Winter Snow 4K Hiking in GORGEOUS Central Oregon @ Deschutes National Forest @ Swampy Lakes Sno-Park

This was a Day-Hike in Central Oregon, Deschutes National Forest near Mount Bachelor, starting at Sunrise at Swampy Lakes Sno-Park and hiking Porcupine Snowshoe Trail to Swampy Rustic Log Cabin Shelter, approximately 3.5 miles and 300 FT Elevation Gain (Trailhead starts around 5800 FT).

This was hiked on 12/14/2021, and due to Porcupine Snowshoe Trail being packed down and grooved in the snow, I made the judgment call that it was not necessary to deploy snowshoes and trekking poles, that good old fashioned boot packing was sufficient for the conditions. Weather was frigid, temperature was 13F with wind chill down to 5F with occasional minor snow flurries throughout the morning. The sky was classic bluebird, beautiful endless blue skies, and there were of course NO Mosquitoes. As far as road conditions, it's highway to the Swampy Lakes Sno-Park parking lot which is in great condition. In my opinion, the road DOES NOT specifically require 4-Wheel Drive, but very cautious driving due to driving on top of and through powdery snow in the parking lot, of course do watch for road conditions as far as snow/ice and plan accordingly, and do so at your own risk!