spa’s signature massage with CBD and arnica. Step out of the hustle and bustle in the Oasis Room, where custom herbal blends infuse the soaking tub. Follow that with an infrared sauna session—a bonus for detoxing skin, improving circulation and supporting sleep quality. With yoga classes that can adapt for a variety of ages, Sunriver may be the place to introduce wellness to the whole family. See sunriverresort.com.

A Hotel to be Well

SCP Hotel Lodging - Peaceful Room
Peaceful King Room at the SCP Hotel

SCP Hotel

This newly renovated historic Redmond hotel also hosts co-working spaces and community gathering spots. SCP stands for Soul-Community-Planet, and wellness is a natural fit with their holistic hospitality brand. The hotel’s “peaceful rooms” are designed for rest and focus. Instead of televisions and clocks they include yoga mats, meditation pillows and sound machines. Add local yoga and healthy smoothies, and their wellness package hits the mark for staycationers and business travelers seeking a reboot. Mindful nutrition is easy here: Terra Kitchen offers plant-forward field-to-table dining, and Wayfarer has a full bar with a creative menu of mocktails and low alcohol cocktails. See scphotel.com. 


Read more about our vibrant Central Oregon community here.

Give like a Bend Local this Holiday Season

What does it mean to give like a local?

Here in Bend, living like a local means creating a life that reflects the spirit of our community. It means seeking out the authentic, the natural, the fun—in everything from how we work and play to how we gather with friends and family. It means embracing adventure in every season, with a passion for the rugged beauty of our landscape. Most of all, living like a local means engaging with the Bend community, weaving connections and supporting neighbors. This holiday season, living like a local can also mean giving like a local. From setting the Thanksgiving table to toasting in the New Year, holiday traditions become more meaningful when they bring us closer to this place we call home. With just a few shifts, we can make the season richer and brighter, steeped in community connections. Along the way, we lift the artisans, chefs, outdoor guides, local experts and small business owners who keep our creative economy humming along.

Shop locally - soap

Why giving local matters

After two years of socially-distanced celebrations, online shopping feels normal. But what happens when you close the laptop, bypass big box chains and shop in real life? The benefits are hard to ignore. According to the American Independent Business Alliance’s 2021 study, almost half of every dollar spent at independent businesses stays in the community, compared to only thirteen cents of every dollar spent at chain stores. That translates into a thriving economy and a vibrant hub year-round. Beyond the economic numbers, venturing into the festive hum of local shopping just feels good. “The holidays in a small town feel magical,” said Tonna Wilkens, owner of Wander+NW in Sisters. “The traditions, the twinkling lights, the music—locals reconnect with downtown, and every shop does something special,” she said. Many shops host giving trees or spotlight nonprofit groups. At Wander+NW, giving back means hosting a holiday food collection for the community pantry.

Shop the Pop

Some of the most local shops last just a few days in a temporary “pop up” form, yet they offer the merriest of atmospheres and the widest array of locally-crafted goods. Watch for Central Oregon’s pop-up markets from November through December. Highlights include:

Holidawg Market
Holidawg Market | Photo Grace Baker

Craft-O!

The area’s largest pop-up market, fills the Workhouse and Old Ironworks Artist District in Bend with more than seventy artisan booths—offering items from fine art to handmade mittens. Also on site: treats from the new Deschutes Cafe and a festive cocktail bar. Plan ahead for this year’s Craft-O! on December 10 and 11—advance tickets are required. theworkhousebend.com

Holidawg Market

This dog-centric pop up organized by Dog Guide to Bend, will be held at Spider City Brewing and will feature everything imaginable to pamper your pup. Holidawg takes place December 3 and 4. Holidawg Event Page

Schilling’s Garden Market

On the Old Bend Redmond Highway, Schilling’s  transforms their wandering gardens into a European-style holiday market with live music, fresh wreaths and garlands, plus more than forty artisan booths during the first weekend in December. schillingsgardenmarket.com

Magical Markets of Merriment

Held the first four weekends in December through the 24th, the Magical Markets of Merriment offers local arts, crafts (and gifts of indoor plants) at Somewhere That’s Green in Bend. somewheregreen.com

Create an Expedition

At Bend’s Expedition Club & Supply, a center for creating custom outings, their guides will help you plan a experiential gift from the resources in an extensive Map Room. Expeditions may be based on photography, rockhounding, birding, astronomy, geocaching, or even themed scavenger hunts. For year-long exploration, give a membership to the Expedition Club and have access to the Map Room to create your own adventures. expeditionclub.co

Hands-on Holidays

“Holidays mean more than rush-rush and buy-buy. Doing things together is what’s important to make this time special,” said Cindy Jeffers, nursery manager at Landsystems Nursery in Bend. Jeffers leads the nursery’s classes on making winter wreaths, table centerpieces and hanging baskets of boughs. She enjoys seeing people slow down and smile as they work with the greens to craft take-home masterpieces. “Working with your hands in nature sets a slower pace for the holidays,” said Jeffers. Once the holidays are decked and the scent of pine and cedar fills the air, the activities bring family and friends together to make gifts and memories at the same time. 

Cook together

While the amount of cooking and baking can seem like a tall order this time of year, food brings people together at the holidays, said Michele Morris, chef at Kindred Creative Kitchen in Bend. Her immersive, hands-on classes aim to make those culinary skills easier for students of all ages. Class topics range from cookie decorating and pie making to creating multi-course wine dinners. “People become friends by cooking together—it’s a way to connect. And learning to create delicious food, especially at the holidays, is a life-long gift,” she said. Central Oregon’s foodie culture makes it easy to take a support-local approach at home as well. Home chefs can start by stocking up at Central Oregon Locavore’s Fill Your Pantry event to be held this year on November 12. However, holiday gatherings shouldn’t have to require hours of kitchen prep time—local specialties like challah bread from Big Ed’s Bakery and Nancy P’s berry pies make a delicious dinner party contribution. For holiday toasts, find festive cocktails recipes at craft distilleries like Crater Lake Spirits in Bend or Gompers Distillery in Redmond. thekindredcreativekitchen.com

Make a Gift

Make a gift

Local DIY experts at various levels can guide any level of elf/artist. Begin at Board & Brush to create custom wood signs for everyone on a holiday list. Workshops help participants personalize projects with whimsy, humor or to commemorate milestone moments. The DIYcave has been providing classes, mentoring and workspace since 2015. With a self-professed spirit of, “Think it, and make it,” they can help a wish list come to fruition in areas metalworks, stained glass, blacksmithing, jewelry making, mosaic and more. They offer memberships for a gift of creativity all year long. diycave.com

Think Outside the (Gift) Box

In a season that can feel commercial, sometimes the best gifts are shared experiences. A gift of adventure gives more than the actual activity—time spent together creates lasting memories. Tuck a gift card for a guided activity to do together (such as an organized snowy bonfire evening with Wanderlust Tours) into a sweet new pair of mittens wrapped with a bow—or simply make your own coupon card, redeemable for an adventure gift of your own design. When the mountains and trails are right out the backdoor, there’s no end to the possibilities for a gift of adventure. Need a few ideas to get started?

Trevor Lyden Milky Way
Photo Trevor Lyden

Wish Upon a Star

Dark December evenings may be long and chilly, but they can also inspire a stellar gift experience. Some of winter’s most breathtaking moments happen on the coldest clear nights as Orion and Canis Major glide across the sky. Give an evening of stargazing with a visit to the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver for an up-close view through their telescopes—private programs are offered on Tuesday and Friday evenings through the winter months for groups of family or friends. Make plans for a summer visit and overnight trip to University of Oregon’s Pine Mountain Observatory, thirty-five miles east of Bend. Or, keep it simple by creating a DIY stargazing adventure gift, which requires only a guide to the constellations, a red flashlight (to keep eyes adjusted to darkness) and a dark night sky. Around the solstice on December 21, watch near the Big Dipper for shooting stars—that’s the Ursid meteor shower. Could there be a better gift than making wishes together on a shooting star? See snco.org

Create an Expedition

At Bend’s Expedition Club & Supply, a center for creating custom outings, their guides will help you plan a experiential gift from the resources in an extensive Map Room. Expeditions may be based on photography, rockhounding, birding, astronomy,  geocaching, or even themed scavenger hunts. For year-long exploration, give a membership to the Expedition Club and have access to the Map Room to create your own adventures. expeditionclub.co

Learn Together

Looking for an experience that involves less cardio and more taste buds? For coffee-loving friends on your list, gift a roasting workshop. Ryan Lenz, a former chemistry teacher, takes small groups through each step of the roasting process, and guests take home their freshly roasted beans. Then, to learn more about homebrewing beer, Central Oregon Homebrewers Organization teaches the basics of making all-grain and extract-style beer on the club’s brewing system. 2021 COHO Homebrewer of the Year Kevin Tucker guides the experience and two weeks later, attendees bottle and take home their own six-pack of beer. Find Ryan Lenz @blackmagicroasting. Brew beer at a class taught by Central Oregon Homebrewers Organization at DIYcave. See coho/wildapricot.org, diycave.com.

Sled dogs

Experience the Outdoors

Mt. Bachelor is the go-to destination for skiing, but winter adventures abound on the mountain and make memorable gifts. Consider reserving a sled-dog ride for two with the Oregon Trail of Dreams, where you’ll experience the backcountry in a whole new way and help care for the sled dogs, too, with your financial support. Or, for a budget-friendly option, give the plan for a day to join Forest Service naturalists on a snowshoe trek through Mt. Bachelor’s forest trails, learning about the geology and ecology of the Cascades along the way. Snowshoes are provided, and there is no charge for the activity. Follow up with lunch and a Bloody Mary in the West Village Lodge. Find details on how to register for both activities at mtbachelor.com. 


Read more about our vibrant Central Oregon community here.

 

Balancing Overuse in Central Oregon’s Outdoor Spaces

Rent a mountain bike in Bend and you’ll likely find these guidelines on a sticker attached to the top bar of your bike. The rental bike stickers were designed and distributed by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance as a positive way to encourage trail etiquette among bikers new to the trails, according to Emmy Andrews, executive director of COTA.

Balancing outdoor use
Photo by Kevin Prieto

“We want riders to know that Bend’s bike culture is friendly and helpful. The stickers communicate that message so everyone can have a good time,” Andrews said.

COTA’s rental bike stickers are one small example of a new approach to outdoor adventure and travel. Instead of tourism that drains local resources and pushes community members aside, this mindset encourages visitors to make a positive impact on their vacation destination. It’s called regenerative travel, and it’s making tourism better in Bend—for both visitors and locals.

TRAILHEAD TOURISM

Bend locals have long shared a passion for nature, and want others to experience it, too. Yet as tourism has grown, the influx of summer visitors deflates even the most enthusiastic Bendite. Our favorite places are being loved to death. Multitudes of hikers erode the trails; trailhead parking lots overflow with vehicles. Riverbanks are cluttered with trash; bikers conflict with horseback riders and backpackers. Solitude is difficult to find; adventuring has evolved into crowd management.

Can tourism in Bend continue at this pace without ruining the health of the ecosystem and the spirit of the community? 

Hiking to Green Lakes
Hiking to Green Lakes | Photo by Richard Bacon

Many local stakeholders answer that question with a hopeful ‘yes.’ Conservation organizations, the outdoor industry and tourism marketing centers are partnering to instill regenerative principles into Central Oregon tourism. These new collaborations are creating ways for outdoor enthusiasts to give back as they play on the trails and rivers—and to leave Bend a better place because of their visit.

