What are they saying?

When a mom talks about her wonderful, perfect child, you only half believe her, right? Because what mom wouldn't say that their kid is the greatest and the best?! It's the natural thing to do. I recently thought that you might be feeling the same way about our tours... like, "we know you think they're great, but of course you do. You have to!" So instead of me giving you another reason why our tours are all that (and they totally are!), I'll shut my mouth and let someone else do the talking. 

For your enjoyment: three articles of different Wanderlust trips from the last 12 months. Read and enjoy!

First up, TravelAge West.

"We paddled back to shore as our adventure neared its end and, as if right on cue, a bald eagle soared above us."

Continue reading... 

The Seattle Times says,

"That’s when Bend Ale Trail Month kicks off with prizes, giveaways, and even a trophy for anyone who completes the Bend Ale Trail in the 30-day span."

Continue reading.. 

East Bay Times takes a Cave Tour

"...we turn on our headlamps and begin hiking, scrambling, squeezing and crawling through a tunnel formed by a river of rapidly cooling lava 150,000 years ago."

Continue reading...

But don't take their word for it; we strongly encourage you try it for yourself and form your own opinion! See you on the trails! 

The Place for Year-Round Adventure Part 2

Last month we featured Smith Rock at the first on the list for amazing year-round adventures. This month we're talking about the butte that became a mountain because that was better for business. Because who would book a vacation to ski on a butte? The stunning views are available year-round but the activities you can do on the mountain change throughout the year. We love it for snowshoeing, catching some of the best mountain views, and searching for wildlife in the area. In the summer, we gaze upon it from the once frozen lakes like Hosmer and Sparks just a few miles away. Others take advantage of the downhill biking available during the hot months when the snow has *mostly* melted. It's also a great place to go for a hike or take the lift to the top of Pine Marten for dinner during and unbeatable sunset views on a warm summer night. 

A brief history of Mt. Bachelor requires that we start over 100 years ago. In 1928, winter sports were introduced on the butte but it wasn't until the second World War that people became introduced to more sophisticated mountaineering and exploring. When people returned from Europe after the war, they were inspired to begin adventuring in the mountains back home. Bill Healy was one such person who moved his business from Portland to Bend in the 1950s. He helped to form Mt. Bachelor Inc. in 1957 and in 1958, Bachelor Butte Ski area opened. Tickets were $3 and 29,000 people visit. Twenty-five years later, over half a million people visit the mountain over the winter and the Summit Lift opens for the first time. It's also officially voted that the name should be Mt. Bachelor and it was probably a good move. A record amount of snow fell in 1998 (606") and in the winter of 2010-2011 that record was beaten with a record snowfall of 665". For reference, this year we've had 561" so far. 

Today at the mountain lift tickets are a little more than $3 but we can now ride 11 lifts that cover 360 degrees of the mountain. And there are still hidden pockets where we love to snowshoe and learn about the beautiful volcano so many creatures call home. Tell us, what's your favorite thing about Mt. Bachelor?! And when would you most want to visit? 

Animal of the Month: Mr. Fox

Today we're getting up close and personal with a red fox! Two weeks ago on a Bonfire Snowshoe Tour, our guides and guests were lucky enough to see a red fox! Our guide Chaney was ready with his camera and caught some amazing pictures of this fantastic creature. 

There are over 45 subspecies of the red fox that vary in size and colors and are scattered throughout the world. They are know for their ability to quickly adapt to new environments. They typically travel together in pairs but tend to hunt for their food alone. This guy was seen alone, probably interested in finding some food! They go out hunting in the early morning or late in the evening. This guy was seen traveling under the night sky.

Foxes are omnivores (meaning they eat both plants and animals) and love everything from blackberries to small rodents! Like all forest creatures, they have amazing characteristics that allow them to survive and thrive in the wild. Foxes have remarkable ears and can hear when a crow takes flight or mice begin to scurry from over 100 meters away. 

We are so lucky to live in a place where we can see wildlife like this up close. We hope to continue to educate about and preserve our natural world so that creatures like this can continue to live in their natural habitat. Enjoy the pictures! 

This fox was spotted during a Bonfire on the Snow snowshoe tour. Maybe he'll show up to the next one! You won't know unless you're there! Book it now!