First, Brad and I explored the Edison Butte Sno-Park, a newer trail system on Forest Service Road 45 just south of the Cascade Lakes Highway junction (just before Mount Bachelor). Rain fell as we unloaded the car, but as soon as we reached the trailhead, the precipitation turned to snow! We set out for the AC/DC Shelter, a 5.5-mile loop with about 500' of elevation.
We soon learned that the cumulative elevation was MUCH more  than 500', with the trail rolling over snow-covered lava beds. One  guidebook accurately described it as "undulating." Because of the  narrow, winding and nearly continuously rolling trail, it was difficult  to get any glide. Still, the snow was nice and the scenery was beautiful  as we made our way to the picturesque shelter. 
The woodstove was stoked when we arrived, so we ate our  lunch inside the toasty building. 
We'd arrived on the Direct Current trail and decided to  continue the loop and return on the Alternating Current trail. 
The AC trail was less windy (and downhill!), allowing great  coasting. We ventured off piste several times when smooth,  powder-covered slopes called our names. The snow was perfect for  practicing off trail - very forgiving. I think I only bit it once the  whole day!  It snowed the entire trip, making  for a spectacular adventure. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment