Oregon Winters Bring More Opportunities for Adventure

With 90-degree temperatures in the rearview, winter seems to be lurking right around the corner. Exploration in the Pacific Northwest doesn’t wait for chilly days or wet weather. Hikers and day-trippers join skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and snowmobilers in suiting up for the elements and heading out to find adventures and new experiences.

The Mountains

Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, or the high desert of Eastern Oregon, you’ll find plenty of incredible places to enjoy the snow. Mt. Hood is home to world-class winter resorts such as Timberline, Skibowl, and Mt. Hood Meadows. Timberline’s iconic 1930s-era lodge is an unparalleled experience on its own. Direct access to the lift and one of the nation’s longest ski seasons make the stay even sweeter. Timberline partners with Skibowl every year to offer the Fusion Pass, granting skiers and snowboarders access to those resorts and several others across the western United States.

Meanwhile, Mt. Hood Meadows operates within the Mt. Hood National Forest, featuring the region’s most varied and advanced terrain with runs for all skill levels. More mountains in Bend and Sisters give visitors diverse opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing, sled dog rides, tubing, snowmobiling, ice skating, sledding, and more. Hoodoo Ski Area’s 806 acres boast a vertical drop of 1,035 feet, with Mt. Bachelor’s runs exceeding 3,300 feet. For those skipping the slopes, try snowshoeing under the stars on a Bonfire on the Snow excursion, or sip a beer on the world-famous Bend Ale Trail—the snowshoe trek that tours 10 Bend breweries. First time in Bend? Ask for a complimentary orientation from a Mt. Bachelor Ambassador at the West Village Lodge concierge desk.

Those who are heading to the rugged Eastern Oregon to look at homes for sale can look forward to relaxing in a room at the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, a historic luxury inn adorned with crystal chandeliers and a stained glass ceiling. In Enterprise, the 1910 Historic Enterprise House caters to vacationers taking on Wallowa County’s notable backcountry skiing, cross country, and snowmobiling areas.

The Coast

All of the activities that make the People’s Coast a summer paradise are still available during the off-season as well. In fact, in some cases, they are even better! Watch migrating whales or a brewing storm at Yaquina Head Lighthouse, explore tide pools at Haystack Rock, and cap the day with a sunset on an uncrowded beach. Churning seas make natural attractions like Thor’s Well, Shore Acres, and Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor especially spellbinding. Without summertime crowds, you can easily slip into the quaint cafés and breweries of Astoria to watch the boats pass or trek to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport for some fun face-to-face with the otters amidst looking at homes for sale.

The Guide

Terrie Cox is not only the top RE/MAX broker in the Pacific Northwest; she’s also your guide to Oregon’s best winter recreation, retreats, and homes for sale. Wondering about the best getaways near your next new home? Call or text Terrie at (360) 607-4100.

Photo Credit: Rob!

Categories: Buyer, News