Sumpter Snowshoeing Adventures ~ Page Three
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 Snow in Sumpter isn't just for Snowmobilers anymore!
 State Park Snowshoe Trail - 3 miles
Overcast skies shadowed our first hike of the new year as we hiked the Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge State Park eventually reaching the old Winter Home of the Monighan- a historical Sumpter landmark. We began our first snowshoe hike of the new year at the Sumpter Train Depot and finished at the Sumpter Fairgrounds.......This favorite hike among locals and visitors alike keeps us in Sumpter and yet.......takes us over three miles of natural habitat trails! Our total time spent on this snowshoe hike was approximately 2 hours...... The only sound that could be heard over our slightly heavy
breathing was the distant hum of snowmobilers on the local Sumpter trails. You will briefly follow the Ridge Trail through the North end of the State Park to the Powder River. This will be your first glimpse of the dredge tailings across the river as well as a spectacular view of Mt. Ireland; a first of many breathtaking photo opportunities on this awesome local snowmshoe trail! 
You will then closely follow the Powder River South through the park towards the Sumpter Gold Dredge and the Dredge Overlook Trail. At this point, you can choose to hike around the rear of the Dredge under the shadow of the Stacker Arm and on around to the front of the Dredge itself or........ you can choose the Overlook Trail which climbs slightly.......showing a great view of the Dredge and taking you along side to perhaps, the most popular spot for photos-and a great place for lunch! This trail will lead you to the entrance of the Dredge and the Dredge Gift Shop. See more trail photos........... 
Sumpter has long been well known as a winter playground for snowmobilers-and rightfully so......! But Sumpter has a well-kept secret! SNOWSHOEING! which we all know has been around for thousands of years. And, has become more sophisticated over time - evolving from a necessary tool for surviving Eastern Oregon winters to a winter sport! And now, snowshoeing has garnered quite a following throughout the world.....Modern day snowshoeing is made up of casual snowshoers who hike trails for pleasure, enthusiasts who trek through the backcountry, and the competitors who race. Yes, we said Race.....! Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in the world (snowboarding is growing fast too, but not fast enough), and is fastly becoming a mainstream winter sport. It is interesting how many involved in skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing utilize snowshoes to participate in their respective sport but never make the jump from utility to pure, white powder enjoyment!  For interesting Snowshoeing Articles, visit www.snowshoemag.com....the e-magazine that has been chosen
to provide complete coverage of the 2009 United States Snowshoe Association Looking for some Snowshoes? Check out this website: www.dealsonsnowshoes.com |