BAKER CITY — When the snow starts falling and the temperature drops, all I really want to do is hibernate under a blanket with a book.

But fresh air is always a good idea.

On a recent Sunday, we drove to Phillips Reservoir, about 17 miles southwest of Baker City in Sumpter Valley.

Our destination was the Shoreline Trail on the north side of the reservoir. A trail also runs on the south side, which offers fantastic views of the Elkhorn Mountains on a clear day.

This was not a clear day.

The panorama was monochrome — the gray water that hadn’t yet frozen over, white snow and low clouds.

This trail is a familiar one for our family because its gentle grade is perfect for hikes with little kids (as well as big kids who sometimes whine about steep grades). And, when the snow lays deep and we strap on snowshoes, the level trail is easy to traverse.

The snow was only about four inches deep on the day we went, so waterproof boots and pants were enough to keep us dry and warm.

The trail starts along the road leading to the Mason Dam boat ramp, which is along the reservoir just above the dam. This road is usually plowed during the winter and is often used by anglers who like to ice fish.

I’ve lived in Baker City my entire life, and while attending Boise State University I spent winter breaks at home. I’m no stranger to snow, and winter — especially Christmastime — seems strange if the snow is sparse.

I love how snow transforms a landscape in places where the deep reddish-brown bark of pine trees is a stark contrast to the white ground. And the falling snow muffles sound — although we did catch voices drifting on the breeze, probably from hikers on the south side of the lake.

The Shoreline Trail meanders along the contour of the land, always above the reservoir and dipping into the coves where bridges cross creeks.

We walked about two miles to the Union Creek Campground, which is closed for the season. This is a good turn-around spot.

Surely the snow will keep piling up, and our next hike here will most likely involve snowshoes. But that’s good — we need a good snowpack to replenish the reservoir, which provides irrigation water for Baker Valley.

Shoreline Trail

The Shoreline Trail along the north shore of Phillips Reservoir is an easy hike — or snowshoe, after the snow piles up.

To get there, drive south on Highway 7 from Baker City for about 17 miles and turn on the Mason Dam Boat Launch road. The trail takes off near the restroom. The trail on this side of the lake is about 6.5 miles one way. A nice turnaround point is Union Creek Campground.