On a mid-April Friday, five CONC snowshoers took advantage of an impressive late-season snowstorm and headed out to reach the top of Potato Hill, just west of Santiam Pass. 

It was a calm, sunny day after the storm, there was an abundance of fresh snow (1.5 feet up high), and we broke trail the entire way up (1,100 ft). What was advertised as a moderate 4.5-mile trek ended up being considerably more challenging with our small group taking turns breaking trail. But our small but mighty group was up to the task, and all were rewarded with amazing mountain views! 

Potato Hill will be snow-free by next Friday given the warm weather ahead, but it was a winter wonderland the day we were there!  

Post by John Stephenson, with photos from Denise Lowry and Steve Whittaker