Apologies to Ted Lasso, but water (not football) is life. It’s Earth’s secret sauce, the magic elixir of existence. Those who live amid the plateaus and canyons of Central Oregon understand its value. The perpetually thirsty landscape, porous by nature, absorbs nearly all the scant precipitation it receives and redirects that flow underground. Chemistry and gravity carve fissures in volcanic bedrock, fill vast aquifers underneath arid plains and create rivers that sustain every form of life that call this place home.
Few of us, even the most dedicated anglers and paddlers, are as intimately connected to rivers, fisheries and aquatic ecosystems as professional fishing guides. Successful guides don’t just show up, put in their hours and go home—they observe and catalog every nuance of these complex systems for their clients’ success and safety. Because of that vigilance, they’re often the first to notice when a river changes or exhibits signs of distress.
Mia Sheppard owns and operates Maupin-based Little Creek Outfitters and Juniper River Adventures
From the Mouths of Guides
“Guides witness the river’s rhythms every day,” said Dylan Stanford, who takes clients out on the Deschutes River as owner of North Fork Outfitters. “That awareness and intimacy is beneficial in assessing the health of the river system over time. We see the subtle shifts in water quality and the impact on the bird, insect and fish populations. It’s our home water. We’re consistent observers of this place.”
Similarly, Mia Sheppard owns and operates Maupin-based Little Creek Outfitters and Juniper River Adventures with her husband, Marty. She’s been a professional fishing and river guide since 2003.
“Every day, I wake up and see the Deschutes River,” Sheppard explained. “We have raised our daughter on the water. We have hiked almost every canyon and peak in the lower 25 miles. Rivers are our life. [They’re] the lifeblood of Oregon rural communities and this planet.”
Matt Mendes of Spin the Handle guide service has been guiding on the Warm Springs Reservation since he was 16 years old. He apprenticed under his grandfather, the first Native guide on the Warm Springs section of the Deschutes, and continues to work as a full-time fishing guide.
“The Deschutes River is like family: The water, this river, it means everything to us, [through] several generations. I’ve grown up on it. My grandpa took me fishing there. My kids now fish it. I’ve spent countless days and hours with friends on it. It gives us confidence, life, peace, closure and, at moments, even sadness.”
Dylan Stanford
Protecting Resources
Unlike casual anglers and recreators, guides have multiple incentives to care for the river. “Guides bear an inherent responsibility to steward the waters they work,” said Stanford. “We’re obligated to preserve, educate and advocate for these ecosystems. Our livelihoods are tied to the health of the river and fish populations, so it’s not only an ethical obligation, but in a guide’s best business interest to protect these natural resources.”
“Outfitters and guides play significant roles in river conservation,” said Sheppard. “We educate people about the river and wildlife, about sustainable practices, such as how to properly handle wild fish; we inspire people to practice Leave No Trace; we pick up trash and poop and pack it out; we break up fire rings and pull noxious weeds. Our business has donated more than $100,000 in trips to conservation organizations over the years.”
Mendes holds himself and his business accountable to the river, carrying on his family legacy of stewardship.
Forming Relationships
Good guides don’t just lead to fish, they help people develop relationships with rivers and educate them about wild places. The fish are adrenaline catalysts, searing experiences in the minds of people who would otherwise never have such visceral and personal reasons to care about watershed conservation. Some of the people who hire guides become ardent conservation supporters themselves.
“On the surface, it would seem that a fishing guide is primarily responsible to put their clients on fish,” Stanford said. “In my experience, however, the fishing—and especially the catching of the fish—comes second to the overall experience. Bridging the gap between a mysterious wild river and people who want to interact with that place in a positive way is what makes a great guide. I believe people are more likely to protect what they know and understand.”
Sheppard believes guides facilitate meaningful interactions that would otherwise never happen. “A lot of people don’t have a boat, know how to row safely, or have time to learn a river,” she said. “This is why people hire guides. We are all servants to the resources and to our guests. When guests inquire about where to donate money, we offer suggestions on NGOs [nonprofits that address non-governmental or political issues] we trust or suggest giving back to rural communities and programs.”
Fishing and river guides don’t care for the rivers because they work as guides; they work as guides because they care for the rivers.
Mendes explained, “When I need to get away, I go listen to the sounds of the canyon. The wind, the birds, the pungent aromas of sage and juniper. The sound of the water rushing over the rocks balances out my soul. It’s the best medicine around. When I’m in such a sacred and powerful place, all is well again.”
Sisters filmmaker R.A. Beattie and Off the Grid Studios premiered a new film, “The Hard Way,” depicting the beauty and challenges of the Deschutes River through the eyes of fly-fishing guide Matt Mendes. An enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Mendes follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was the first Native American fishing guide on the river. The film portrays four seasons of the Deschutes and how the living ecosystem changes throughout the year. Beattie and his team, including writer Miles Nolte and cinematographer Arian Stevens, took two years to create “The Hard Way” and secured rare permits to film on tribal land.
“While it’s a fishing film, it’s not just about the fish,” said Beattie. “It’s about effort, place and presence; about showing what it really means to choose the harder path, and why that choice matters. It’s the kind of story that reminds us why we started fishing in the first place, and why it’s worth pushing through the tough days to get to the good ones.”
The film premiered as part of the 2025 Fly Fishing Film Tour, which spanned more than 14 countries and 300 events, including a sold-out premier in Bend in spring 2025. See offthegridstudios.com.
Winter fishing in Central Oregon falls into the Big Risk, Big Reward category. The rewards, which outweigh the risks of cold temperatures and slick footing, center on a Zenlike tranquility of beautiful snow-lined rivers while testing one’s fishing skills against the genetically wired instincts of a fish in the middle of winter.
Trout, like other fish, remain active in winter; however, cold water temperatures slow their metabolism. They still prey on the larval stages of aquatic insects, scuds (small shrimplike crustaceans) and smaller fish. Understanding the river’s biology and a trout’s seasonal dietary preferences are important additions to any angler’s winter tackle box.
Salmonids 101
Not all trout are “trout,” but rather are representative of the salmon family. Rainbow, brown and redband trout, as well as steelhead, are “true trout.” Steelhead differ in that they are a “sea run” form of either rainbow or redband trout, meaning these fish migrate from freshwater to the Pacific Ocean where they live for several years before returning to their birthplace or natal stream to spawn. Kokanee, common in Central Oregon, are a non-anadromous form of sockeye salmon, meaning they do not migrate to the ocean. Brook, lake and bull trout may bear a trout name but they are char, a group of fish defined by a lack of teeth in their upper palate, and they bear various light-colored spots on their dark backs. Another salmonid, the mountain whitefish, is also found throughout Central Oregon.
Winter Fly Fishing Locales
The Metolius River is a spring-fed river with its headwaters in the shadow of Black Butte near Camp Sherman where bull, rainbow and brown trout are found. The river runs north, clear and cold, gliding past the Green Ridge escarpment before reaching Lake Billy Chinook. Spectacular scenery is a bonus to this world-class fishery. Local angler Kacey Davey, a public information officer for the Oregon Department of Transportation, became hooked on fishing for bull trout, known as the “grizzly bear of the fish world,” along the Metolius in winter. She uses big streamers—artificial flies she creates with feathers that imitate small fish.
Winter Fishing, Fall River
Both the Deschutes and Crooked are two tailwater rivers, meaning river flows are dam-controlled. The 9 miles below Bowman Dam on the Crooked has deep pools and pocket water—smooth water above and below a protruding boulder—to fish even during the low flows. Nymphing, lightly weighted artificial flies that sink and drift along the bottom of the river, is the preferred method for trout and mountain whitefish during the cold months, especially in the absence of insect hatches.
The Deschutes River is the premier rainbow trout fishery in Oregon; the Lower Deschutes Back Country Byway, from Maupin to Mack’s Canyon, is more angler friendly than the upper stretches in winter. Fall River is spring fed, resulting in clear and cold water year-round with many downed logs that provide cover for trout.
An Ice Fishing Option
“Diamond Lake is one of the coolest spots to ice fish because everything is right there at the lodge, and it’s a really fun place to take the kids,” said RA Beattie, a filmmaker with Off the Grid Studios, “You can walk right out of the lodge onto the ice.” Ice fishing requires minimal gear: a warm-water rod and reel with lightweight line, a tackle box, some bait and a chair or bucket to sit on. An ice auger bit attached to a power drill can be used for making holes in the ice. Powerbait works well for rainbows or tiger trout, a unique hybrid species named for its tigerlike stripes and aggressive behavior. These catch-and-release fish were stocked in Diamond Lake to prey on invasive bait fish.
Safety Tips
Before heading out, check myODFW’s Recreation Report and Oregon Trip Check online for seasonal closures, license requirements and road conditions. Stop by one of the many fly fishing shops in the region for information and gear. For those new to winter fishing, Beattie recommends hiring a guide to be safe and to enhance the experience.
“There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing,” added Davey. She bundles up in fleece under her chest waders, plus uses toe and hand warmers. She may slip traction cleats over her boots for better grip on slippery river banks, but boots with studs are kinder to the river bottom. Anglers fishing on ice-bound lakes should wear a life vest, too. With some planning and fortitude, there are plenty of opportunities to fish on a winter day in Central Oregon. See myodfw.com.