Regenerative travel as a concept is abuzz at the state level, with direction trickling down from the state tourism bureau, Travel Oregon, to regional entities including Visit Central Oregon and Visit Bend. 

Visit Central Oregon’s efforts include support of the Deschutes Trails Coalition as it places professional trail crew members in the region to maintain trails for residents and visitors. VCO also promotes Travel Oregon’s “Take Care Out There” campaign, which spreads messages in line with regenerative tourism through videos and marketing. The organization has also partnered with The Environmental Center on a project encouraging tourists to rethink how they generate waste when traveling. 

At Visit Bend, CEO Kevney Dugan and Sustainability Manager Serena Bishop-Gordon, are working to shift Visit Bend’s focus to include stewardship of natural areas impacted by tourism to promote regenerative travel. Today, their budget includes the Bend Sustainability Fund, a grant program that funds restoration projects. 

Mountain Biking Phil's Trailhead
Mountain Biking Phil’s Trailhead | Photo by Kevin Prieto

“Bend is unique in what draws visitors here. It’s not convention centers. It’s the mountains, rivers and trails—so that is where we should be investing,” Dugan said. “This fund lets us thank and support our partners driving the change toward healthy, robust ecosystems.” 

In 2021, the Bend Sustainability Fund awarded $840,000 for eight projects ranging from trail building to riparian restorations to a nature playground at the High Desert Museum. Visitors can also donate to projects like these—especially after enjoying free access to hiking, biking and paddling trails that need regular upkeep. Visit Bend’s Pledge for the Wild program offers an easy way to give back. 

Donations are important, but regenerative travel means shifting attitudes, according to Bishop-Gordon. “When people come to Bend, we want them to travel like they plan to return. That’s how we move the needle in the right direction,” she said. Their messaging guides visitors to “bring your best self” and the website lists volunteer opportunities to care for Bend like their own backyard. 

Yet sometimes the best way to protect natural areas is simply to reduce the number of users. 

At popular trailheads such as Green Lakes and Tam MacArthur Rim, peak-season crowds have changed the experience. Hikers left trash, widened trails and eroded creek banks, until the forests reached a tipping point. In 2021, the Forest Service established a permit reservation system for the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson and Mount Washington wilderness areas. Reserved permits are required for day hikes leaving from the most popular trailheads and for all wilderness overnight stays. 

“We often think of the outdoors as this infinite resource, until so many people in the same place at the same time limits the quality of the experience. People forget that everything they do on the trail affects other creatures in the forest—including the animals, plants, and even the water,” said Lisa Machnik, recreation staff officer for the Forest Service. 

Almost 23,000 day-use permits and more than 40,000 overnight permits were issued during last year’s season; yet, adapting to the new system took time. “People felt frustrated with the need for permits until they saw photos of the damage and learned what that does to our water quality. We heard positive feedback about better trail conditions and more solitude with the permits,” said Jean Nelson-Dean, public affairs officer for the Forest Service.  

Both Manchik and Nelson-Dean emphasize that the Forest Service can’t do it alone. Volunteers dig in for trail upkeep, especially through work parties organized by Discover Your Forest, a non-profit partner of the Forest Service. The business community pitches in too, like when REI donated trowels to be given away at trailheads (managing human waste on the trails is a significant problem). 

Partnerships are also key for one of Bend’s newer conservation organizations: the Deschutes Trails Coalition. The coalition brings together agencies, organizations and the outdoor industry as resources for trail-related projects. Through their program $1 For Trails, participating resorts and businesses are able to collect $1 from their guests from the purchase of lift tickets, hotel accommodations and other items.

Jana Johnson, Deschutes Trails Coalition executive director, recognizes that sustainable trails bring more than environmental stability. “The economic benefit from trail tourism is substantial. Visitors support our lodging, restaurants, adventure guides—even our shoe stores. We are so lucky to have the capacity to make good work happen,” she said.

Tam Macarthur Rim
Photo by Richard Bacon

CONNECTING LAND AND PEOPLE

Bend’s signature network of flowy mountain biking trails grew over years of COTA-led volunteer work parties. Trail building remains COTA’s primary mission, but education is a close second—and etiquette stickers aren’t their only stewardship project.

This summer, COTA will partner with Cogwild and LOGE on a regenerative travel opportunity. Their “Ride & Dig” adventure package includes a day of trail work sandwiched between two days of riding with Cogwild, and LOGE Camp Bend offers a special rate for the package. See  COTA’s Meetup events page for more work party opportunities.

Restoring edges and berms, clearing brush and fallen logs and smoothing ruts benefits the volunteer as well as the trail. As Andrews explained, “Working in the dirt connects people to the trails and to other trail-lovers in the community.”

Forging connections between people and land is also part of the mission for Wanderlust Tours, an adventure guide service in Bend. New owners Courtney Braun and Jared Garfield are integrating regenerative travel principles into the company’s legacy of volunteer cleanup days. Rather than viewing visitors as a drain on natural resources, Braun and Garfield see the potential good that visitors can contribute to Bend’s unique landscape if they are given the chance. 

“On every outing, we inspire our guests to love this landscape. Because loving something means wanting to protect it. When we offer a way to participate in restoration, they gain a long-term connection,” Garfield said. 

This fall, Wanderlust will partner with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and Hydroflask on a riparian restoration project at Ryan Meadow, a riverside area near Dillon Falls, southwest of Bend. Guests contribute with hands-in-the-soil work planting willows and wild roses to stabilize the riverbank. “That work creates emotional attachment to keep them coming back to check on their riverbank. Humans are wired that way,” Braun said.  

Farther downstream, the impact of tourism on the river becomes more obvious. Most summer days, a fleet of orange tubes, kayaks and paddle boards float from the Old Mill to Drake Park. Regenerative travel is taking hold here too. Each tube rental fee managed by Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe contributes a dollar toward river restoration. 

“We began this stewardship program with the UDWC last summer. By the end of the season, we collected over $30,000 for riparian work,” said Sue Fox, sales and events director at Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe. 

Education is the key for protecting the river, according to Fox. Her three do-no-harm guidelines for river users? Bring nothing that can’t be attached to your tube (water bottles, dog balls and flipflops are notorious sources of trash). Use set access points instead of climbing across fragile riverbanks. Above all, keep in mind her mantra of “respect, protect, enjoy.”

“No one wants to do harm—people just need to learn the right practices,” said Fox.

MAKE TRAVEL MORE MEANINGFUL 

How can every adventurer maximize their experience in nature while leaving it better than they found it? Rather than checking off the boxes on the list of must-do activities, follow these four principles of regenerative travel.

Know before you go. 

On every outing, know your route and what you’ll need. Pack water, a first aid kit, trowel, map and a warm layer. Check where campfires are permitted and understand how to put them out. Last but not least, learn about the Cascade ecosystems to recognize what makes this landscape special. 

Follow good trail etiquette.

Smile and say hello to other hikers and bikers; slow down and respect the right of way—especially for uphill bikers. Stay on established trails—trampling delicate plant life is not worth that perfect photo.

Find the local flavor.

The heart of Central Oregon’s economy beats strongest at our unique gear shops, food carts, boutiques and pubs. Fill up on local flavor while supporting the families behind the businesses. 

Give back and pitch in!

Trail maintenance relies on volunteers and a shoestring budget. If you enjoyed using the trails, check out ways to give back with sweat equity. Can’t make time to join a work party? Pitch in through a donation to your favorite conservation organization. 


Click to read more Central Oregon Adventure stories with us.

Surf’s Up: Competitive Bodysurfer Tim Casinelli

The best way to keep from growing old, according to Tim Casinelli, age 54, is to never lose your love of play. As the general manager of Deschutes Brewery & Public House in downtown Bend, Casinelli’s work days are jam-packed, yet he carves out time for regular doses of playfulness through his favorite sport: bodysurfing. Bodysurfing is more than a fun pastime for Casinelli. He’s been a competitive bodysurfer for almost four decades. Last fall, he won his ninth title of grand champion at the World Bodysurfing Championship in Oceanside, California.

The Purest Form of Surfing

Bodysurfing is exactly what it sounds like: riding waves without using a surfboard or boogie board.

“Bodysurfing is simple and pure. It’s just you in the water; you’re part of the wave. And when you get in the tube, nothing in the world can compare for sheer fun,” said Casinelli. 

Bodysurfers often wear fins to swim into a wave more efficiently. Once the wave starts lifting the surfer, they stiffen their whole body to stay planed at the water surface, keeping arms extended to accelerate away from the breaking whitewater. Experienced bodysurfers who find that sweet spot on the wave’s green face add tricks to the ride, flipping and rolling like dolphins playing in the surf. 

Casinelli started bodysurfing as a kid in Southern California. His father, a lifeguard, made him learn to bodysurf before he could use a board. “Bodysurfing forces you to become a strong swimmer because you can’t rest on the board. The ocean can be unforgiving, and you have to respect it,” he said. Bodysurfing became a family activity with his father and brother, who also competes. Casinelli learned to read waves, predict how they break and move, and won his first championship title at age 15. 

Casinilli, bodysurfer
Casinlli trains at the Bend Whitewater Park.

A Lifetime Sport and a Lifestyle Sport

During competitions, each heat of competitors has fifteen minutes in the water to surf the waves. Judges award points for each surfer’s two best rides. The size of the wave, length of ride, the surfer’s position, style and maneuvers are all considered. But for Casinelli, the competitions are just as much about the community as about the points awarded. “The guys in my age group—we’ve got a long history and a lot of camaraderie. We bring out the best in each other,” he said.  

“Bodysurfing is both a lifetime sport and a lifestyle sport,” he added. Long-time competitors fill the 60-plus age bracket and stay involved in bodysurfing culture. Over the years Casinelli has taught junior life-saving skills and bodysurfing basics to young newcomers. “Getting new people into the sport is inspiring because that kid energy never goes away. It stays fun,” he said.

Bodysurfing Without an Ocean  

Eight years ago, the Deschutes Brewery team reached out to Casinelli with an opportunity to manage the pub and restaurant. Casinelli, along with his wife, Kim, and daughter, Laila, were in San Diego at the time. Until then, most of their lives had been spent along the coast, and leaving the ocean was hard. When your passion is bodysurfing, don’t you need to live near the waves?

Fortunately, the Bend Park and Recreation Department was just finishing construction of the Bend Whitewater Park. Located just below the Colorado Avenue bridge, the project converted an outdated dam into a recreation area with a passage for floating rafters, a natural habitat channel for wildlife, and a whitewater channel with four wave features for kayakers and surfers. This wave park was the key for Casinelli to keep bodysurfing, for training and for fun. He’s a familiar face at the wave park, bobbing and diving through the whitewater with Laila, now age 12, who is carrying on the family tradition of wave riding.

Tim Casinelli manages the Deschutes Brewery pub, downtown Bend
Tim Casinelli is the general manager at the Deschutes Brewery pub in downtown Bend.

Bodysurfing the wave park is harder than in the ocean, explained Casinelli, because you swim upstream against the current. “Training in the river makes ocean waves feel easy. It’s like I have jet pack boosters when I swim with the flow of the wave,” he said. 

River bodysurfing may be more difficult, but it’s just as rewarding for Casinelli. “When you swim and surf simply for the joy of it, you feel energized even as it exhausts you. I never feel tired afterward—I feel like I’m floating.” 


