Below is a list of some of our favorite locations to cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Mount Ashland Discription: Mount Ashland offers a couple different locations for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Variety is always good in winter sports because one of the spots will always be good when the others are less then par. The first spot to check out is Bull Gap trail head. The Bull Gap trail connects with other trails after about 2.5 miles, therefore you can make the trail an easy out and back or you can connect with one of the other trails and get some good climbing in. The next spot to check out is on the south side of the mountain. The forest service road's that start at the end of the back parking lot are, for the most part, maintained during the winter. The most popular route is to take the high road at the first fork, and then taking the lower road at the second fork. The forest service roads can be used to reach the ocean, so you can get as much distance as you can desire, but be sure to have a map and good knowledge of the area before you make the attempt to cross country ski to the beach. Skill Level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Terrain: Mostly flat with rolling terrain, but steeper climbing can be accessed if desired. Getting There: From Ashland head south on I-5 and take exit #6 to Mount Ashland Skipark. Take a right on the Skipark access road. Bull Gap trail head is a turnout on the right just after mile marker 7. After 8 miles you will reach the lodge, but only stop there if you need a hot coco. Keep driving past the lodge to the second parking lot. All the non-lift access skiing starts at the end of the back lot. Additional Info: Mount Ashland is a great location to start cross country skiing and snowshoeing, because it provides you with the option of being able to utilize the lodge, restrooms, and food & beverage services at the Mount Ashland Ski Resort. If you are needing to rent equipment you will need to do so before you head up to the trails because the resort does not rent any cross country ski's or snowshoe's. Don't forget you camera! There are great views of McGloughlin, Pilot Rock, and the Coalstiens. Sno-Park permits are required! (Available at AOS: $22 annual/ $5 day) Buck Prairie Description: Buck Prairie located off of Dead Indian Memorial Highway has trails that accommodate a variety of skier with approximately 20 miles of cross country skiable terrain. There are a couple different trail heads but the easiest and most used trail head is the Dead Indian Hwy Summit Trailhead, and the trails are well marked. Buck Prairie is a great Cross Country Skiing locations for not only "Traditional" Style, but also for Skate Skiing. With groomed trails for the snowmobilers offering the appropriate track to skate ski. Skill Level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Terrain: The trails are rolling and there is a moderate climb to a lookout tower that can be done. There is also Hyatt Lake and views of McGloughlin. Getting There: From AOS head south on Siskiyou Blvd. Take a left on Ashland Street. Stay on Ashland Street until after you cross over I5. Take a left on Dead Indian Memorial Hwy. The trail head is 15 miles out Dead Indian Memorial Hwy. Additional Info: Sno-Park permits are required! (Available at AOS: $22 annual/ $5 day) Crater Lake Description: Crater Lake is the only National Park in the State of Oregon and is one of the most beautiful locations in the western states. Also, it receives a ton of snow every year, which makes it a great place to visit with a pair of ski's. Another nice aspect about Crater Lake NP is that there is no access for Snowmobilers, which makes it one of the most peaceful location in southern Oregon to cross country ski or snowshoe. The park head quarters at the entrance has restroom's, food, parking, gear rentals, and information on trails, so be sure to stop in and check it out. Skill Level: With over 100 miles of trails there is something for everyone. Terrain: High elevation can make Crater Lake a more difficult day. The landscape is sculpted by the eruption of Mt. Mazama. Getting There: From AOS there are two ways to get to Crater Lake NP. The easiest way is to head north on I5 and take exit #34 for Crater Lake Highway. Take a right onto Crater Lake Highway from the off ramp. Stay on Crater Lake Highway until you pass through Union Creek. After Union Creek take a right on Highway 62 to Crater Lake's south entrance. Additional Info: Definitely do not forget your camera! Mount Shasta Description: Mount Shasta is the second largest mountain in California, and it is one of the tallest freestanding mountains on the west coast. Shasta's summit is almost 10,000 feet higher then the surrounding terrain. Most of the snowshoeing areas are located around the Bunny Flat trailhead at the base of Mt. Shasta. The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center provides a more family-friendly Nordic environment for XC-Ski and Snowshoe activities, and has a trail network that runs more than 12 kilometers. Snowshoeing is also available west of 1-5 and Mt. Shasta, around the Castle Lake area. Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced. Terrain: The area around the base of Mt. Shasta, (Bunny Flat) including the lower slopes of climbing routes offers more of an alpine experience, especially near the treeline. A wide range of difficulties is available, depending on how adventurous you feel! The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center has mostly moderate terrain, and is friendlier to beginners. West of 1-5, around Castle Lake, the terrain is easy to moderate, and provides a less alpine environment for snowshoeing. Getting There: From Ashland, take I-5 heading south. Stay on I-5 until you get to the city of Mount Shasta. Take the main Mount Shasta exit. The off-ramp will go up and over I-5. Continue going straight on that road. You will go through two stoplights and then the road will turn into Everett Memorial Hwy. Bunny Flat trailhead is about 11 miles outside of town, and you will see signs for the Mt. Shasta Board & Ski Park. Additional Info: Don’t forget your camera, and plenty of H20! |
  |  |   |