Big Pine Country in the Ochoco Mountains

Trip Rating:  Intermediate Classic Ski
Basecamp:  Ochoco National Forest, OR

We will ski in the Ochoco Mountains about 30 miles east of Prineville in a relatively remote area of Oregon to take advantage of the dry snow and wonderful views. We will ski the Walton Lake and Bandit Springs Forest Service trails.  The last few years ONC skiers have seen wild horses by Walton Lake and by the cabin.

We will be staying in an artfully constructed 1,145 square foot 3-bedroom 1.5 bath 2-story former ranger house, with a wonderful dining room table that accommodates our entire group, as well as a large knotty-pine paneled living room with comfortable seating for evening reading and chats.  There is no cell service at the cabin.

If snow is lacking, we will do some hikes in the local area and over at the Painted Hills in the John Day Fossil beds.  Participants are responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches.  Dinners will be potluck. 

Backcountry ski gear (NNN-BC bindings or better) required as skiing will be done on trails and ungroomed up and down terrain.  See ‘Ochoco Mountains‘ on our Trails and Maps page for additional info.

Available Beds:  2 double spaces and 3 singles (in one large room).  Living room will not be available for alternate sleeping arrangements.  Alternate sleeping arrangements (e.g., cot or sleeping pads) are possible in double-bed rooms.

Trip limit:  6 participants, including trip leader
Cost:  $75/member, per person.  Includes 3 nights lodging.  Excludes cost of travel and meals.
Carpool miles:  350 miles roundtrip from Portland plus excursions to trailheads.
Trip Leader: Martin Pike, pike1765@comcast.net