Click here to read more adventure stories with us!

 

How to Find the Best Donuts in Bend and Central Oregon

Maple bars oozing with custard. Pink glazed rings with sprinkles, Homer Simpson style. Cinnamon twists and rolls heavy with frosting. Got your mouth watering yet? Donuts are a classic comfort treat, but they’re not just for breakfast anymore. A fresh batch of Central Oregon bakers are taking donuts to the next level of dessert decadence, just right for special events or for everyday indulgence.

Sweetheart Donuts
Sweetheart Donuts of Bend’s famous ring donuts with sprinkles.

Celebrating with Donuts

When Shelbi Bloc added a breakfast pastry to her menu at Too Sweet Cakes, her boutique bakery in Bend, she knew no ordinary donut would fit. She developed her own croissant donut, a tall, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth ring dusted with sugar and dripping with glaze. The buttery dough is folded 100 times, to create steamy pockets that keep the layers airy and light.

It’s no wonder her creation transcended the breakfast crowd and landed in special occasions. “Donuts are so popular for weddings and events because these days people seek the familiar. Donuts remind us of home and of childhood—and they’re even better when they are really special,” said Bloc.

Too Sweet Cakes
Lavender almond, vanilla sprinkle, cherry chip, maple, and chocolate croissant donuts at Too Sweet Cakes.

Since launching Too Sweet Cakes in 2018, Bloc has opened locations in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Black Rock Coffee shops throughout Oregon also carry her pastries.

Gourmet Flavors

Chalk to Flour
From top to bottom: birthday cake: vanilla cake with vanilla glaze and sprinkles; Aztec: chocolate cake with spiced chocolate glaze and sugar; churro: vanilla cake with cinnamon and sugar; Elvis: banana cake with peanut butter glaze, strawberry jam and bacon crumbles.

At Chalk to Flour, a cottage bakery in Bend, owner Kristina Serhan agrees that the gourmet donuts trend stems from cravings for comfort food, beautifully crafted. Serhan began with a high-protein donut that reflected her passion for CrossFit training. Currently she focuses on mini- and full-size cake donuts that are baked, not fried. “The minis are just right for baby showers or any event needing a little delicious treat,” said Serhan.

Serhan bakes desserts to order, and sometimes the requested flavors are surprising. She recently created an Elvis-themed donut modeled after his favorite sandwich: banana and bacon, with peanut butter and jelly. And her own current favorite? “Definitely the Aztec chocolate donut—the spice glaze has cinnamon, chipotle and cayenne. Just enough kick to complement the sweet,” she said.

Twists on the Classics

Traditional donuts range from glossy, yeast-leavened pillows of dough to dense cake donuts covered in sprinkles to fritters cobbled together with fruit. At The Dough Nut, a Bend take-out donut shop with midtown and westside locations, owners Kirk and Sidonie Heppler offer all the classics, plus add a few unique twists. “We have fun with toppings and seasonal flavors, like pumpkin chai in winter and strawberry shortcake in summer, but we make our signature donuts year-round,” said Heppler.

The Dough Nut
Clockwise: cake with chocolate sprinkles, Oreo, cake with peanut topping, cake with colored sprinkles, salted caramel, blueberry sprinkle.

Heppler’s favorite is their PB&J donut, jam-filled and topped with peanut butter frosting. Another signature combo is the French toast donut: a raised donut drenched in an egg wash, grilled, and drizzled with maple glaze. For a more substantial snack, they slice the French toast donut, add ham and swiss, and grill it again for a Monte Cristo sandwich.

Occasionally, the Hepplers team up with other Bend establishments. Their donuts are the foundation for J-Dub’s breakfast sandwiches, and they’ve collaborated with a local brewery on stout-infused donut holes. Homespun recipes mean the donuts are made from scratch with no trans-fats or corn syrup.

Wickiup Junction
A Wickiup Junction apple fritter for two, but we won’t tell if you don’t share.

Extra-Large

At Wickiup Junction in LaPine, roadtrippers stop to fuel their vehicles while filling their bellies with supersized handmade donuts. Sarah Maurer, the pastry baker, arrives at 2:30 each morning to begin the lengthy proofing process.

She keeps an eye on the weather—humidity and temperatures impact how yeast behaves, and she’s looking for maximum rise. By 6 a.m. she begins frying what she describes as “all-day donuts, meant for sharing.”

The display case soon fills with apple fritters and cinnamon rolls the size of dinner plates, bear claws and donut rings big enough for two…and then come the bacon maple bars. Maurer drops hot grilled bacon bits into the maple glaze, melting into the topping. “My favorite part is hearing people’s reactions when I bring out a full tray of these bars,” said Maurer.

Just a Nibble

For donut lovers who crave just a bite, Grandma B’s Mini-treats in Redmond fills a unique niche. Emily Brattan, owner and baker, uses her own recipes to re-create pastries she loved as a child, such as powdered mini-donuts, whoopie pies and Pop-Tarts. “A mini-treat is a small commitment—it’s just enough to feel good about,” said Bratton.

Grandma B's
Grandma B’s mini-donuts in powdered sugar, vanilla with lemon glaze, cinnamon and sugar, and vanilla with chocolate glaze flavors.

Her version of the Pop-Tart folds a crunchy buttermilk crust around traditional fillings like strawberry, brown sugar, and s’mores. Grandma B’s Mini-treats are available at the Honey & Pine Coffee kiosk in Redmond, or by special custom order.

Donuts for the People

Donut fans in Bend never need to travel far to get their fix. On the north end of town, in the Bend River Promenade, Delish Donuts stands out for their generous donut toppings and their old-fashioned buttermilk bar, shaped to dunk in coffee (see on page 130). And at Sweetheart Donuts, an easy stop centrally located on Business 97, every box
of donuts should include a Big Foot, their Bismarck-style donut shaped like a Sasquatch footprint.

Richard's Donuts
Old fashioned, cruller, donut holes and the cherry tiger tail twist from Richard’s Donuts.

Fan Fave

Ask any long-time Bendite where to find great donuts, and they’ll surely mention Richard’s Donuts Bend’s longest-running donut shop. “We’re pretty traditional with our donuts and how we make them,” said Joy Khamphanh. Her parents, Thong and Kham Khamphanh, own and operate the business, and Joy manages the shop. It’s no surprise the shop has thrived for more than two decades: the atmosphere is inviting, the donuts are consistently delicious (Khamphanh’s favorite is the cherry tiger-tail twist) and the owners love their customers. “Making the donuts is fun, but for my mom it’s all about the customers. She knows all the families who come in, and has watched kids grow up. This community means a lot to her,” said Khamphanh.

Because bringing a little sweetness into customers’ lives is what the donut business is all about.

See more articles on the best restaurants, breweries, bars and food carts in Bend and Central Oregon.

Meet Bend’s Winter Olympics Hopefuls

In an adrenaline-fueled community like Bend, talented and passionate skiers run rampant. Every four years when the winter Olympics arrive, a few hometown athletes step into the spotlight to compete at the highest level. For all of Bend’s Olympians—past, present and future—the Olympics mean years of grueling training through every kind of weather, building support from a wide community network and keeping a laser focus on the end goal. What stokes their fire and makes it all worthwhile? Bend’s top winter athletes, fierce competitors all, share their Olympic journeys.

Tommy Ford skiier
Tommy Ford / photo REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo

Finding Balance: Laurenne Ross and Tommy Ford

Every athlete experiences unforgettable moments in their career. For Laurenne Ross, one of those moments took place at the starting gates of an Olympic downhill racecourse, on a mountain near Sochi, Russia. “It was a quiet like I’d never experienced. Race starts are usually chaotic and noisy, but this was pure silence—like I was all alone in this magical, silent bubble,” said Ross. 

Laurenne Ross
Laurenne Ross

For Ross, that memory stands in contrast to another unforgettable Olympic moment: joining the entire Team USA for the opening ceremonies. “The ceremonies were crazy cool. Walking in together, not just skiers but with bobsledders and hockey players—made me realize I was part of something bigger. Especially because skiing is an individual sport, it was a powerful moment,” she said.

Ross grew up skiing on Mt. Bachelor. At age 14 she got serious about ski racing on the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation (MBSEF) team. Now at age 32, she is a veteran of several World Championship and World Cup races, as well as two Olympic Games, including the 2014 Sochi games and the 2018 games held in PyeongChang, South Korea. She’s retiring from ski racing this year—a bittersweet decision. Stepping back from ski racing allows her to focus on other lifelong passions and find a deeper perspective on ski racing.

“No matter how many medals you win, they’ll never be enough if you don’t find joy in the process. We tend to judge our success by the wins, but ultimately skiing is about passion and flow, finding joy outside in the mountains with your community,” she reflected.

Bend skier Tommy Ford has also competed in two Olympics, including the 2010 games in British Columbia and the 2018 games in PyeongChang. He sees the Olympics as more than a set of races. “The community of athletes that come together is something found nowhere else. But the games in PyeongChang did more than that—they sparked talks between South and North Korea, bringing those countries together,” said Ford.

Ford launched into ski racing with MBSEF at age seven, joined the US Alpine Ski Team at age 20, and now at age 32 is among the best giant slalom (GS) racers in the world. Following the South Korea games, Ford earned three podium finishes during the 2019-2020 season at World Cup GS races in Colorado, Italy and Japan. Ford’s subsequent season was cut short after a serious crash at the World Cup GS race in Switzerland, in January 2021. 

Since that time, Ford has channeled his determination and energy into recovering from injuries left from that crash. “It’s been almost a year of rehab for knee strength, hand movement and functional neurology. I’m chipping away at it and feeling stronger—hoping to get back on the snow in the next few weeks,” said Ford. 

Will Ford be able to race this season? It’s a question he can’t answer yet. Like every skier shooting for a chance to compete in Beijing, earning a spot on the US Olympic alpine team depends on the race results from the whole season, and on current rankings with the International Ski Federation (FIS). Final determinations are often made in late January, just weeks before the Olympic games begin. 

For now, Ford is focusing on building strength and balance. He credits Bend’s strong culture of outdoor pursuits for the wealth of sports injury experts in Central Oregon. Guided by therapists and health professionals at Rebound Physical Therapy, Boss Sports Performance, Tumalo Wellness and Desert Lotus, Ford expects to shift from recovery back to race training.

“I’m taking on more training day by day but keep listening to my body. I’m not thinking too far ahead,” said Ford.

Be the Last to Leave: Hunter Hess

Hunter Hess
Hunter Hess

Ask any avid halfpipe fan about Hunter Hess, and you’ll probably hear about his signature trick: the triple cork 1,620-degree. This past July, Hess was the first halfpipe skier to land this trick, which involves four and a half full rotations. 

At age 23, Hess has been a member of the US Ski Team for almost six years. He’s on the freeski team, which includes halfpipe and slopestyle skiers. Growing up in Bend, he was surrounded by ski culture—watching ski films at the Tower Theater and making Mt. Bachelor’s terrain park his playground. “I fell in love with freeskiing long before it was an Olympic sport,” he said. 

Hess has already stood on the podium at the Genting Snow Park, site of the Beijing Olympic freeski competition. That was in 2018, when he placed third at the China World Cup. Returning to Beijing as part of the Olympic team would feel different, according to Hess. “The Olympics let you show the world what you can do. For me, it’s not just representing my country, but the community I come from—my family and coaches that got me here,” he said. 

