The prime goal for an easy 6.8-mile trip is the loop around scenic Todd Lake, in a forested bowl with a view back to Mt. Bachelor. After crossing the road, keep left at junctions to find the trail to Todd Lake. For a better view, tackle the more difficult trek up to the timberline meadows at the edge of Broken Top's ruptured volcanic crater. A portion of this route climbs along snowed-under Road 370, which is shared with snowmobiles. For a genuine adventure, bring a backpack with snow-camping and survival gear, snowshoe the Crater Ditch Trail around Broken Top, and snow camp in the Green Lakes Basin, a spectacular hammock of alpine lakes slung between the summits of South Sister and Broken Top.
Ungroomed trails are free here.
Veer left into the Mt. Bachelor parking area, and then keep right to find the Nordic Center. May. To take a look at Mt. Bachelor's current weather, snow conditions, and crowd level, check the Mt. Bachelor Web Camera . For guided trips and instruction, check with the Mazamas , an outdoor club based in Portland, or with the University of Oregon Outdoor Program , based in Eugene. The Nordic Center makes a good base for family adventures. It's not much cheaper to rent gear in Bend, but getting your gear in town the night before will save you time in the morning.