Riding near Sisters in December?

I'm heading over to Sisters, OR on the 26th for a few days of vacation with my family. It's been a few months since I last rode my bike and I was hoping that the weather would be decent so I could get an afternoon of riding in. How's the snow level over there? Where is the best place to ride? I'm mostly looking for snow-free two track dirt roads somewhat close to Sisters. Hoping that Santa brings me 40+ temps and sun!

Also let me know if anyone is interested in joining. I'm a mediocre rider on an 07 525 EXC.

You want to find the old "Santiam Wagon Road" near Big Lake. On the edge of the Mt Washington Wilderness, 10-20 miles from Sisters.
Trust me.
Seriously.

Pretty sure that's snow covered right now...

You guys have snow?
We hit 50° today, and no snow in sight. Nice in some ways, but it's kinda hard to put up with these short days without the beauty that snow brings

In the shade in town still. East is clearing up. Ice patches everywhere in the shade.
Big lake probably has a foot of snow.

Which are OVER starting TODAY with the Winter Solstice
Yay!! Freaking Yay !!

Thanks guys. I agree that Big Lake is probably snow covered since Hoodoo has a 9" base. I've been around a lot of the higher elevation roads in my pickup but I'm not familiar with some of the lower elevation roads in the area. Is it worth it to bring the bike over to get a few hours of riding in?

Honestly? I haven't been over there since its snowed. There is riding over here but it's very hit and miss right now. Lots of hidden ice patches in the shade.
Snow I don't mind, ice I hate! If it's not a big hassle to bring the bike, I'd say bring it and go out and explore!
Maybe someone has been out by Cline Butte and can chime in. That usually melts pretty quick.

OK OK, I'll definitely bring the bike over... Now who knows where the good riding is??

To the best of my knowledge the forest west of Sisters is closed to motorized wheeled vehicles until April. The Santiam area is currently closed to OHVs on the snowmobile trails.

I think Cline Butte or Four Corners OHV areas are your best bets this time of year. Check out the second page of the COHVOPS current conditions report for all the local info.

Have fun!

Great link thanks!

Talked to a friend that went to 4 corners/Millican yesterday and said it was good riding.

I'm looking into Cline Butte. Looks pretty fun plus I can ride there from the rental house in Sisters and leave the truck with the family. Hopefully the weather holds into next weekend.

One of my favorite summertime places is Three Creeks Lake. Probably snowed in by now. Any snow-free riding in that vicinity?

This

I still remember the first time I saw the big field, just before the campground. Beautiful




But the snow over road 370 was still impassable in late July that year (2011)

Thanks for all the suggestions. I hit Cline Butte today and had fun exploring the trails. First time hitting tight and rocky single track and I got a workout. Weather was great too!

Glad to hear you enjoyed the riding at Cline Butte.

How was the dirt..? Is there much ice left?

Photos?

Dirt was good, moist but a little loose in spots. No ice by 2pm when I got there.

Still trying to figure out how to get pics off my phone and uploaded to photo bucket.