Community support is critical for competitive skiers, but persistence and dedication are the keys, said Hess. “It’s weird to even call it work because skiing is so enjoyable. But for halfpipe, there’s no chairlift. We hike back up after every run, again and again. In bad weather, when you’re tired, you have to outlive everyone else if you want to progress. That means start early and be the last to leave.”

Ski Fast and Have Fun: Ravi Drugan

Three weeks after the closing ceremonies for the traditional Olympics, the competition fires up again with the Paralympic Winter Games, the top-tier event for athletes with disabilities. The 2022 Beijing Paralympics will be the largest to date, with more than 700 athletes competing in 78 medal events. Alpine racing events include downhill, slalom, giant slalom and super-G, held on the same courses used in the Olympic games.

Ravi Drugan
Ravi Drugan

Ravi Drugan, age 32, has been a member of the US Paralympic National Team for three seasons, and trains year-round with the team. This year, he’ll compete in the slalom and super-G races in Beijing. “Being on this team is an honor, and the Paralympics take it to a new level. But just like every other race, I plan to ski as fast as I possibly can and hopefully have a lot of fun with it,” he said.

As a sit skier, Drugan uses a high-performance DynAccess monoski, which clicks into the same binding and ski that a stand-up skier would use. While most international ski racers focus on one discipline, Drugan mixes it up. In addition to downhill events, he competes in Monoski X at the X Games in Aspen—winning a bronze in 2015. Monoski X is a skier-cross event with four sit-ski racers on the course at a time, navigating rolling jumps and banked turns.

“I’m a freeskier at heart, but I do love the finesse and challenge of alpine racing. There is no better way to judge yourself than to be up against the best skiers in the world, racing the exact same course with dictated turns. You have to get comfortable with pushing your skiing right to the edge,” said Drugan.

Drugan now lives in Bend, but he grew up in Eugene. At age 14 he survived being hit by a train but lost both legs above the knees from the injuries. Five years later, he learned to monoski at Hoodoo Mountain, with the help of Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS). “Without OAS, I wouldn’t be the skier that I am; I wouldn’t be here today. They’ve been my biggest supporters, and I’ll always support them in return,” he said.

Visualize Success: Dominic & Sebastian Bowler

Dominic & Sebastian Bowler
Dominic & Sebastian Bowler | photo Joe Kline

“I like to picture walking through the Olympic village, skis over my shoulder, surrounded by people from all over the world,” said Dominic Bowler. Dominic and his brother, Sebastian, plan to compete in Beijing this February. Instead of skiing with the US team, they’ll be skiing for Brazil—their mother is Brazilian, and the brothers hold dual citizenship. Both brothers juggle ski training with academics: Dominic, age 20, is a student at Sierra Nevada College, and Sebastian, age 17, is a senior at Summit High School in Bend. 

The Bowler brothers grew up in Bend, skiing at Mt. Bachelor. “Like most Bend kids, we learned to love skiing jumps in Dilly Dally Alley,” said Dominic. From there they progressed to terrain parks and began training with MBSEF.
Both skiers prefer slopestyle, but to fill team allocations one of them will compete in halfpipe. Each event has unique challenges, said Sebastian. They’ve trained far less in the halfpipe, but every halfpipe is structurally similar. Slopestyle courses are each unique. “Skiers get a four-hour window to learn that course and plan where to fit in tricks,” he explained. 

Rather than feeling competitive with each other’s successes, the brothers agree that learning together made them both better skiers. When one learned a new trick, he’d teach the other. “We’d break the trick down into parts, then build it back up step by step,” explained Dominic. “There’s no one I like to ski with more than my brother,” he added.

Sebastian Bowler
Sebastian Bowler | photo courtesy of Gilson Skis

Breaking down a spinning aerial trick into parts is just part of the freeskiing equation—developing spatial awareness for landing is critical. For Sebastian, it’s a matter of repetition. “The more time you spend in the air, spinning, the better you get at finding that neutral position. You learn the time you have before landing. Sometimes falling is the best teacher because you’ll do it differently next time,” he said.

Dominic practices aerial combinations by playing them over in his mind. “I’ll look at high points around me, like a rooftop, and visualize what tricks I could do off that point, and mentally replay them before I fall asleep at night,” he said.

Dominic Bowler
Dominic Bowler | photo courtesy of mt. bachelor

The Long and Winding Trail: Aspiring Nordic Olympians

For some Olympic skiers, the dream propels them forward. Others take it day by day, training for the love of the sport, not sure where their efforts might lead.

Maddie Carney may be young, but she has a crystal-clear vision of her goals. She puts herself squarely in the camp of future Olympians who start with the dream of standing on that podium. “I believe that if you work hard for a dream, you can get places. And the Olympics is the place for the best skiers in the world,” said Carney.

Maddie Carney
Maddie Carney | photo matthew lasala

Carney, age 12, is part of the MBSEF Nordic program. Inspired by US Nordic Team skier Jesse Diggins, Carney is already known as the kid who goes hardest at every training and every race. She plans to cover her bedroom wall with race numbers until she too can compete at the highest level. Like the women of the US Nordic team, Carney and her teammates balance the intensity of the sport with a lighthearted tradition: they swipe glitter over their cheeks before every competition. “I like the team spirit, but mostly I like to go as fast and as far as I can. It’s just the way I am wired,” she said. 

While Carney is just growing into the world of cross-country racing, skier Cole Shockey is entering his final season of high school competitions. For him, the Olympic games represent the highest possible achievement. “It’s not just the global audience. It’s the history and heritage of the games. No other platform has that—not the World Cups or World Championships,” he said.

Cole Shockey
Cole Shockey

He’s built an impressive resume of ski racing achievements over the years, but he doesn’t dwell on Olympic dreams. He’s focusing on the next step: advancing to a university with the right combination of academics and Nordic racing opportunities. In the meantime, he is training with specific goals in mind: capping off his high school racing career at the US Nationals Race at Soldier Hollow in Utah, the Junior Nationals in Minneapolis and potentially the Nordic Nations Championship in Norway.

Shockey has learned to expect the unexpected in cross-country racing. He lost one race when his pole snapped, and another when the temperature dropped twenty degrees, rendering his ski wax all wrong. But he thrives on the challenge of a sport that demands a trifecta of stamina, technique and a high threshold for pain. 

“The person who wins the race is the one who keeps going up that hill when it hurts. You have to believe that the pain doesn’t matter, but the end result does matter. It’s about being the best skier I can be, every day. Maybe that can take me to the Olympic level. But I’m focusing on what I do today,” he said. 

Meet the Pros Tracking Central Oregon’s Winter Storms
Nicole Orlich
Nicole Orlich

As a helicopter pilot with Leading Edge Aviation in Bend, Nicole Orlich relies on high-tech weather forecasting every day. Aviation-specific platforms provide crucial atmospheric details for safe flying: she checks HEMS (helicopter and emergency medical services) to view low-level conditions in small areas, and Foreflight, an aviation app, to get weather briefings for her planned routes.

But Orlich’s advice to others for predicting storms is simpler, requiring no fancy technology: “Go outside and look up,” she said. “Weather apps and radars are important, but they’re not enough. Pay attention to how weather systems look and feel.” In that way, Orlich has developed a necessary instinct for weather that can change midflight. 

While Nicole seeks out the calmest flight path between storms, her brother also keeps watch on the skies—in search of snow. Andrew Orlich flies closer to the ground than his sister, skiing in the backcountry or at Mt. Bachelor, where he is well known for his aerial maneuvers. Growing up in Central Oregon’s rugged climate taught them both to anticipate blustery weather, even on bluebird days. 

Andrew bases his ski plans on weather cues from the jet stream, pressure systems and snow accumulation.

“Winds from the north bring cold air; wind direction tells me which slopes might load with snow. Low pressure systems bring precipitation, and temperature projections tell me how to layer for the day. Then I make an educated guess about how conditions might change, so I can pivot if needed and still have an awesome experience,” said Andrew. 

Andrew Orlich
Andrew Orlich

Few Bend locals delve into meteorology as deeply as the Orlich siblings, yet life in Bend revolves around the weather, from the tourist economy to the water supply to whether we ski on velvet or crust. Working behind the scenes are skilled experts who track the storms, interpret the data and layer science with gut instinct. These are the storm forecasters—the unsung heroes of winter.

LOCAL FORECASTING IN BEND

Many forecasters are life-long weather enthusiasts. For Katie Zuñiga, meteorology is a recently discovered passion. As a KTVZ journalist, she’s moved from producing to anchoring the news, but working with local legend Bob Shaw on weather reports was the spark that ignited her love of meteorology. “I get energized by learning the science behind the storms—how high-and low-pressure systems translate into snow and wind. I love sharing that science with others,” said Zuñiga. 

“Weather reporting is unique because it’s unscripted. We never use a prompter for the forecast,” said Zuñiga. On a typical day, she studies the weather synopsis from the National Weather Service (NWS) station in Pendleton. Then she’ll compare multiple forecast models and review satellite and radar images, pulling significant elements from each layer of information. “Sometimes models don’t agree. Identifying the most likely outcome comes from deductive reasoning and experience,” said Zuñiga. 

Storm forecasting in Bend holds two unique challenges, Zuñiga explained, and both are related to the geography of Central Oregon. The first challenge is a lack of radar information. The NWS operates weather radars in Portland, Medford and Pendleton. The radars send waves upward at an angle. By the time the radio waves reach Bend, they are miles overhead. “We get high-level radar information, but a lot happens between the ground and the radar image,” said Zuñiga.

Katie Zuñiga
Katie Zuñiga

The second major challenge is caused by the ground itself—that is, the changing elevation and ground angles. “Mountain regions have so many microclimates. Creating one forecast is a struggle,” said Zuñiga. Despite the variability, all KTVZ forecasts rely on data from the Redmond Airport, the nearest NWS certified weather station. “When I predict a two-inch snowfall, I know some spots will get a dusting and some way more. Precipitation and temperatures vary wildly from Warm Springs to LaPine—even across town. But we are committed to using only measurements verified by the NWS,” said Zuñiga.

PENDLETON TO BEND: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE 

Meteorologists normally fall into two camps, according to Ed Townsend. There are forecasters who interpret and communicate current weather events, and there are researchers who develop new forecasting tools and technology. As the Science and Operations Officer at NWS Pendleton, Townsend gets to do both. He keeps one foot in operations—developing and defining forecasts—and the other foot in emerging science, leveraging new research into their daily work. 

Pendleton may be more than 200 miles from Bend, but information from this office forms the foundation of every local forecast. Remote tracking of winter storms is more accurate than ever, according to Townsend, thanks to the latest generation of radar and satellites. “The advancements are staggering. High-resolution satellite snapshots map the movement of atmospheric rivers like the Pineapple Express, and our upgraded radars distinguish precipitation as rain, snow, or something in between,” said Townsend. Satellite images are especially important in places like Bend, where radar coverage is weak. 

The recipe for Cascade winter storms involves three ingredients: a surge of moist air, mountain topography to lift the air, and freezing temperatures to support crystal formation. Add some atmospheric instability and voila! Bendites are in for fresh snow. Predicting whether the storms show up as howling blizzards or snow-globe-style powder dumps—that is where digital analysis and human instinct intersect, said Townsend. “Ultimately, our human strengths lie in recognizing patterns and extracting the critical pieces from big data,” he added. 

Do the NWS models predict a ski-friendly winter season this year? Townsend is moderately optimistic.

