Oregon getaway options expanded

Inland Northwest families planning spring break vacations sometimes zero in on Oregon as a not-too-close yet not-too-far destination with loads of options.

And this year, there are more things to do outdoors than usual around the region.

The coastal beaches are still a good bet, but there’s more to consider.

Instead of having to cross-country ski or snowshoe to Trillium Lake on the Mount Hood National Forest, you can drive to it. Same thing with Lemolo Falls trailhead at 4,500 feet on the North Umpqua River, down in southern Oregon, and other scenic settings in the state’s mountains.

And Mt. Hood Skibowl has opened its Summer Adventure Park – in the middle of March!

The mild winter, when snow was in short supply in the Pacific Northwest, has made terrain accessible this spring like few other years.

Of course, there is no guarantee mild weather will continue – a nice dump of snow finally fell on Crater Lake National Park this week. It’s very important to monitor weather forecasts. Keep options open for dependable spring hotspots like hiking the Columbia Gorge.

Camping traditionally opens around Memorial Day Weekend in Oregon, but many a bedraggled camper has returned home with a soaked tent from the late May outing, vowing to wait for the Fourth of July next time.

This year, many Oregon State Park campgrounds are reserved for spring break, though fewer spots are available via reservations early in the season compared to summer. As campground loops fill, state park managers open more loops, so campers can find first-come spots in many state park campgrounds for spring break.

Whale watching often draws crowds of visitors to the Oregon coast during spring break, many of whom camp if the weather is good.

The U.S. Forest Service operates a little differently, since many of its campgrounds are in snow zones and have predetermined opening dates. Many Forest Service campgrounds will remain closed this year by a gate until May, according to the Mount Hood National Forest staff, but it’s OK to walk in and claim a site. Park outside the campground without blocking the gate, bring all you need including water, and carry everything out when you’re finished.

The road to Trillium Lake, the popular spot just south of Mount Hood, is already open from U.S. 26. You can drive to the lake, but the campground is still gated closed.

And do know that the weather can change quickly. April is often snowy in Oregon’s mountains, though this year that would be a surprise.

Additional caution about using unmaintained national forest campgrounds before the season opens comes from Kathleen Walker, recreation program manager at the Mt. Hood Zigzag District, via email:

“There are no services and no fees; no toilet paper, no toilet cleaning (and they can be nasty!); no water; pack it in, pack it out! Hazards may exist, including trees that may fall in high wind conditions. Campgrounds are inspected prior to opening officially and hazards are mitigated and managed.

“If there is a gate on the campground entrance, the campground is closed to vehicles. You may not park in front of the gate. You may walk in and camp if a crew is not cleaning or falling hazard trees in preparation for opening.”

Rich Landers contributed to this story.