Glide down a snowy mountain glistening as brightly as the stars above. Slip into dimly lit enclaves bubbling with banter. Sip smoky-spicey cocktails and nibble eclectic tapas. Seize country-hip-hop-swing moves that connect you to everyone on the dance floor. Even when the sun goes down early, there’s plenty to satisfy everyone late into the night.
Nighttime Is the New Nosh Time
Feel the warmth of Mayan and Mediterranean flavors whisk you away on a frosty January night.
San Simón
[Pictured Above] Alleys take you off the beaten path. After dark, there’s an air of intrigue. What better way to embrace the night? In Tin Pan Alley downtown, feel like a film noir character as you slip into one of the cozy wooden booths outside San Simón, with the chiaroscuro of lights strung above and the flicker of firepit tables. Slyly sip a concoction of freshly squeezed juice, spirit-lifting spirits and liqueurs made by mixologists intent on transporting you to another country in a glass. Nibble charcuterie, cheeses and briny bites of sardine and mussel conservas from Spain.
Linger here or step inside as you let loose your inner Bohemian amid the candlelit brick walls. Should some of your wishes for the evening not yet be fulfilled, consider invoking a favor from the bar’s eponymous Mayan folk deity who smokes, drinks and answers prayers that would make saints blush.
Bar Rio Cocktail
Bar Rio
Imagine burning cacti—warm and prickly—in an image Frida Kahlo might’ve painted. Then sip one: Bar Rio’s burning cacti cocktail is golden brown reposado tequila, peppery, roasted-chile Ancho Reyes liqueur, prickly pear, dark chili-rich simple syrup, lime and a rim encrusted with Tajín (ground dried chili peppers, dehydrated lime and sea salt). Revel in the lovely heat on a winter night.
Order Cuban pork sliders with prosciutto, pickles, spicy mustard, Jack cheese and Calabrian chili oil on a local Curmuffins hoagie, or get comfy with a small plate of lamb merguez sausage and orecchiette pasta, zucchini, basil, tomato, light gorgonzola cream and hazelnut-chorizo crumb. Head to Bar Rio.
Inside Bar RBC Downtown Bend
Bar RBC
Make your way down the long, narrow bar or up the stairs to an intimate, loftlike space that’s perfect for sharing nighttime secrets. Time for a French Kiss—here, it’s a brandy-soaked prune shamelessly stuffed with foie gras—the start of a smooth, oaky-sweet, buttery party on your palate. Pair it with gintonic (as it’s known in Spain), and the housemade tonic’s serious bubbles will make you feel effervescent, too.
Then bring on the ocean. Bite into grilled octopus with the mild heat of piperade and a cilantro-jalapeño-mayonnaise-Parmesan aji verde. Dip salt cod fritters into aioli, and order that second libation.
Going out at night to dance is more than a mere pastime. “On a biological level, dance is something that connects us in a very human way,” according to Alex Reininger, a marine biologist and a dance teacher at Cross-Eyed Cricket Watering Hole where the focus is on fun and line dancing. Lessons out on the floor make line dancing easy for first-timers, whether it’s kicking it to ’90s classic country, hip-hop country or swing. All ages are welcome, no need to bring a partner, and kids’ lessons in the early evening get parents out there, too. Dancing is not only fun and noncompetitive, it’s health-boosting, said Reininger. “If we can find these fun outlets for movement, such as line dancing, you can let loose. You can be a little silly. And when we dance, we’re kind of connected in a nonverbal way. It’s very physical…similar to fish in the school. Dance is a way that we can communicate and express and tap into our creativity and connection as a species.” Dancing also taps into deep cultural roots, she added.
Line Dancing, Cross Eyed Cricket in Bend
The vibe goes south—longitudinally speaking—at a few venues in Bend. At the vaguely equatorial lands of The Flamingo Room, the dance vibes heat up on the last Sunday of every month. Escape to a tropical foliage-packed packed hideaway with creative cocktails, where you can dance an early winter’s night away from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Miraculously, you’ll be in bed before the clock strikes nueve.
Nothing lets you feel the heat of Latin culture quite like the tango. Take a lesson and practice your moves Wednesday nights at the (not-so-Latin sounding) Sons of Norway Hall. The weekly sessions called Tango in Bend have gained popularity over the past decade, with teachers Tyler Haas and Emma James. Although the couple is taking a break from the endeavor, the sessions aren’t skipping a beat in 2025 with students trained to step into their role, Haas said.
On the first Thursday of every month, venture underground to The Capitol for Latin dancing that starts at 8 p.m. and goes late. Discover DJs playing a range of Latin genres or live music by BENDiciones Salsa Orchestra. It pays to heed the Flamingo’s call on social media: “What the world needs now is dance, and love, and dance.” Whether you think of yourself as a dancer or not, they encourage people to join in creating good energy—and that’s good for you, too.
