Outside Features

The connection between the movie “Dune: Part Two” and Oregon invites fans to explore the writings of Frank Herbert, ecological principles and the shifting dune environments along the coast. And, if you do happen to explore these dunes on foot, just remember to not make your steps regular. Frank Herbert (1920-1986), author of “Dune” and […]

Author Glen Van Peski’s byline reads “Entrepreneur/Engineer, Author/Speaker, Philanthropist/Dishwasher,” which provides a unique introduction to this man of many accomplishments, especially the “dishwasher” moniker. Van Peski will do a book signing and presentation at Roundabout Books and Cafe in Bend on May 2 for his new book, “Take Less. Do More: Surprising life lessons in […]

Need a break from the downhill slopes? Finding day outings that everyone can enjoy is essential to embracing the extended winter season here in Central Oregon. It’s time to take advantage of the hundreds of miles of marked trails, charming warming huts and pillowy powder found in our backyard Cascades. After all, that’s why we […]

R eturning from Gangwon, South Korea, with several top 20 rankings in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games and winning Gold in Utah last month, competitive Nordic ski athlete and Bend teen, Neve Gerard, crushes cross-country racing. In Gangwon, Gerard took home sixth place in the Women’s 7.5-kilometer Classic, 17th in the Freestyle Sprint, and […]

Whether day tripping or planning a perfect weekend getaway, nearby hot springs offer Central Oregonians a comfortingly warm escape from the winter cold. These geothermally heated, mineral-rich waters rise out of the earth’s interior through fissures and cracks after making contact with very hot rocks deep below, and in the right conditions pool — naturally […]

As winter continues, snow and ice create challenges for getting out to trails in the region. Dog walkers miss cleared sidewalks and some hikers lament breaking trail through deep snow. Not only can the trails get blanketed with snow, but some of the trailheads have limited parking making access difficult. Fortunately, there are options. Numerous […]

If you’re new to Nordic or cross-country skiing (XC skiing), there is a plethora of trails to stride out on to explore the winter wonderland of Central Oregon. Though the XC skiing has been thin this season, weather predictions for snow are on the rise! If you’re looking to get off the groomed tracks at […]

Astrophiles are heading outdoors in all parts of the world this December to catch the astronomical show of the year — a celestial masterpiece of streaking lights. On an average night, stargazers can spot one to two “shooting stars” per hour, but during a meteor shower, like August’s annual Perseid Meteor Shower, avid sky watchers […]