Tips and tricks for enjoying the indoors, outdoors in Oregon when it’s cold

Winters in Oregon are typically mild. The season is mostly filled with cold, rainy, overcast weather, with the occasional forecast of snow and ice.

Those conditions mixed with freezing temperatures don’t always scream, “Let’s go outside!” But winter, just like any other season, has its own share of fun activities and events that you’ll only find during this magical time of year.

Travel Oregon’s consumer communications manager Allison Keeney said the state’s diverse region and climate, and even microclimates, make Oregon the perfect setting for a wide range of winter activities.

That includes guided snowshoe tours at Crater Lake, dog sledding at Mt. Bachelor and truffle hunting in the Willamette Valley.

Winter adventures in Oregon:

According to Keeney, wintertime just so happens to be Oregon’s truffle season. In Oregon, there are several guided tours available for those looking to forage with specially trained dogs and experts who can help provide useful tips and information while looking for truffles.

“You can actually go on a truffle hunt with truffle hunting dogs,” Keeney said. “It is such a fun and cool experience just to see these dogs out sniffing the ground and then leading you to this wonderful culinary treasure.”

If you’re looking for an activity that’s a slower pace but just as exciting, Keeney recommends winter birding in Southern Oregon’s Klamath Basin.

“There’s about 350 migratory birds that use the Pacific Flyway in that area and the winter season is when they’re making their flights,” she said.

According to the Klamath Basin Audubon Society, more than 500 bald eagles can be found in the Klamath Basin during January and February. The area hosts the largest wintering concentration of these raptors in the lower 48 states.

Preparedness:

While planning an activity outdoors or a trip into a winter wonderland, the key to enjoying all the delight that the winter season brings is to be prepared.

That’s echoed throughout many of Keeney’s tips. She suggests first checking Tripcheck.com before planning any road trip as weather conditions during the winter can change fairly quickly.

“We also at Travel Oregon have a ‘Travel Alerts’ webpage so if there’s anything dangerous around the state that would be on our site,” Keeney said.

In addition to that, Keeney also suggests carrying tire chains in your car, as well as extra food and water. Other tips include dressing for the cold weather by wearing multiple layers of clothing, including a water-resistant coat and insulated boots to keep warm.

“You never know what’s going to happen, so being prepared, planning ahead and doing the research is all very important,” said Keeney.

Below is a list of activities to enjoy both outdoors and inside during the winter.

Get outdoors:

• Go on a hike - Here are some of Oregon’s scenic trails. Remember to check road and park conditions before heading out. It’s possible trails may be closed due to severe weather.
• Go ice skating - Portland’s Lloyd Center offers one option, the Rink Exchange in Eugene is another and for those in Central Oregon, there’s The Pavilion in Bend.
• Try sledding - PDXParent has put together a list of destinations to help start planning your sledding adventure
• Go skiing or snowboarding - The Pacific Northwest is home to several ski resorts and the options of which slopes to hit are plenty. Check out Portland Monthly’s guide on where to ski in Oregon and Washington.
• Try a guided nature activity - For those looking for guided walks with educational information, check out Metro’s calendar.
• Go snowshoeing - Here are some options on Mount Hood and Mount Bachelor
• Try Cosmic tubing - Just like regular snow tubing, this involves sliding downhill on an inflatable tube, only it’s at night so you’re able to stargaze too. Resorts like Mt. Hood Skibowl include cosmic tubing, often with LED light and laser shows.

Stay indoors:

• Host a game night - Looking for some guaranteed entertainment? Host a game night with friends and family. A mix of board and card games will easily help you pass the time and make your home more lively. Travel Portland has put together a map of where to find huge selections of board games (or where to play those games once the weather gets better).
• Read a book - For those interested in books written by local and regional authors, the Oregon Historical Society has curated a wide selection.
• Get crafty - Being indoors provides a great opportunity to break out your art supplies and crafting tools and start a new project.
• Watch a movie or two - Being stuck inside can make you miss the Oregon outdoors. For those looking to at least see it on their TV screens, check out the Oregon Film Trail. OPB previously reported on this new statewide network of location markers which features some of the most iconic movies shot in Oregon. After watching a few (and weather permitting), you can plan your next road trip.

For more ideas to help beat the winter blues, check out this Travel Oregon article on 89 Days of Oregon Winter Fun.

Remember, if the cold, wet and gray winters tend to get you down, you’re not alone. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new light therapy to combat seasonal affective disorder.

OPB’s Jes Burns reported on the new remedy in an episode of “All Science. No Fiction.”

But hopefully some of these suggestions will help get you through it. Spring is just around the corner.