Kindled Spirits
Embers swirl, scarlet flames leap and your cheeks glow beside the iron firepits. Raising a glass of rich amber single malt, you take in the toffee-almond buttered popcorn aroma. The powerful warmth and caramel finish envelop you—body, mind and soul. You’re among like-minded members of the Whiskey Club on the spacious patio wrapping around the intimate O’Kane’s at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, the 1936 Catholic school turned brewery. Peruse the members’ Whiskeys in the Shed menu for a rare special release, hard-to-find whiskey or a limited-edition McMenamins library spirit. A quarterly release of small-batch spirits rounds out members-only shenanigans, along with Whiskey Rambles: tastings and small bites with the distillers on tours of the production spaces.
O’Kane’s Fire Pits, McMenamins Downtown Bend
The patio with strings of lights and foliaged arbors attracts dozens imbibing McMenamins creations such as Bamberg Obsession, a 2023 International Beer Awards gold-medal winner. Their Munich Helles lager’s beechwood smoked malt suits the atmosphere perfectly amid the smoldering wood, the bar’s massive, kettle-like Round Oak stove from 1896 and the aroma of cigars, also a throwback (to 2007 when O’Kane’s was grandfathered in before the state ban on smoking in bars).
Firepit studded pubs, such as Crux Fermentation Project and Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5, have popped up since O’Kanes, the OG which opened 20 years ago. Back then, old-school bartender recruits said no one would want to sit outside at night and drink when it’s cold. But they were dead wrong, and it set a trend, said O’Kanes General Manager Freestar Yost.
Hoodoo Nights: Onesies, Thriftys and Tikis
Stars up, skis out. Long known for its nighttime slope action, Hoodoo Ski Resort has more reasons to head up the mountain in Sisters after the sun has slipped below the horizon: family-and-wallet-friendly fun and a romantic option, too. This year brings the new Onesie Wednesdays—don a vintage ’80s ski suit or zip your plush unicorn, hedgehog or Minion pajama over functional gear to ski or ride 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for $30. The tradition of Thrifty Thursdays continues: wear anything for the first chair through the last at 9 p.m. for $35.
Even in the dark, you can soak up Hoodoo’s locally owned and operated, noncorporate, family-first culture. “We’re not the biggest mountain, we don’t have the most terrain, but what we do have is a ton of heart,” said Jennifer Davis, marketing director at Hoodoo. “We don’t have a lot of rules. We get to be unique individuals, and when you come to Hoodoo, you feel that and…fall in love with us.”
Night skiing Wednesday through Saturday includes Friday Night Lights with live music, bonfires and giveaways. For the first time, the annual Enchanted Nordic Trek will be held on Valentine’s Day this year, with Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on a loop lined with tiki torches. Nibble chocolate-covered strawberries and hit the downhill trails afterward.
Recreation in Bend might stereotypically look like snowboarders hurling through the air or mountain bikers screaming downhill, but there’s an enthusiastic subset of locals who like to crowd around tabletop board games to laugh, drink, strategize and relax.
These are the gamers. Some love Dungeons and Dragons, Sorry! or Code Names, while others are drawn to Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer or Gin Rummy. These days, gamers of any kind can meet up outside the confines of someone’s living room and stake out a table at dedicated hubs such as Modern Games, a game shop in Bend, and Pangaea Guild Hall, a bar and restaurant in Redmond.
“It seems that the event space and cafe model has been trending in game shops in the post-pandemic era,” said John Stacy, executive director of the Game Manufacturers Association, a national nonprofit trade organization dedicated to advocating for the hobby games industry. “People want to hang out together, and it’s been a useful way for owners to diversify revenue streams.”
Modern Games in Bend
The isolation and dynamics of the pandemic inspired avid gamers Peter Askew and his wife Lindsay to buy Modern Games in The Box Factory between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District in 2022. Peter wanted to realign his life around his values and passions. He quit his management position at a commercial bakery to build this gathering spot for people who wanted a “third space,” a place to relax and hang out outside of work and home.
“There’s something magical about sitting around a table with people to play a game,” said Peter. “It unlocks a special social dynamic. People come to the table without phones in hand and enjoy a connective moment.”
Peter Askew, Owner of Modern Games, Bend, Oregon
That magic could be why the gaming industry is exceeding pre-pandemic growth. “The scope of the $12.4 billion industry is forecast to grow to $20 billion in the next 10 years,” said Stacy. This is a growth industry.”
Peter saw his business grow around 25% in 2024 as he positioned his store as a modern rendition of the traditional game shop. Not only does Modern Games have snacks and beer for sale, the newly designed space has a completely different vibe.
