Rob DeHarpport’s outdoor report: Walker Rim Riders among groups offering winter recreation

By ROB DeHARPPORT/For the Herald — Outdoor recreation has become a huge industry, an economic driver.

This is certainly true with winter recreation and with the Walker Rim Riders Snowmobile club. The group was formed in 1972 by a small group of snowmobilers who frequented or lived in the area.

The group is comprised of members, volunteers and sponsoring businesses. All invest money and hours in maintaining trails and trail-grooming equipment.

The organization also prints an excellent trail map annually that is available at all Crescent Lake area businesses. Advertising is purchased by businesses near and far to pay for the printing.

In Oregon 25 clubs belong to the state association, which promotes legislation and the sport. The association also supports preserving and promoting natural resources.

The Walker group promotes avalanche awareness, and annual rides are scheduled, including those to Elk Lake Resort and to Crater Lake.

The Riders host an annual Candlelighters for Children With Cancer event at the Crescent Lake Snowpark. The event provides support for families from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Children and family members also enjoy riding a snowmobile with members. Dinner is served at the Central Cascades Fire Hall.

As with any volunteer, non-profit group there are untold benefits along with hard work, planning, comradery and outdoor family fun.

Without these chapters and the OSAA, safe access to many areas would not be accessible to snowmobilers.

The activity has evolved a great deal since the Walker Rim Riders was founded, and the sport is growing as noted with the creation of another nearby club at the Two River North residential development 12 miles southeast of the Crescent Lake junction.

The old Walker Rim Riders snowcat/groomer was given to the River club when the Riders received a new machine. This reduces work of individuals and improves trail maintenance.

Joining a group or club is a great way to meet like-minded people, to learn new skills and to assure a bright future for this form of outdoor recreation.

To learn more about the club check the website: www.walkerrimriders.com

Rob DeHarpport, former mayor of Westfir, moved to the Crescent Lake community in 2015 shortly after retiring from a 31-year career in the trucking industry.