“There are no guarantees, but the odds are tilted toward a weak La Niña pattern,” said Townsend.

Annual snowfall in the Cascades averages over 400 inches during a La Niña cycle. A bountiful snowpack impacts more than winter recreation: it’s critical for replenishing ground water and reservoirs throughout Central Oregon. After several years of below-average snowfall, much of the Cascades’ eastern slopes are experiencing serious drought.

As Townsend explained, climate change and meteorology are related sciences, but distinctly different in their scale and timeframes. The NWS Pendleton team stays focused on their core mission: analyzing current weather events and trends from the Cascades to the Wallowas, and providing solid forecasting data to support weather-related decisions made at a local level.

Weather in Central Oregon
photo richard bacon

WINTER EXTREMES ON A VOLCANO

Understanding winter storms at Mt. Bachelor ski resort means adding a few key terms to the weather vocabulary: tree wells, wind slabs, freezing rime and storm recovery. 

DIY ForecastingDustin Balderach, Snow Safety Supervisor and head forecaster at Mt. Bachelor, keeps those terms in mind as he monitors storm events and snowfall throughout the ski season. Along with the ski patrol and management team, Balderach is constantly translating the forecast into potential impact on operations: Which lifts can run? What areas can open? Where are the avalanche risks?

“This 9000-foot volcano is the first obstacle to interrupt weather systems coming from the Pacific, so we get the full force of those winds. Combine that with our northern latitude, perfect for supercooling moist air into freezing rime, and you get gnarly, challenging mountain conditions,” said Balderach.

In addition to their own weather stations, Mt. Bachelor contracts with a private forecasting company for daily reports. They also rely on the University of Washington School of Atmospheric Sciences for models that predict snowfall intensity, and charts that graphically intersect freezing level with windspeed and direction. 

Yet according to Balderach, nothing replaces real-time reports from ski patrollers with seasons of experience on the mountain. Mt. Bachelor storms follow predictable patterns. Each chairlift has a microclimate: Northwest experiences the brunt of incoming storms, with the harshest winds and rime. The intensity softens as storms wrap eastward around the mountain. Ski runs accessed by the easternmost chairlift, Cloudchaser, often feel protected on storm days…until the lift pops above the tree line, fully exposed to gale force winds. And Summit? “There are days the anemometer is frozen solid. And days it’s like skiing inside a ping pong ball, no visibility. But when we can open it, Summit is the most special place, with amazing views and ski runs in every direction,” said Balderach.  

Along with the thrill of fresh powder, multi-day snowstorms bring hazards for skiers. Ski patrollers check for unsafe cornices, wind slabs that could collapse and slopes with avalanche danger. Tree wells are more difficult to mitigate. These hazards form when the lower branches of pine trees prevent snow from packing around the trunk. Skiers can easily fall into the pockets of loose snow and become stuck. Skiing with a partner and avoiding tree well areas are the best ways to stay safe.

FORECASTING FOR BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES

Backcountry skiers like Andrew Orlich, who forgo the ease of a chairlift, need to understand both weather and avalanche risks before they venture into backcountry terrain. The Central Oregon Avalanche Center (COAC) is dedicated to educating the backcountry community about how to stay safe. 

Aaron Hartz works as a forecaster for COAC, in addition to teaching avalanche safety classes and managing his business, Hartz Science Explorations. For Hartz, the snowpack tells a story; the snow layers reveal the history of that season’s weather events. One rainy day can create an unstable layer that lasts for months. Avalanche forecasting requires awareness of the entire snow season. Building the forecasts is like solving a puzzle, fitting together weather information to create a full picture.

Central Oregon’s freeze-thaw cycles reduce avalanche danger by creating snow layers that stick together, but avalanches do happen. “Any snowstorm dropping ten inches or more is concerning, as are strong winds that push snow into huge slabs or cornices,” said Hartz. 

The COAC weather station on Moon Mountain sends basic-but-important measurements to their website by modem. Any backcountry adventurer can check real-time temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and air pressure before they venture out. Hartz advises that weather analysis shouldn’t stop there.

“Keep asking yourself throughout the day if conditions are what you prepared for,” he said. “Is visibility or snowfall changing? Do I need to adjust my route or timeframe?” 

Peter Murphy
Peter Murphy

WEATHER ON THE ROAD 

Monitoring the weather is always partially about safety, maybe in no area more than when it comes to car travel. “We are in the business of keeping roads open. That’s why we’re here. If a road is closed, know that there is a good reason why,” said Peter Murphy, Public Information Officer for Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in Central Oregon. Murphy is responsible for sending out emergency road alerts to first responders, news stations and county road managers. 

Murphy’s team bases decisions on NWS Pendleton’s daily conference call, and stays in close contact with plow drivers and emergency responders. Because Bend is a travel destination, they monitor both sides of the Cascades, plus weather along the Columbia gorge, explained Murphy. “Certain spots on roads to and from Bend are known for a classic combo of high winds and ice buildup, like the gorge or mountain passes,” he said. 

The best way to avoid winter road hazards is to use ODOT’s TripCheck.com, an online resource for road conditions and closures. Taking a moment before hitting the road lets drivers preview road conditions through live webcams and check the interactive state map for road closures and snow hazards where traction tires are needed.

This winter, when you think about the weather, perhaps you’ll think a little bit more like a scientist—or at least remember to thank a scientist for the forecast you consider. When in doubt, simply go outside and look up.  

Read more about our vibrant Central Oregon community and the businesses, here.

Bend’s Boyd Acres Neighborhood Offers Convenience and Livability

When Sam Elcik and Sumra Zaidi relocated to Bend in 2020, they hoped to find a home in a quiet neighborhood, near green space, with easy access to downtown Bend. It seemed an impossible checklist until they toured a home for sale in the Boyd Acres Neighborhood, near Sawyer Park. “I was hesitant when our realtor suggested this area, but it checked all the boxes for us. We can get on the river, walk the dogs in the park and bike downtown. Most of all, we love the quiet,” Elcik said. The couple is far from the only new Bend residents settling into Boyd Acres. This neighborhood is among the largest in Bend, yet its livability is often overlooked.

One neighborhood, many options

Boyd Acres encompasses the northern tip of Bend, from Cooley Road and Juniper Ridge south to the Pilot Butte canals. The Deschutes River defines its western edge; Pine Nursery Park sits at the eastern boundary. Within those landmarks, locals find a lively mix of shops, parks, restaurants and industry. Those who hope to call Boyd Acres home will find a variety of home styles and sizes, from spacious lots in established subdivisions to newer streets with more modern construction.

McKay Cottage
McKay Cottage

“Boyd Acres has long been considered more affordable, and the diversity of subdivisions attracts homebuyers,” said Lynnea Miller, principal broker at Bend Premier Real Estate. Lot sizes have changed over the years, as state regulations have encouraged greater density. “Older properties can have larger, family-friendly yards, but the homes might need updates. Newer homes are turn-key, with few surprises—perfect for those who don’t care for maintenance,” Miller said. 

Because of the range of homes available and wide swath of town considered part of the neighborhood (the Boyd Acres Neighborhood Association lists seventy-five subdivisions within the neighborhood), defining an average home price is tricky. Generally, the area is attractive to buyers looking for more affordability than other areas of Bend, especially families. It’s also home to Bend’s newest and northernmost elementary school, North Star Elementary, which opened in fall 2019 to help alleviate overcrowding in the Bend-La Pine School District.

The Circuit Bouldering Gym
photo courtesy The Circuit Bouldering Gym

From Ranches to Restaurants

Despite the recent development boom, bits of history can be found throughout the neighborhood. The area is named after Charles and Anna Boyd, who moved to Bend from Montana in 1904. They built their homestead, the heart of their 600-acre cattle farm, on the site of the Bend River Mall. The original buildings still stand and are now home to Pomegranate Home & Garden. 

McKay Cottage, a well-loved brunch spot, resides in another piece of Bend history. The restaurant was originally the home of Olive and Clyde McKay and was first located near Drake Park before the structure was relocated to OB Riley Road. Clyde McKay was a driving force behind Bend’s turn-of-the-century timber industry; McKay Park is also named after him.

10 Barrel exterior
10 Barrel Brewing, photo Pete Eckert

Bend has long since grown beyond ranching and timber, and Boyd Acres is now home to a bustling business community. Most visible are the large retail clusters such as Cascade Village and Bend River Promenade (with its new WinCo Foods supermarket), which make Boyd Acres a shopping destination. Bend’s entrepreneurial spirit truly shows up in the mixed industrial spaces where small manufacturers such as SnoPlanks and Left Coast Raw mingle with traditional industry. Fitness and recreation businesses such as The Circuit Bouldering Gym, Cascade Indoor Sports and K1 Speed, an indoor go kart racing venue, also thrive here, making active recreation part of daily life for Boyd Acres residents. 

Scattered throughout are brew pubs and restaurants, so local diners can stay closer to home. Some establishments, such as Chi Chinese and Sushi Bar and Craft Kitchen, have relocated from other Bend locales. Others are unique to the neighborhood, such as Bridge 99 Brewery, 10 Barrel Brewing East Side, Oblivion Brewing and Wild Roots Coffee.

K1 Speed
K1 Speed, photo Alex Jordan
Drinks and sushi at Chi
Chi Chinese and Sushi Bar, photo Talia Jean

Parks, Trails, and Gathering Space

No neighborhood is complete without access to green spaces. Boyd Acres is flush with parks and trails. Local runners and dog walkers frequent the pathways alongside the Pilot Butte canals. These open canals, dug mostly by pickaxe and shovel more than a century ago, continue to bring water to farms outside of Bend. 

In addition to small parks and playgrounds, several larger parks offer additional recreation options: Pine Nursery Park is primed for play, with 159 acres of sports fields, pickleball courts and an off-leash dog area. Rockridge Park buzzes with action on its lunarscape skatepark, bike skills course and log-scramble playground. For a quieter experience, the trails at Riley Ranch Nature Reserve amble along a Deschutes River canyon; the trails at Sawyer Park connect to the Deschutes River Trail toward downtown Bend.

More development is on the horizon in Boyd Acres, too. Second locations for Costco and Fred Meyer are planned for the north end of town, and the Deschutes County Central Library is slated for construction just beyond the northwest boundary of Boyd Acres. In addition to books and media, the library will serve as a community center for programs and events, and act as a general gathering space for community members.

From Sourdough to Kimchi, Fermented Foods on the Rise in Bend

When Whitney Keatman launched Sparrow Bakery in 2006, she got creative with her sourdough starter. “An old concord grapevine was thriving outside our building. I used the grape skins’ natural yeast to start the culture. Fifteen years later, we’re using the same starter for our breads,” Keatman said.

Sourdough bread, photo by the Unique Bite

Sourdough starters, those gooey mixtures of microbes, water and flour, act as a natural leaveners. Starters require regular care and feeding; at Sparrow Bakery, the bakers replenish the large bucket of sourdough starter with flour and water daily, after the doughs are mixed and set to rise. During rise time, the complex blend of yeast and good bacteria digest the flour, releasing bubbles of carbon dioxide.

The benefits of sourdough go beyond an airy loaf, according to Keatman. This ancient method involves fermentation, when the microbes produce lactic acid that shifts the bread’s flavor and structure. “The starter brings that sour tang and breaks down some of the gluten, so the bread is more nutritious and easier to digest,” she explained.

Fermentation– it’s not just for beer!

