USFS was using a snowblower to access the Sunset Cove boat ramp and parking lot area on Monday, progress was halted on Tuesday with no further progress. Rob DeHarpport photo
By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald — As opening day of fishing season approaches, fair warning should be issued. Access to most high lakes, campgrounds and boat ramps is extremely limited at this time due to our never-ending winter.
As I look out my window while writing this report, it is snowing heavily again. It appears that we have had another 4-5″ of fresh powder since Tuesday evening. The SNOTEL Snow Guage at Crescent Lake read 52″ earlier this week.
Lots of road closures
Much of Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway remains closed as crews work to clear the road. Snow removal began from the gate at the “cut-off” road yesterday. The gate was still closed. Even if and when it is opened, access to many areas will be blocked by snow.
Crescent Lake is still very low; near the natural lake level. Access is limited to small boats at the resort. Parking is a problem at the resort, as nothing had been plowed as of yesterday. My advice is wait, as launching is an issue with snow on the beach. Boat ramps will be high and dry again this year.
Odell Lake is accessible at the Odell Lake Resort and at the Shelter Cove Resort. Parking is limited at Odell Resort due to snow. Resorts may charge a small fee to launch. The west end of Odell is covered with ice, launching a boat is currently a “no go.” Shelter Cove RV Park has been cleared for RVs as they await the ice to melt from the boat ramp, docks, and the entire west end of the lake.
Beware, venturing onto the ice would not be advised. Odell rarely freezes over as it has this winter. The ice is nowhere near as safe to venture onto as Diamond Lake and other high lakes.
Launching a boat is a no-go
The USFS had a snowblower clearing access to Sunset Cove on Monday. Progress was made about halfway to the boat ramp and parking area. No snow was removed on Tuesday beyond what was accomplished on Monday. The snow is 2-4′ deep in the campground and parking lot.
Shelter Cover Resort boat ramp looking east at an ice covered Odell Lake. Rob DeHarpport photo
Lake access in Deschutes County is just as bad
The Deschutes County road crew reported snow 5′ deep on Cascade Scenic Highway near Lava Lake. Lava Lake Resort hopes to open in late May/early June as the lake is frozen solid and campgrounds are covered with deep snow.
Portions of Wickiup Reservoir may be accessible, although the road to South Twin is very rutted and ice covered. Pulling trailers is not recommended as parking is limited as well as the road conditions being unfavorable. North Twin remains blocked by snow. Campgrounds there are covered with snow and not open. Gull Point Campground will be closed due to hazardous trees this summer.
Crane Prairie is covered with ice and inaccessible as well.
Fishing at lower elevations is advisable
Patience and alternative plans for fishing summarizes the Cascade High Lake report at this time as winter continues its grip at the higher elevations.
Walleye are biting at Lookout Point. Kokanee fishing has been good at Green Peter Reservoir, although rising Lake levels could influence the bite at any time.
Advisories from the Deschutes National Forest can be found here:
Ski areas remain open with fresh powder and smiling operators! Snowmobiling will continue to be great for quite some time as well. Of course, bringing the family up into the high country for snow play and a picnic is always an option. Whatever you do, and wherever you go to recreate, have fun and be prepared for road conditions and changing weather and, most importantly, stay safe!
Rob DeHarpport was a long-term resident and former mayor of Westfir. Rob now lives in the Crescent Lake area and is The Herald’s reporter for the Outdoor Report. Rob DeHarpport photo
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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