Cascade Lakes for New Years

For New Years we stayed in a quiet cabin in the Cascade Lakes Region East of La Pine. Somehow we only played one game of cribbage.

We spent most of the time in the cabin working the wood stove or playing with the pack in the snow. They did not hate it.

On Saturday, when it was 5°F, we went snowmobiling for 4 hours in the Cascades between South Sister, Broken Top and Broken Hand. We started at the Wanoga Snow Park, where there was about 4 feet of snow, and headed to Elk Lake Lodge, accessible in Winter only by Ski, Snow Cat, Abominable Snowman or… Snowmobile. The parking lot was full.

After a warm bowl of chili and a tasty Stout we hopped back on the sleds and rode gorgeous trails of towering snow-laden Doug Fir’s to play in the 8 feet of powder and catch sunset. We settled for sunset at about 7K feet.

If you’re interested in snowmobiling in the area I highly recommend Central Oregon Adventures. I also highly recommend wearing a balaclava and many layers. This adventure was amazing. These photos don’t do justice to the tight trails winding through this wilderness.