Whether in beverages or food, fermentation happens when good microbes (probiotics) metabolize carbohydrates to create enzyme and acids that transform the food’s flavors and nutritional profiles. From sourdough and yogurt to kimchi and tempeh, fermented foods are found in cuisines around the globe. Before refrigeration, fermentation was essential to extend foods’ shelf life. Today, foodies appreciate the umami undertones of fermented foods, as well the impact of probiotics on digestive health, mental clarity and mood stability.

Super Belly dressing, photo by The Unique Bite
Super Belly Ferments’ Chive Lime Probiotic Dressing Marinade. Additional flavors offered are Balsamic Beet, Caesar, Goddess and Ranch flavors.

Paul Trendler and Sarah Frost-McKee, of Bend, became enamored with fermented vegetables when their son was born. “Our veggie ferments ramped up nutrition for all three of us. The diverse array of nutrients from the probiotics and prebiotics—they play a vital role in resiliency for the gut-mind connection,” Trendler said. Science backs up that connection: regular consumption of probiotic-rich food helps moderate blood sugar, boost liver function and lower cholesterol. Just as importantly, fermented foods influence the gut-brain connection. By supporting the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, probiotics can lower anxiety and boost cognitive function.

Trendler and Frost-McKee grew their passion into two businesses: Local Culture Ferments, which offers a variety of fermented vegetables, and Super Belly Ferments, for their line of salad dressings made from fermented ingredients. “Drizzling a bit onto salad or vegetables makes it easy for any person, from toddlers to grandparents, to get probiotics into their diet,” Trendler said.

Bringing Protein to the Vegan Plate

Long before mass-produced meat substitutes landed in grocery store freezers, fermented soybeans known as tempeh provided a high-protein meat alternative. Tempeh is an Indonesian dish that involves soybeans wrapped in banana leaves, along with a type of fungus culture called Rhizopus. This process grows a mesh of mycelium around the beans, and binds them together. The lacto-fermentation process, started by the fungus, keeps undesirable microbes from thriving.

Vegan Plate, photo by The Unique Bite

Super Belly probiotic drink, photo by The Unique Bite
Super Belly Ferments’ Lemon Cayenne Probiotic Drink. The company also offers pomegranate, tumeric ginger and lime flavors.

Preserving the Flavor, Respecting the Land

Sauerkraut may be the most well-known fermented dish, but it’s spicier cousin kimchi has a growing fanbase. Kay Declercq, of Root Cellar Staples in Bend, makes both by hand in small batches. She slices napa cabbage for the kimchi and green cabbage for the sauerkraut, then salts the cabbage generously to draw out liquids. The salty brine supports the growth of lactobacteria on the cabbage surface, so no extra water or culture starter is needed.

After adding a slurry of spices and herbs, Declercq transfers the mixture to a fermentation vessel with a special lid that allows bubbling gases to escape. As the lactic acid concentration rises, Declercq monitors the pH carefully. “The right acidity is what keeps the food stable. It’s a beautiful way to preserve food in its natural state,” Declercq said. While pickling vegetables with vinegar and salt can produce a sharp acidity similar to fermented brine, pickling does not involve probiotics, she clarified.

Beyond the health benefits of fermented foods, Declercq views fermentation through a sustainability lens. “Preserving food through fermentation honors the work of the farmers that grew it. Instead of letting fresh veggies go to waste, fermentation makes them even more dense with nutrients. It’s a way to respect the farms and the soil,” she said.

Kimchi, photo by The Unique Bite

DIY fermentation

Even with a wide range of probiotic-rich foods available in Central Oregon, making fermented foods at home appeals to many adventurous amateur chefs. As Declercq noted, any vegetable can be added to a batch of sauerkraut or kimchi, reducing the food waste at home. And as for the sourdough starter, Keatman advises people to worry less about the details, and just give it a try. As she said, “If it fails, just start over. The results are so worth the effort.”


Click here to read more about our local food and restaurant scene.

Bark-Worthy Backyards for Bend Dogs

The past year was certainly tough on humans, but it was pretty good for dogs. People staying home could lavish pets with attention. For many, it was the perfect time to add a furry companion to the family. Animal shelters across the country could hardly keep up with demand, and Central Oregon was no different.

At the Humane Society of Central Oregon, not only was the number of adoptions up, but fewer lost dogs came into the shelter. “It was heartwarming how quickly the animals found homes, even older dogs,” said Lynne Oushida, HSCO community outreach manager. The organization matches dogs to families according to their energy, personality and available space inside and outside their homes. “There is a good fit for every person and dog, if we just wait for it,” Oushida said.

Once a dog becomes part of the family, backyard design takes on new significance. Dog-friendly spaces require more than a leash and water bowl—the yard should be a safe, healthy refuge for exercise and relaxation for the whole family.

A dog looking out a viewing window in the fence
Tip #1: Add a viewing window to the backyard fence for curious or social dogs to keep an eye on the neighborhood.

No Dog Left Inside

The first challenge of a dog-friendly backyard is defining the boundaries. Fencing options abound—wireless electric fences adapt to any terrain, even rocky hillsides, but training can be challenging. Solid fences also work well, keeping the family dog home while keeping other animals out. Some dogs love a viewing window in their fence, where they watch the world go by.

Sarah-Anne Reed, dog behaviorist at Pack Dynamics LLC in Bend, considers the dog’s personality when choosing fences. “Solid fences will reduce the triggers for dogs who instinctively bark at strangers. For athletic dogs, strategic landscaping can stop them from jumping the fence,” Reed said.

Once boundaries are established, a dog door may be the next step, allowing dogs to let themselves outdoors when they please and back in when they’re ready. Some inexpensive, easy-to-install models fit into a sliding glass patio door, offering a temporary or rental-friendly option. Permanany doors installed in an exterior wall or door are more secure but require some construction skills. Dog doors allow pups freedom to get outside, on their own schedule.

Dog-Friendly Landscaping

When it comes to landscape features, a simple patch of grass is number one on Reed’s list. Grass stays cool and is easy on paws, especially under leafy trees. “Even a small area of shady grass feels great for play or for naps,” she said. Shade is critical during the hot summer months in the high desert, whether from trees or a sun canopy.

A dog standing a bone-shaped pool
Tip #2: A dog-friendly backyard starts from the ground up. Grassy areas, sand, mulch and cedar chips are all paw-friendly options.

If games of fetch range beyond the grass, stretch a running path across the yard for chasing balls. Dogs naturally create their own paths, too, and covering their trails with splinter-free mulch or softer crushed rock keeps the dust and mud at bay. Cedar chip paths can offer cushion beneath their feet and are known to repel fleas, too. Avoid cocoa mulch—like dark chocolate, it’s toxic to dogs. 

No dog yard is complete without a source of fresh water, and today’s backyard makeovers often ditch the old-school jug dispensers for water features the whole family enjoys. From simple fountains to waterfall ponds to burbling creeks, any installation built low to the ground can keep dogs hydrated and happy. Water-loving dogs will appreciate the opportunity to cool off, especially in the heat of summer.

A dog playing with agility equipment
Tip #3: Challenge puppies and energetic breeds with a backyard ball pit or agility equipment.

Toxin-Free Gardens 

Most dog families already choose natural pesticides and herbicides rated safe for pets, but a surprising number of plants contain poisons, too. Tulip and crocus bulbs, onion and garlic sets, and green potatoes are dangerous for dogs that like to dig. Other plants contain toxins in the flowers and leaves, including yarrow, rhododendrons, cannabis and foxglove. These plants belong in areas away from the pup’s play spaces, or use fencing to prevent digging. Invasive weeds like cheat grass pose a different problem: the seed pod’s tiny barbs drill into furry ears and skin—often requiring a vet visit to remove. 

Instead, try appealing to a canine’s strong senses with fragrant plants like lavender and soothing chamomile or energizing scents like rosemary and peppermint, all of which are safe for dogs to sniff and even eat, if they choose. Barley grass satisfies a dog’s urge to eat grass, while also aiding in digestion. 

Once the landscape is set, a world of toys awaits—from tetherball to tunnels and automatic ball throwers to glow-in-the-dark chucker balls. Puppies and energetic breeds will be eager to explore more activity options, from ball pits to agility ramps. But as Oushida and Reed both agree, the best backyard entertainment for any pup is simply time together with its family.  

Bend’s Beloved Shevlin Park and Drake Park Celebrate 100 Year Anniversaries
photo adam mckibben
photo toni toreno

Just over a century ago, the tiny settlement of Bend was roaring into the 1920s. It was a land of adventure and opportunity, similar to current times in many ways. The population had expanded tenfold, from 536 residents in 1910 to 5,436 a decade later. Dense pine forests fueled the economy, and the Old Mill and Box Factory areas bustled with loggers and millworkers. A new dam on the Deschutes River provided the first electric power in town, creating Mirror Pond in the process. Entrepreneurs platted out new streets for homes and neighborhoods, with the bend in the river at the center.

In the midst of this boom, a few key local leaders recognized the value in preserving outdoor space for gathering and connecting with nature. Their vision led to the creation of Bend’s first parks: Drake Park along the east bank of the Deschutes River in the heart of downtown Bend, and Shevlin Park, a natural area wrapped around Tumalo Creek, on the western edge of town. In doing so they set the stage for Bend’s ongoing culture of outdoor recreation and love of nature. These parks, both established in 1921, remain the crown jewels in Bend’s park system today.

BEFORE THERE WERE PARKS

Long before European Americans reached Central Oregon, this land was important to the ancestors of the Warm Springs, Burns Paiute and Klamath tribes. Native Americans traveled seasonally along the Deschutes River and Tumalo Creek, seeking resources like berries, basket materials, medicine, fish and game. Bend is located within the lands ceded to the United States government in 1855, as part of the Treaty with the Middle Tribes of Oregon.

In 1843, explorer John Fremont passed through Central Oregon on a mapping expedition from The Dalles to Nevada. Along with guides Kit Carson and Billy Chinook, the Fremont party camped in what is now Shevlin Park. Billy Chinook eventually returned to The Dalles and became a leader of the Wasco tribe. He served as an advocate during the 1855 treaty negotiations, and Lake Billy Chinook is named in his honor. Fremont’s maps and guidebooks identified an easily crossed stretch of the Deschutes River, opening the door to settlers and loggers. By the turn of the century, Bend was on the map.

photo Beth Dixson / Alamy Stock Photo

DRAKE PARK: AT THE HEART OF BEND

Bend’s favorite gathering space might easily have ended up a neighborhood of historic homes, if not for the Women’s Civic Improvement League and its founder, May Arnold. When the landowners drew up plans for homesites along the east bank of the Deschutes River, Arnold successfully spearheaded an effort to turn the riverside property into a city park. The women gathered 1,500 signatures from the townspeople to put a bond measure on the ballot. It passed, and the city purchased its first park for $21,000. Drake Park is named for Alexander Drake, who platted the original townsite and built Bend’s first lumber mill, irrigation canals and the hydroelectric dam that created Mirror Pond. 

From the beginning, Drake Park was intended to provide a gathering place, according to Julie Brown, communications and community relations manager for the Bend Park and Recreation District. “The Women’s Civic Improvement group rallied for a town square type of park that would be at the heart of the community. Their forward-thinking vision of what this could mean for the town has had a lasting impact,” Brown said.

