Top 5 Places to Go Cross Country Skiing in Oregon

Are you looking for a place to go cross country skiing this year? Why not consider a trip to Oregon? I have several places that I can recommend.

Here they are:

1. Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park features a 31-mile Rim Drive, four-day trek that is not to be missed by the heartiest of cross country skiers. The trail loops around the picturesque Crater Lake and can be treacherous in spots. There are less challenging trails available including the West Rim Drive. It includes stellar views of Crater Lake as well as Wizard Island. Snowshoeing, winter camping and snowmobiling are available as well. The Steel Visitor Center opens daily at 10 a.m. Admission is gratis.

2. Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center

The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center is located within the Deschutes National Forest. It features over 30 miles of cross country and skate skiing trails and is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Single-day passes range in price from $6 to $17 per person. If you want a long and demanding run I suggest that you give the 12-mile Oli's Alley Trail a try.

3. Government Camp Recreation Trails

The Government Camp Recreation Trails are located within the Mt. Hood National Forest just 60 miles east of Portland. It consists of 314,078 acres of land and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. What makes it stand out even more is its history. The park was occupied by the first U.S. regiment of Mounted Riflemen in the mid 1800s. There are several interesting trails to choose from including ones that encircle Trillium Lake and Teacup Lake. Some trails, like Teacup Lake, have a modest access fee.

4. Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort Nordic Center

The Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort Nordic Center is located 67 miles east of Portland and features gated access to Heather Canyon. There are slightly over 9 miles of cross country and skate ski trails. Track fees range from $7 to $12 per person and the least expensive time to go is after noon. It opens daily at 9 a.m. until early January, when hours of operation are reduced to five days a week.

5. Cooper Spur Nordic Center

The Cooper Spur Nordic Center is located on Cooper Spur Road in Mt. Hood. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Track fees start at $7 per person. You also have the option of renting either skate or traditional skis on site for anywhere from $16 to $22 per person.

My family enjoys winter sports and has traveled extensively.

More from this contributor:

Top 3 Places to Go Backcountry Skiing in Idaho

Top 5 Places to Go Cross Country Skiing in Indiana

Winter Eagle Watch Programs Available in the Upper Delaware Region of NY and PA

Winter Sports Athletes Nominated for National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year Award

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