Over 56 miles of designated Nordic trails are found in the Diamond and Lemolo Lakes area along the upper reaches of Route 138. Some of the trails are groomed, and all of them are clearly marked by blue trail signs. Contact the Umpqua National Forest (Diamond Lake Ranger District, HC 60, P.O. Box 101, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, 541/498-2531) to request maps and information on these trails.
The Diamond Lake Resort [1] (Diamond Lake, 541/793-3333 or 800/733-7593, www.diamondlake.net [2], 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily) has equipment, waxes, and rentals.
Approximately 133 miles of designated motorized snow trails are concentrated around the Lemolo and Diamond Lakes area. The trails are usually open in late November, when snow accumulation permits. Many of these trails are groomed on a regular basis, and all are clearly marked by orange trail signs and diamond-shaped trail blazes pegged up on trees above the snowline.
Contact Umpqua National Forest (Diamond Lake Ranger District, HC 60, P.O. Box 101, Idleyld Park, OR 97447, 541/498-2531) for maps and additional information.
One of the more exotic runs is into Crater Lake National Park [3]. Snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) must register at the north entrance of the park and stay on the trail. The trail climbs about 10 miles from the park gates to the north rim of the lake.
Be aware that the mountain weather here can change suddenly, creating dangerous subzero temperatures and whiteout conditions. Also, watch for Nordic skiers and other people sometimes found on motorized-vehicle trails.
Diamond Lake Lodge offers both guided snowmobile tours ($150 to Crater Lake, among others) and snowmobile rentals ($100 for 4 hours).
If you ski the bunny hill, you might enjoy inner-tubing or snowboarding near Diamond Lake Resort. A rope tow takes “tubers” to the top of the hill 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily for nonstop thrills and spills on the way back down. The hill has a ticket system similar to other ski lifts, with full-day, half-day, and two-hour passes available.
The tubing and snowboarding hill is located at the Hilltop Shop. The $10 entry fee includes an inner tube, a tow rope, and a cable clip. Uphill tows are $0.50. You can also buy tow ticket packages: 10 tickets for $5; 20 tickets for $8; and 50 tickets for $20.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/southern-oregon/the-north-umpqua-river/accommodations-and-food
[2] http://www.diamondlake.net
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/oregon/southern-oregon/crater-lake-national-park