The first organized events established the park as the site for music and celebrations: In the summer of 1920, volunteers gathered to pull weeds, build benches and enjoy performances by the Shevlin-Hixon band. By the summer of 1921, local merchants planned Bend’s first Fourth of July celebration as a high-speed, non-stop event. As described in the Bend Bulletin on May 10, 1921, the day would start with a parade, horse races and carnival games and ended with street dancing on the new pavement, until well after midnight. 

Bend’s enthusiasm for spirited celebration in Drake Park has held through the decades. The Water Pageant, an Independence Day tradition from 1933 into the 1950s, involved flotillas of lighted floats and local pageant queens atop a giant floating swan—a spectacle that brought thousands of visitors to town each year. More recently, Drake Park has served as home for the Kids’ Pole Pedal Paddle competition and the Munch & Music concert series. In between organized events, informal gatherings abound: from family picnics to slacklining teens to sports teams running drills through the park, all under the shade of the towering Ponderosa pines that were preserved a century ago.

Photos Deschutes County Historical Society

Drake Park has grown to almost a half mile of river shoreline, stretching from the Galveston Avenue bridge to the backyard of the Pine Tavern. Mirror Pond’s reflective beauty still represents the heart of Bend, but not without controversy or negative impacts. Silt from the dam is filling up Mirror Pond, as the community debates the best solution. Crowds of people erode the riverbanks and degrade riparian habitats, keeping the Bend Park and Recreation District busy with restoring the vegetation and repairing rock walls. And about those goose droppings…feeding geese bread and popcorn is not healthy—for either the birds or the park.

Trail improvements slated for this year will improve accessibility on the trails and continue the park district’s goal of connecting pathways along the river. Brown explained, “A new boardwalk will cross the river at the north end of Drake Park, at the Newport Avenue bridge. This will connect into the Deschutes River Trail system up to Sawyer Park.”

Photos Deschutes County Historical Society

SHEVLIN PARK: CONNECTING TO NATURE

While Drake Park is at the heart of Bend, Shevlin Park may well be at its soul. Just three miles west of Drake Park, Shevlin Park encompasses 900 acres of mixed conifers and volcanic rock outcroppings, with Tumalo Creek tumbling along the canyon floor. There’s no playground or bandstand—just trails, trees and water. “People come here to walk, find a bit of solitude, connect with nature and escape the busy-ness of town,” said Jeff Hagler, park steward manager.

Like many locals, Bend resident Sue Dougherty feels a special connection to Shevlin Park. “The first time I hiked these trails, after we moved here in 2003, it brought me to tears. I was so happy to belong to a community that would preserve a place like this, when it could have been logged off or developed,” Dougherty said. An avid birdwatcher and photographer, she tracks the changing seasons by what happens in the park. “For years I’d see a pair of mountain bluebirds in a certain snag, and I’d know spring was close,” she said. Birdwatchers can also spot Pygmy owls, woodpeckers and sapsuckers, an occasional great blue heron, and a number of migratory songbirds in the dense creekside willows and aspens.

Photos Deschutes County Historical Society
photo adam mckibben

Despite its natural appearance and majestic old pines, Shevlin Park was once a working part of the timber industry. The Shevlin-Hixon Lumber company owned more than 200,000 forested acres around Bend, including Tumalo Canyon. As the logging cleared whole tracts of land around them, the company management recognized what could be lost if sections of the Cascade forests were not preserved. F. P. Hixon, Shevlin-Hixon’s president, and Tom McCann, general manager, began outlining protection for forested land around Dillon Falls and along the Dalles-California Highway (U.S. Route 97). They also designated 350 acres around Tumalo Canyon and creek to donate to the city, to be used as a park. 

The park was named in honor of Thomas Shevlin, founder of the company. Shevlin was a larger-than-life Midwesterner, an athlete and entrepreneur. After building the lumber company in Bend, he traveled east to coach football at Yale, his alma mater. Shevlin contracted pneumonia and died in 1915, at age 32. The land donated in his name was donated with the stipulation that it remain a natural park for the public to enjoy, in perpetuity. 

When townspeople came out to the new park, they also would visit the fish hatchery north of today’s Shevlin Road entrance. The hatchery land was added to Shevlin Park in 1929, and the Skyliner Ski Club used the pond as a skating rink for many years. Today the hatchery building is the site of Aspen Hall, and the old skating rink is home to a youth fishing pond. The pond stays stocked with rainbow trout for Bend’s kids to learn to cast and land a fish.

Shevlin Park makes it easy for people to enjoy being outside, said Hagler. “It’s such a safe place. I love that our visitors can be here without worrying, and just do their thing,” he added. Parents with strollers and kids on bikes might stick to the paved pathway; nature lovers can hike the 6-mile Loop Trail or the 2.5-mile Tumalo Creek Trail. The park also links into the Mrazek Trail for mountain biking and hiking, with a trailhead near the park entrance and a connecting trail at the south end of the park. This summer, a new trail will connect Discovery Park to Shevlin Park. The Outback Trail meanders through thirty acres of natural, undeveloped land and offers a safer, non-motorized access to Shevlin Park.

Photos Deschutes County Historical Society

LOOKING AHEAD AT BEND PARKS

In the decades since these two founding parks got their start, Bend has added eighty more, ranging from playgrounds to off-leash dog parks to community gardens—with more than seventy miles of trails. This year, the park district broke ground on its eighty-third park: the Alpenglow Community Park in SE Bend. Alpenglow Park will include a “sprayground” water feature, event pavilion and grassy lawn, an off-leash dog play area and multi-use trails. The park is expected to open in 2022.

 

Tips for Creating An Instagram-Worthy Pantry Space
photo Life in jeneral

From spice blends to sourdough starters and air fryers to instant pots, cooking essentials have taken over our kitchens. Home cooking grew exponentially over the past year, both as a diversion and out of necessity. This trend means we’re keeping more food and more appliances on hand. Where do we put it all?

In the quest for efficient storage, savvy home chefs are taking a fresh look at their pantries. Once a black hole of outdated canned goods, crammed with chip bags and dust pans, today’s pantry is transforming into an inviting extension of the kitchen space. A pantry space, large or small, can keep the meal prep humming along in any home. 

All it takes is a bit of planning, a few modifications and some really cute baskets.

Photo NEAT Method Pittsburgh

Designing the space

Unless you’re remodeling or designing a new home, upgrading the pantry means working with what you’ve got. Makeover the current pantry, reclaim an underused broom closet or repurpose a vintage armoire. Even a wall along the basement stairs or mud room can serve as pantry space. 

First, plan shelving to fit your needs: large, bulky items go on low shelves, where pullout drawers are a plus. Seasonal items like turkey roasters go up high. Everyday items go in-between, on shelves about ten inches deep. For individuals with food sensitivities, avoid cross-contamination with dedicated shelf space for gluten-free or special foods. 

To max out the pantry, make your door do more. Sliding doors save space, but traditional doors offer valuable storage territory. Bat-wing door shelves hold spices and small jars. A coat of chalkboard paint turns the door into the family notepad for grocery lists and reminders.

The butler’s pantry, reimagined

Actual butlers are not required to tap into the elements of an old-fashioned butler’s pantry. Installing a countertop between upper and lower shelves adds workspace for a multitude of purposes, like out-of-sight preparations during dinner parties. With electrical outlets, the counter becomes home to the coffeemaker, toaster or microwave, keeping kitchen counters clutter-free.

Busy families use pantry countertops to manage calendars, charge phones and plan meals. Even four-legged family members can claim some pantry space, with a food bowl station tucked into a low slide-out. 

Wine lovers might tuck a modular wine rack or fridge below the counter and hang wine glasses on stemware racks above. When your hands are full, motion-sensor switches for LED task and track lighting makes pantry use even easier.

Tip #1: Not every home has a dedicated pantry space, so work with what’s available. Repurpose a closet or armoire or squeeze a narrow cabinet into the space beside the refrigerator.
Photo Andrea Rugg Photography

Hold it! Baskets and containers 

When it comes to elevating pantry style, clear containers win the prize. From cereal to baking powder, decanting dry goods into see-through tubs creates a clean apothecary vibe. Whether you choose simple mason jars or a contemporary set, keeping quantities visible means you’re less likely to run out. Look for lids that are easy to remove but air-tight to keep staples fresh.

Clear containers are meant to be seen, but what about pantry items best kept out of sight? Baskets are the unsung hero of the pantry, corralling a mishmash of packaging into low maintenance, easy-to-use boxes. Woven seagrass, wooden crates, canvas, or metal—they snug into shelving and present a uniform, attractive front. Give each basket a theme: one for kids’ anytime snacks, one for grab-and-go breakfasts, one for spur-of-the-moment entertaining supplies. They’re not just for corralling food—baskets work well for art supplies and paper goods. 

Pantries are no place for mysteries—every container needs a label. If you’ve got a steady hand, use oil-based metallic sharpies to write directly on the surface or on sticker labels. For those ready for next-level label making, a hand-held label maker may be a worthy investment.

Once the contents of the pantry are in order and labeled, keep organized by putting things away after cooking and carefully restocking after shopping trips.

Tip #2: Keep dry goods organized and easy to find by using clear containers, baskets and even turntables, which offer convenient access to items. Use sharpies, stickers or a hand-held label maker to keep track of what’s in every container.
Photo John Ellis Photo

Craving color

Pantries can be a great place to add colorful accents to liven up an otherwise neutral kitchen and dining area in the home. Try painting the pantry door a vibrant color such as a bold blue or green. If the door has a window to see inside or will be open most of the time, consider the colors of containers, foot stools, small appliances and other items on display inside the room, too.

Wallpaper is once again a popular way to add color and fun designs onto the walls of a room. Choose from a growing number of peel-and-stick varieties to quickly change the look and feel of the pantry. This type of wallpaper is renter-friendly and a great way to test out new décor without a significant commitment. 

With a little planning and organization, some labels and a touch of color, the pantry can be a functional and fun addition to any kitchen.

Tip #3: Consider ways to add a pop of color to the pantry, which can liven up an otherwise neutral kitchen area. Try painting the pantry door a bold color or adding peel and stick wallpaper to a pantry wall. 
Photo NEAT Method Atlanta

 

 

Curling Slides its Way to Bend

Editors Note: This article was originally published January, 2021

On blustery Sunday evenings from November through February, most folks tuck into their cozy homes to wind down the weekend. That’s not the case for Bend locals Shawn and Joe Anzaldo. They’ll be bundling up and heading out to the Pavilion, Bend’s sole ice rink, to join a group of hardy souls with brooms over their shoulders, grippy-soled shoes on their feet and huge smiles on their faces. These are the curlers, and Sunday evening is league night.

“Yep, it’s cold. Freezing, literally. Sometimes the games go late, and the scoring is complicated. But it’s so dang fun—and I love being part of this team,” Shawn said.

What draws people to this sport? It’s accessible—anyone can play. The slo-mo glide of the rock across the ice is mesmerizing, and the final scoring is unpredictable until the last push. And on dark, cold winter nights, curling league at the Pavilion can be the hottest spot in town.

The game has been refined since its origins in Scotland hundreds of years ago—think woolen tweeds swapped for puffy jackets and frozen ponds for covered ice rinks—but its heart remains the same: a team sport that is simple to learn but difficult to master, a serious competition with room for laughs and silliness, and a way to actively gather with friends and embrace the cold dark winter.

Curling is a 500-year-old Scottish pastime that can be described as a winter version of shuffleboard. History suggests it began in the 16th century when a Scottish monk and his cousin began sliding stones across a frozen pond. That friendly competition grew into a team sport that spread across winter-loving cultures from the Netherlands and Scandinavia to Canada. Since the Pavilion opened five years ago, it’s taken hold in Bend, as well.

