| Mt. Bachelor is one of the great legends of the Northwest. A
towering 9,065-foot solo giant that has achieved an almost mythic reputation
among purists for the transcendent quality of its snow -- a light, dry, high-desert
powder unlike any other in this part of the world. Three hundred pristine inches
a year dust 70 runs well-distributed across 360 degrees of this extinct volcano.
Shred? After a day of slalom and giant slalom, half-pipe and free riding, many
snowboarders proclaim Mt. Bachelor their favorite haunt. If you'd like to try
a board, there are complete packages including lessons and equipment rental.
Go ahead -- stick it to the whole mountain.
Because Mt. Bachelor is in the heart of virgin wilderness,
with no development off the slopes for miles in all directions, you will find
the cross-country skiing to be especially exquisite, and unbelievably convenient.
Right at the base of the mountain is the Cross Country Center, a sophisticated
lodge at the head of 12 trails -- 56 kilometers of machine-groomed tracks --
winding through the most pristine, breathtaking landscape to ever challenge
the senses. The closest accommodations to Mt. Bachelor are 20 miles away in
Bend, Ore. There you will find plenty of lodging choices, as well as eating
establishments to satisfy any palate. While in Bend, be sure to check out the
shopping in the unique downtown area.
To get to Mt. Bachelor from Portland, take Highway 26 west
to Madras, then take Highway 97 south. From Bend, follow the signs to Mt. Bachelor
on the Cascades Lakes Highway. |
