Winter and Snow Sports
Snow doesn't shut down the possibilities for recreation. For many, it offers new choices, including cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. For many, the perfect place for easy winter fun is Moore Park, where snow-packed hills are perfect for tubers and the roads and trails offer a variety of choices for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. While any place covered with snow becomes fair game for cross-country skiers, the legendary choice is Crater Lake National Park, which receives an average of nearly 530 inches in an average winter. The Lake of the Woods offers a network of signed trails. In northern Klamath County, choices include marked routes near Chemult and at Odell Lake. The Willamette Pass Ski Area is a favorite destination for downhill skiers and snowboarders, as is the Warner Canyon Ski Area, a community-run area just 11 miles from downtown Lakeview. Snowmobilers will find hundreds of miles of designated routes, including such popular spots near the Lake of the Woods, Crescent Lake, Odell Lake and the north entrance to Crater Lake.
For something different, check out the dog sled races held each January near Chemult - click on the link. www.chemult.org
Following are some of the area's sno-parks and information on snowmobile clubs:
Sno-Parks
Crescent Lake Junction
Information: Crescent Ranger District, 541/433-2234
Walt Haring Sno-Park
Information: Chemult Ranger District,541/3657001
Crater Lake National Park
Information: Crater Lake National Park, 541/594-2211
Annie Creek Sno-Park
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400
Great Meadows Sno-Park
Information: Klamath Ranger District, 541/885-3400
Quartz Mountain Sno-Park
Bly Ranger District, 541/353-2427
Snowmobile Clubs
Sledheads Snowmobile Club
The Sledheads Snowmobile Club was formed in 1993 and has members (usually around 50 families) from as far away as Southwest Washington. The club does a significant amount of fundraising, contributing the money towards various charities and rescue equipment. To join, members must pay $10 for dues and an additional fee of $25 that goes toward the Oregon State Snowmobile Association. Organized rides begin at the sno-park in Crescent and end at Lake Junction. Scott Weaver, of Gilchrist, is the current president. To find out more, contact Bob McCutchan at 541/433-9544 or at bobmccut@aol.com.
Chiloquin Ridge Riders
www.sledspace.com/crr
Snowmobile trail maps can be purchased at the visitor center.