Modern curling involves two teams of four players who take turns sending stones, carved from Scottish granite, down a narrow sheet of ice, 146 feet in length. One player delivers the stone with a graceful, lunging push, sending it gliding toward the target. Two players then use specialized brooms to furiously scrub the ice ahead of the moving stone, to guide its path. The skip, or team caption, stands behind the target calling out instructions for the sweeper: “Scrub hard! Let it curl! Off!” The strategy lies in guiding the stone to land within the target—and to knock opponents’ stones out of play. All points go to the team with the stone closest to the button, the center of the target.

As outdoor temperatures drop in early November, the Bend Park and Recreation District begins preparing the Pavilion’s ice for skating, hockey and curling. Four permanent curling lanes stretch the length of the rink, with concentric rings (the “house”) embedded in the ice at the lanes’ ends. Meanwhile, hopeful curlers wait for the park district’s curling league registration to begin.

“Registration for teams opened at 8 a.m. this year, and we had twenty teams signed up by 8:05,” said Joel Lee, program coordinator at the Pavilion. Forty teams can participate in the Sunday evening league. The district has added a Wednesday brunch league and drop-in “Learn to Curl” clinics on Friday mornings. All gear for league games is provided—stones, brooms, grippers and sliders (see sidebar).

Lee credits the welcoming, laid-back atmosphere for the sport’s popularity in Bend. “Curling is not like most team sports because it’s new for almost everyone. Experienced players love to help, and people learn quickly that it’s just as fun as it looks,” Lee said.

The Anzaldos have played for several years on the Miller Lumber Legs team, with skip Charlie Miller. The camaraderie keeps this tight-knit crew coming back for another season. Each player goes by a nickname, and Miller keeps them entertained and connected with game recaps that highlight moments big and small. All the teams find ways to keep it fun—some wear matching hats or outfits. “We see a lot of plaid and wigs,” said Lee and laughed.

On Saturday evenings throughout the winter, the Bend Curling Club takes over the Pavilion. This group of curling enthusiasts works with the district to support the sport. They arrive early to set up equipment and spray water droplets on the lanes to pebble the surface. The sessions begin with instructions for newcomers, covering everything from how to avoid falling to proper lunging form. And then the games begin, with a bit more intensity and competitive strategies than seen in the Sunday leagues.

Many club members have past experience with curling. Instructor Janice Robbins remembers curling as a child in New England. “We didn’t have real stones. We filled tea kettles with water to push across frozen ponds all winter,” she said. Another curling club member, Roma Larsson, joined soon after relocating to Bend from Canada. “I played quite a bit in Canada, so I was thrilled to find a curling group here in Bend,” she said. Some members, like Jason Burge, just fell in love with the game and the community that surrounds it.

Burge serves as the curling chairperson for Bend Ice, the community organization for ice sports in Bend. His love of curling began as a spectator, watching the Olympic games and learning the strategies that give curling it’s nickname, “chess on ice.” As a player, he’s drawn to the social side as much as the competitions. “It’s a gentleperson’s sport. We all help each other, even if we risk losing an advantage,” Burge said. “Plus, there’s broomstacking (a post-game gathering) after the games—winners buy the beer!” he added. Bend Curling Club members also travel to regional competitions, often in Portland and Salt Lake City.

The Bend Park and Recreation District and Bend Curling Club have adapted the curling rules as needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Curling is one sport that is particularly suited for COVID-prevention guidelines. This year, teams use one sweeper at a time instead of two. Players stand apart, and the four lanes start the games on alternate ends. The open walls of the Pavilion keep fresh air circulating, and as Burge noted, “It’s not so bad wearing a mask when we’re playing in cold temperatures anyway.”

Bend Curling Club has doubled its roster to sixty members since its inception in 2016. They plan to keep reaching out to local athletes of all ages and abilities and generating support for additional ice space in Bend. Learn more about the club at bendice.org or the Bend Ice Curling Facebook page, and check out BPRD curling opportunities at bendparksandrec.org. Then get your rock, your broom and go for it!

 

Pushing Limits and Managing Risk with Deschutes County Search and Rescue

As Pat Mullens set out on a fat-tire bike tour last February, she expected some adventure. What she didn’t expect was to be saved by a search and rescue unit.

The morning was cold and clear when Mullens, 60, and her friend Siobhan McNulty set out to ride the loop from Skyliner Sno-park to Tumalo Falls, returning via the Skyliner trail. Both women are experienced in backcountry adventures and were fully prepared with emergency supplies. “Several inches of fresh snow had fallen, so we were working hard, but having a great time…until we came to a narrow wooden bridge that was mounded high with packed snow,”  Mullens said.

As she carefully walked her bike across the bridge, Mullens’ foot slipped off the snowpack. She fell six feet into the creek and landed sandwiched between a boulder and her bike. The fall had broken her pelvis and she couldn’t stand. Mullens inched out of the water and wrapped herself in a space blanket, while McNulty rushed down the trail until she found cell service. Frantically, she called the people she knew could help: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue.

Snapshot from the scene of the rescue of Pat Mullens last year, after the fat-tire bike she was riding slipped from a bridge and she broke her pelvis. | photo Bonnie Phippen

At the Heart of Bend’s Outdoor Culture

Every county in Oregon provides search and rescue activities as part of the Sheriff’s Office special services. In Deschutes County, Lieutenant Bryan Husband leads the SAR unit, along with four full-time deputies. According to Husband, it’s the volunteers that place Deschutes County’s SAR among the most capable in the Pacific Northwest. More than 130 trained local volunteers participate in an average of 140 rescue missions annually, in environments that range from river rapids to steep-angle cliffs to backcountry mountain terrain.

“Central Oregon’s wealth of extreme outdoor recreation creates greater demand for SAR help,” Husband said. “Fortunately, our volunteers have such expertise in their fields and are passionate about this work. We couldn’t do this without them.”

Mary van Hilten has been a SAR volunteer for over fifteen years.

SAR is no small commitment: in 2019, volunteers averaged more than 200 hours of SAR training and mission time. All volunteers train for general rescue missions, and many specialize to work in swift water, deep water diving, tracking by horseback, rock climbing, aerial searches by drone and helicopter—and winter rescues like Pat Mullens’.

When McNulty called for rescue on that winter afternoon, every SAR volunteer certified for winter rescue received an alert on their phone. Those available jumped into action, as Husband’s team planned how they would get to Mullens. The team snowshoed in from Tumalo Falls with a sled litter, thermal blanket and medical backpack. They shoveled the bridge flat, packed Mullens in the litter and pulled her back up the trail. At the falls, they transferred her to the “Smurf”—an enclosed snowmobile trailer that delivered her to a waiting ambulance.

Mullens has since healed from her injuries and is back on her bike. “The hardest part was getting back across that bridge. This could have had a very different outcome if not for the SAR folks. I’m so grateful,” she said.

The Volunteer Experience

There’s nothing like the feeling after a successful mission, according to SAR volunteer Mary van Hilten. Van Hilten joined the SAR medical team soon after she moved to Bend in 2006. “Some nights, after a rescue, I can hardly sleep from all the adrenaline,” she said. Van Hilten, 55, has been a hospital nurse for several decades, but SAR emergency medicine is her passion.

On the way to a rescue, her sole focus is handling the medical issues at the scene. “I’m thinking through what I know about the person—their injury, their age and condition. What am I dealing with? We can’t heal people in the field, so how will we stabilize this person and package them for transport—will it be Airlink or an ambulance?” she explained. Medical volunteers bring a Basic Life Support pack equipped to address any medical emergency, from airway and breathing support to splints and bandages. Most injuries don’t ruffle van Hilten’s feathers. “But tell me there is a head injury, and I’m concerned.”

The responsibility feels heavy at times, but van Hilten never feels alone. “I’ve got an excellent team and I can talk with the ER if needed. Most of all, I rely on the deputies—they are tremendous. We follow their chain of command, and they make smart decisions,” she said.    

The work gets under her skin, permeating her personal life at times. “I’ve become more cautious, for sure. I might be hiking to a beautiful summit, but I hardly notice the view. Instead I’m planning how I’d get someone out of the ravine or evaluating other hikers for potential heart attacks. I can’t turn off the SAR instinct,” she said.

But for van Hilten, the rewards outweigh the worries. “When I’m out on a cold winter night rescue, on the back of a snowmobile, I’ll look up at this beautiful starry sky, and I think ‘how cool is this? I get to go save a life! How did I get so lucky to be doing this?’ SAR is really in my blood. These are my people and I can’t get enough.”

Employing High-Tech Tools and Low-Tech Habits

Dan Dawson flying a drone over the high desert.

Over the past decade, SAR activity has shifted towards more rescues and fewer searches. Smartphones and GPS technology allow backcountry explorers to know their routes and get lost less often. “It also means more people venture farther out, so more people get injured or stuck,” Husband said. Often, SAR can pinpoint locations by cell phone, and even guide lost hikers back to the trail by phone.

Drone technology is changing SAR operations as well. Dan Dawson, SAR volunteer, serves as the Air Operations Coordinator. His team of thirty-eight volunteers began training with drones in 2017. Their fleet includes a Mavik Pro and a Mavic 2 Enterprise, for scouting landscapes and routing search teams in real time. Their most advanced aircraft, the Matrice 210, uses thermal imaging to spot warm bodies at night. Dawson appreciates the new ways to apply the technology. “We can drop supplies with the drone, like water or a radio, or give instructions through the speaker. We’re working on delivering life preservers during swift water rescues.”

New rescue technology is impressive, but SAR experts agree the best strategy is to practice low-tech, common sense habits to stay safe in the wilderness. Do research before setting out: check the weather, plan the route and share it with a friend. Pack the ten essentials (see sidebar). Learn to use a paper topo map and compass for the inevitable moment when batteries fade. Stay clear-headed in the backcountry, because over-indulging leads to poor decisions. Most of all, trust your gut. If conditions feel risky, consider a different plan.

Husband encourages people to contact SAR by calling 911 as soon as they realize they need help. SAR does not charge a fee for their rescues, even when a person’s own behavior has caused the problem. “No sheriff’s office would want a person to hesitate calling us because they fear a ticket or a fine,” Husband said. Waiting until dark, or until the situation becomes dire, makes the mission far more dangerous for the volunteers as well as for the person, he explained, and keeping the teams safe is a top priority.

Lieutenant Bryan Husband leads Deschutes County SAR along with four full-time deputies.

The Sar Community

Central Oregon culture revolves around outdoor recreation, with search and rescue at the hub. The most memorable adventures ride a fine line between pushing limits and managing risk. In the same way, SAR volunteers blend passion for their activity with helping others survive when the balance tips toward danger. Along the way they become a second family, a tightknit community with a singular focus.

“There’s no room for egos here, no heroes. Every rescue is a team effort.

Deschutes County SAR recruits new volunteers each November. The application process typically kicks off at the Powder Hound film festival, a long-standing community event which raises funds for equipment and training, through the Deschutes County SAR Foundation.

The selection process is competitive: only twenty-five applicants are accepted each year to train at the SAR academy in the spring. Beyond physical abilities and specific skills, Husband seeks team players. “There’s no room for egos here, no heroes. Every rescue is a team effort,” he said.

No individual heroes, perhaps, but surely a collective one.

0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop