Southern Oregon Winter Wonderland

With the latest series of snow storms rolling through Jackson County in Southern Oregon, we're dusting off our snow gear and waiting for a window in the storms so we can head out for some snow play. If we draw a circle around Jackson County, Oregon and look for winter playgrounds within 60 miles, the choices available to us for destinations are fabulous!

Table Mountain Snow Play area near Hyatt Lake is one of our favorite places to go sledding/tubing. Only about 25 miles from Ashland, Oregon, it is convenient and the roads are pretty well maintained throughout the winter. This location offers easy access, a great sledding/tubing hill, AND Hyatt Lake'srestaurant nearby for a warm lunch or hot cocoa when we're done. Cross-Country skiers and snowmobilers abound in this area. Just take Highway 66 east from Ashland to the Hyatt Lake turnoff (about 19 miles)

With a straight shot up Highway 62 there are many locations to enjoy. Farewell Bend Snow Play area near Union Creekin the Prospect area has another terrific sledding/tubing hill, as well as access to 35 miles of Forest Service maintained cross country skiing trails in addition to 103 miles of marked snowmobile trails, with access located at 1,000 Springs Sno-Park and the West Diamond Lake Sno-Park.

Crater Lake National Park offers free guided snowshoe hikes throughout the winter for hiker 8 years and older up for a moderate trek in this winter wonderland. Bring your properly clothed and fueled self, and they'll provide the snowshoes.

Diamond Lake is ranked as one of the Northwest's best winter playgrounds, with areas to accommodate many different winter recreations. It is a favorite of snowmobilers, while offering areas for tubing/sledding and miles of Nordic trails.

Beckie's Café is our favorite stopping place for a warm lunch or pie when we are done with our snow play in these areas.

An Oregon Sno-Park permitis required to park at winter recreation sites and are readily available through BLM offices and local retailers.

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com