“I’ve been going into game and card shops for 35 years,” said Peter. “Shops all look the same: dark with wobbly folding tables and chairs and stained carpet. At Modern Games, we have skylights, a bay door and custom-made tables and shelving. It’s a welcoming space for everyone. I have no qualms about bringing my 12-year-old daughter to play with whoever is there.”
Most days of the week, there are themed gatherings at Modern Games, with Sunday morning Magic: The Gathering and Wednesday night Wargaming sessions being the most popular. But people are welcome anytime during opening hours to crack open a game and settle in.
Play and Stay Awhile at Pangaea Guild Hall, Redmond
In downtown Redmond, customers are also encouraged to play and hang out at Pangaea Guild Hall, a bar and cafe dedicated to gaming which opened in May 2024. Though Pangaea doesn’t sell games, it has tables for gaming and private game rooms decorated with different themes, including Dungeons and Dragons, Tarot Fortune Telling and a Zen tea room.
“We named it Pangaea after the supercontinent,” said Christopher Trulsen, co-owner, general manager and Dungeon Master of multiple Dungeons & Dragons games. “It’s a space for everyone of all different backgrounds to come together, whether it be business folks looking to hole up with their laptops, families with kids or senior citizens meeting for happy hour.”
Trulsen and his wife Keri had noticed there was no tabletop gaming spot in Redmond. “There were dive bars that would tolerate gaming, but nothing else. The pandemic taught us that humans need face-to-face interaction. People need a place to play and geek out about games together, so we went for it.”
Trulsen left his career in food manufacturing and food science and partnered with his brother, a bartender and bar manager. Every day they offer a different cocktail special, including Cosplay Saturdays—$1 off a drink for anyone dressed up as their favorite game character. Their events aspire to bring the community together, such as a Murder Mystery dinner party series. So pull up a chair, grab an ale, and play through the winter in good company.
A slight turn of the throttle thrusts the snowmobile forward. My muscles tense up in an effort to hold on tightly as I race across a snow field with childlike enthusiasm. Below me, a new 2024 Polaris XC 650 matches my adrenaline while the Cascade Range frames an adventure. The wind practically rips through me as I glide atop the snow trying to reach maximum speed before I slow down, shift my weight, and lean into the curve to execute a 180-degree turn and accelerate once again. The conditions place me in a state of Zen as one thought floats in and out of my brain: This is not my grandfather’s snow machine.
In 1959, Canadian entrepreneur Joseph-Armand Bombardier invented the iconic Ski-Doo, complete with wooden skis and a strut-type suspension. Over the next few decades, increased horsepower and improved suspension brought snowmobiles to a wider audience. By the late 1990s, four-stroke engines forged reliability and environmentally conscious practices through fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. But it was 21st-century technology that gave the sport the biggest bump in popularity. Advanced suspension systems improved ride comfort, stability and handling to expand the terrain and conditions that snow machines could safely travel. In addition, GPS navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity and smart displays enhanced the experience and bring snowmobiles, or sleds, into the modern recreation vernacular.
The day touring the Newberry National Volcanic Monument began early with quick introductions and an important safety check. My tour group and I met at the winter headquarters of Octane Adventures, located at the 10-Mile Sno-Park parking area. The staff fitted us for helmets and checked for correct clothing inside its warm Mongolian Ger (aka yurt) before we headed out to the lined up snowmobiles. Our gang of seven listened intently to the enthusiastic guide, as he methodically spoke about the snowmobile’s workings, how to operate it safely and abide by the rules of the trail, and what we could expect on our four-hour tour.
Our guides began their day several hours earlier as they lit a fire in the yurt, checked the day’s weather report and discussed trail conditions. Next, they pulled out the snow machines, performed safety checks and linked the GPS units for their groups. Last season, Octane Adventures guided roughly 400 tours on trails in the around Paulina Peak.
“In our opinion, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is one of the most scenic locations you can snowmobile in Central Oregon, or Oregon for that matter,” said Octane Adventures Owner Matt Miller.
Central Oregon’s Snowmobile Playground
Enthusiasts travel from across the world to hop on a snowmobile and experience Central Oregon snowfall on thousands of acres of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land. Some seek the unimproved backcountry while others hit the hundreds of miles of smooth corduroy on groomed trails, including the 150 miles circling Paulina Peak where we would ride that day.
Another popular venue for a winter’s outing is up Century Drive, which inevitably involves trailers and trucks filled with sleds on their way to adventure. For those with their own equipment, Kapka and Edison Butte sno-parks offer great trails on both sides of the highway. Easily accessible Wanoga Sno-Park includes a warming hut in the parking area for riders to discuss their plan for the day or boast about their day’s accomplishments on the more than 180 miles of groomed trails. Central Oregon Adventures leads tours out of Wanoga for those interested. The even more popular Dutchman Flat Sno-Park offers some of the best views in the state as snow riders weave in between the Three Sisters mountains. If you’re looking for an overnight lodge stay, ride the 11 miles down the Cascade Lakes Highway to Elk Lake Resort for accommodations ranging from rustic cabins to luxury mountain vacation home rentals.
The best day with incredible views thanks to our tour with Octane Adventures
Outside of the Bend area, the Three Creeks Sno-Park provides access to the backside of the Three Sisters Wilderness and Tam McArthur Rim.
“Whether you want to visit the frozen waterfalls or obsidian flows, play around in the pumice flats or take a ride to the top of Paulina Peak at nearly 8,000 feet, it offers something for everyone,” explained Miller.
Our crew followed our guide as we weaved in and out of his tracks and peppered snow behind us from bursts of acceleration. Though traveling together, each rider controlled their own destiny of speed and path taken.
Those enjoying the groomed trails can thank local snowmobile clubs that pay for most of the grooming through dues and fundraising events. Statewide, 30 clubs, including locally-based Moon Country Snowbusters and Lodgepole Dodgers Club, promote the sport of snowmobiling, the benefits of environmentalism, and staying safe in the backcountry.
Clubs promote camaraderie between snowmobilers and fellow recreationalists. I have been towed by into the backcountry by enthusiastic snowmobilers to ski both Tam McCarthur Rim and Broken Top Mountain. These local nonprofits also help the Deschutes County Search and Rescue Team find lost snow revelers.
Find cold beer, and fresh fish brought in from the Oregon Coast at Paulina Lake Lodge.
But this excursion was a revved-up opportunity to have fun on sleds. The day includes a dose of adrenaline along with nature’s spectacular beauty and sweeping views from 7,303 feet at the Cinder Hill Viewpoint.
Toward the end of our tour, our guides led us to Paulina Lake Lodge to take advantage of the diverse menu, including fish brought in almost daily from the Oregon Coast. We had a respite in the cozy wood-framed cafe, and took stock of our shared experience. That day proved snowmobiling is more than just 650cc of power on snow; it’s a connection to the wilderness and those who spend the day enjoying it with you.
Dry-Land Training Minimizes Injury and Maximizes Fun on the Slopes
As the summer heat wanes and the first hints of autumn appear, athletes in Bend are already gearing up for the winter sports season. The shoulder season, that transitional period before the snow blankets the slopes, is a crucial time for both competitive and recreational athletes alike to hone their skills, build strength and stay sharp. Whether you’re a lift junkie while downhill skiing or snowboarding, love to earn your turns in the backcountry, or prefer the endurance element of Nordic skiing, with a little thought, prep and foresight, you can make the most of this off-season and be ready for opening day.
According to Mandon Welch, a physical therapist at MW Physical Therapy and Sports Performance in Bend, core stability and hip strength are paramount for all winter sports disciplines. “You can’t shoot a cannon off of a canoe,” Welch said, highlighting the importance of a stable core. “Exercises focusing on trunk strength, axial stability and hip strength form the foundation of effective dry-land training. These areas are crucial for generating the force needed in sports like snowboarding and alpine skiing.”
Shevlin Park area | Photo by Arian Stevens
Welch also noted that flexibility, power and plyometric strength are integral components of winter sports conditioning. “Doing exercises that closely mimic the specific demands of each sport without actual snow is key,” he said. “If you can go into the season at a higher fitness level, it will significantly shorten the curve to be ready, making the transition from dry-land to snow that much easier.”
A good pre-season regime also helps to reduce injury among older athletes. “The most common ski injury is ACL ruptures,” he said, while Nordic tends to be mostly overuse injuries. “Keeping good strength across those foundational areas will help reduce that risk,” he added.
Mixing Up in the Off Season
In addition to focused gym workouts and training, US Ski Team athlete and three-time Olympian Tommy Ford says he likes to mix it up in the off-season to keep training both interesting and fun. “I’m always trying to find different cross training opportunities that are helpful,” said Ford. Rock climbing increases core strength and mobility, plus climbing is great for mental focus, explained Ford. “It pushes your limits. You’re tired, you might be exposed high up on a wall—it forces you to stay calm and keep focus to get to the top,” he said.
Smith Rock State Park | Photo by Ben Kitching
Former Summit High School athlete and now U.S. Snowboard Rookie Halfpipe Team member Elijah Pyle mountain bikes to train. “Going fast downhill through the trees is similar to snowboarding in that it forces you to be focused and gets you into that flow state,” he said. Trampoline training is another key element of Pyle’s shoulder-season routine, allowing him to practice tricks in a safer environment. “Trampolining helps you visualize and perfect tricks without the risk of injury on hard snow,” he said.
For Bendite and Montana State University Nordic skier Delaney Jackson, the off-season is all about making gains. “Roller skiing is probably the most beneficial exercise as it closely mimics the movements and techniques used in cross-country skiing,” Jackson said. Using adapted roller skates and ski poles with different tips, roller skiing allows cross-country skiers to skate along roads and paths before the snow falls. “I try to use paved bike paths as much as possible,” said Jackson. “Skyliners is classic for roller skiers, but I try to do a lot in the Tree Farm neighborhood because it’s great for interval training.”
How to Keep Motivated
For any winter sport athlete, another challenge can simply be staying motivated when conditions don’t allow them to practice their sport. Elijah Pyle explained that to keep his motivation high, he works out with fellow snowboarders and it helps everyone get better.
Mt. Bachelor Downhill Bike Park | Photo courtesy of MBSEF
Pyle also shared how he keeps himself inspired by focusing on the more artistic side of his sport. “Watching old snowboarding movies is a great way to get you inspired,” he said. “Or do some art or [make] music. Sometimes that creative spirit is just as important as the technical ability.”
While not everyone in Central Oregon is a professional athlete, preparation into the shoulder season can pay dividends when the snow begins to fall.
Hush Hush Coffee in Central Oregon Merges Outdoor Adventure and Quality Coffee
On a freezing February morning, I was up before the sun, putting on extra layers before heading out the front door. My mission was to get the day’s first cup of coffee.
However, this was no ordinary stop-in at my local cafe. On this particular morning I would be having a Hush Hush Coffee nomadic cafe experience at the hosted pop-up gathering by invitation that combines some of Central Oregon’s favorite niche locations with specialty coffee service.
Other coffee adventurers would join, too. Multiple paths through four inches of fresh snow snaked their way to the overlook at Overturf Park as the sun rose. At the top, Ron Sparks and Adam Foster, the founders of Hush Hush Coffee, set up a small camping table with everything needed to make a morning cup for their guests.
While Foster and Sparks labored over how coarse to grind the beans and what roasts would satisfy their guests, patrons mingled. From the outside, it would appear as a group of regulars. However, upon listening to the conversations around me, I began picking up on a similar theme—like me, this was many people’s first time at a Hush Hush event.
For more than two hours, strangers shared their morning cup of coffee together, leaving as friends. Foster and Sparks periodically made their way through the crowd, topping cups off and boasting of a new blend they had just brewed. We were happy to oblige.
After the nomadic cafe experience, I followed the same path back through the snow, although more had accumulated, and returned down through Overturf Park to my car. Later, I caught up with Sparks and Foster to take a deep dive into the origins of Hush Hush, both the coffee and the experience.
The Hush Hush Concept Kicks Off as Coffee with Friends
Hush Hush, the concept, found its roots about as organically as the coffee that Foster and Sparks brew. The two friends regularly took their lunch breaks at Riverbend Park, especially when the sun was shining. Along with their lunches, the two would bring their coffee paraphernalia.
“We would make pour-overs from our built-up coffee travel kits housed inside Stanley lunch boxes,” Sparks said.
Eventually, the pair invited some friends to join them. In August of 2022, with five others in attendance, Hush Hush had their first “official” nomadic cafe. “It was just a few friends hanging out before work and enjoying whatever coffee we happened to be digging that week,” Sparks said.
Both men had previous experience working in the coffee industry, and it seemed the coffee bug didn’t leave them. “Ron purchased a small, 1kg commercial roaster just so we could play around with roasting and cupping different coffees in his garage,” Foster said. They would always roast more than needed, discreetly giving the extra to family and friends—or “hush-hush,” as they would say.
Foster and Sparks’ love for coffee is clear. They can often be overheard discussing the subject in great detail. Sparks and Foster’s passion shines through as they grind and brew truly phenomenally-tasting coffee. However, they are not coffee snobs. Rather, they just want to share a better cup of coffee with you.
Quality coffee is at the center of a Hush Hush experience. “We are very much the opposite of a traditional cafe,” Sparks said. “We do everything intentionally slowly; we weigh our coffee, hand grind our coffee and hand-pour.” The fullness of the coffee-making process is evident at the nomadic cafes, and, dare I say, somehow makes the coffee taste better.
“We love all kinds of coffee,” Foster said. “We love to explore what’s in season and what new processes roasters are experimenting with. We each have our own go-to favorite style.” Foster leans toward Ethiopian, funky and fruity blends, while Sparks tends to enjoy Central American beans, with more of a chocolatey profile and just a touch of citrus.
Why a “Nomadic Cafe” Experience?
Apart from keeping a high bar for the coffee beans it serves, a key aspect of Hush Hush Coffee is its nomadic cafe experience. Sparks and Foster are clear that the concept is purposeful.
“We figured we could utilize our passions for coffee and community as an excuse to bring people together in our favorite place to slow down and reflect: the outdoors,” Foster said.
And this is exactly what happens at a Hush Hush nomadic cafe. A hike or bike ride on a trail to get there is an investment in the experience. And, if you have time to hike into a location, you likely have time to stick around and chat, to develop the Hush Hush community in that moment. This isn’t a rushed morning waiting in line for your latte at a coffee retail giant. On the contrary, you can expect to enjoy your carefully crafted coffee while chatting with someone new.
“The heart of Hush Hush is that we love coffee, community and adventure,” Foster and Sparks said. “There’s something really fun about inviting people out to join this little morning ritual with each other and having them interact back.”
Coffee Outdoors or Delivered to Your Door
Beyond offerings at its nomadic cafes, Foster and Sparks are launching a monthly subscription program to bring Hush Hush Coffees to the hands of coffee lovers.
Since Hush Hush Coffee emphasizes people finding themselves outside, Foster and Sparks have created their subscription-based coffee experience to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
“For each subscription delivery, a tree is planted by [environmental nonprofit] One Tree Planted. Four percent of all profit goes to protect outside spaces, and we’ve made our packaging completely home and industrial compostable,” Sparks shared.
With the help of friends, the pair also hopes to extend Hush Hush nomadic cafes outside of Oregon. “We’d love to see a Hush Hush Nomadic Cafe set up in every state in the U.S. to get people outside and connect over coffee,” he said.
So, how do you attend the next Hush Hush Coffee nomadic cafe experience? Easy: follow Hush Hush Coffee on Instagram. Foster and Sparks typically host a nomadic cafe every month, which they will post about, usually the day before. Direct message Hush Hush Coffee when you see the post, and a response will include a date, time and location.
The winter holidays are ripe with tradition. While some are better forgotten (a certain aunt’s fruitcake, perhaps?), others elicit that warm glow and special memory that makes this time of year a cherished one.
For my family, cutting down a Christmas tree is our beloved holiday tradition. Loading up the family truck, plowing through snow on a forest road and searching for that ever-elusive, perfect tree is something we look forward to each year. Though the tree may be the end goal, it’s just one part of what makes this tradition worth repeating. The outing itself is the real present, as well as the memories made while tromping around in snowy woods.
If you’re new to cutting down your own tree, Central Oregon is a great place to start. National forests surround us, making it accessible and easy. With a simple permit purchase and a little planning, you could be adding a new tradition to your family.
Before the hunt begins, spend some time preparing to ensure success. This is key, especially if you have little ones in tow. Dress warmly, bring layers, and have a few extras in the car just in case—you never know when you might need them. Warm drinks for the journey are a must (hot cocoa and spiked apple cider is our go-to) and hot food for the return, such as a hearty soup or chili. Scope out some locations on your map beforehand so you’re not aimlessly wandering snowy forest roads, and be sure to bring an actual printed map since cell service can be spotty in areas. As always, it’s also a good idea to have emergency supplies in the car as a safeguard.
Having an idea of what type of tree you’re looking for will help point you in the right direction. Douglas fir, white fir, incense cedar, lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine are all tucked away if you know where to look. According to the National Forest Service, pine trees are prevalent around lower elevations near Bend and Sisters and on south and western-facing slopes around Prineville, while the thicker, full-bodied fir trees and cedars can be found at higher elevations in Bend and Sisters or on northern and eastern slopes near Prineville.
Grab a $5 tree permit from any Forest Service office in Central Oregon or from a number of retail locations (such as any Central Oregon Bi-Mart store). Permits are good for one tree only, and trees should only be cut down on national forest lands. When grabbing a permit, ask for an accompanying tree map that provides some clues as to where to look for the various types of trees and remember to choose a tree at least 200 feet from main roads or 300 feet from any body of water. Before departing, grab everything you need to both take the tree down properly (handsaw or hatchet) as well as transport it home (tarp, rope or tie-down straps).
When you arrive and set out on your quest, keep in mind it takes time to find a tree that’s just the right height (trees should be under twelve feet tall) and symmetrical. Each year we think we’ve spotted the perfect conifer only to discover a sizable gap or thin branches on the other side. Don’t get discouraged—the most important part is having fun. Pepper in a snowball fight or two, make a snowman with a funny face for the next family to discover, or simply stand as still as you can and take in the pristine, beautiful quiet of a winter’s day in the woods.
Whether your perfect tree is worthy of a Hallmark card or more in line with Charlie Brown, it’s about the fun and experience—because that’s what makes a tradition worth repeating.
