The Fellowship of PNW Tacomas | PDX Area Wheeling

I would almost call the hoodriver ranger station and see what they tell you.

 

Actually looks like you can still take Binns Hill/2000 and drive west past the gate closures towards the reservoir area, and then on to the 4x4 trails in tan/light brown.

 

Just called the ranger station. They said Binns staging area is open but were unsure about access though the gates. Look into it more when I get home.

 

@C41n I'm a firm believer in fucking around and finding out. It's a dangerous business, all, going out your door. You drive off road, and if you don't keep your wheels, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to!

 

Alright here what I have found. If we go to Binns Hill Staging and the gate to the NW is closed, we cannot access any trails from there. I believe that gate is going to be closed based on this:

https://www.co.hood-river.or.us/vertical/sites/{4BB5BFDA-3709-449E-9B16-B62A0A0DD6E4}/uploads/Road_Closure_Map_2017.pdf

The closures also eliminate the option to go in though the post canyon staging area.

Thanks to @TacoTim85 for the link.

There is another way around though. Following this path:

https://goo.gl/maps/YhfjLa8mzcdhJ9ee9

We get around the back side of the reservoir.

Having a really hard time matching up the trail map with google maps. The end point there is just off the left side of the map. It looks easy enough to go from there in towards the trails on the west side of the reservoir. Worst part of doing this, is it's a long way around to get where we are going. Much of it is on forest roads, but couldn't find any sort of area to stage in. Would just have to find some place we aren't in the way to air down at.

I am totally down to do that. See where the adventure takes us. If there were less people attending that is 100% what my plan would be. Since we do have so many people, I am gonna offer up option 2.

Option 2, change location to La Dee OHV.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=81829
https://www.google.com/maps/place/L...00401206e8f77c!8m2!3d45.212829!4d-122.2131731

A last min change of location would result in some people not coming I imagine.

I am in favor of taking the long route and rolling with whatever comes with it. If enough of you would rather do La Dee OHV instead I am good with that also.

If we keep the current plan, then next run is gonna be La Dee. In case that helps anyone choose. Need your thoughts on the topic.

EDIT - forget about option 2. I was mistaken about binns hill being blocked. We are on for the original plan, place and time.

 

I personally am not going to try La Dee with a bone stock truck with tires that are not the greatest...

 

When I viewed the gate closures map, it looks like you can get through on Binns Hill Rd.

I like how you've planned out some other angles for access as well. Nice work. Thank you.

I just wanted to make sure we can actually gain access to the areas we want.

 

On the route you created, at point "G" if we took a right onto Dead Point Road, then the first left which is forest road 3010, it leads directly into a 4x4 trail and 4x4 play area

 

Understood. Current plan is still post caynon. Just offering another option in case the majority wanted it. I doubt they will.

Another look and it seems I was mistaken. Been a long day. The gate I thought was blocking our path, is actually blocking another road, not the one I thought. Binn Hill staging seems to be good to go. Much short path around back that way.

You are correct. I have updated the path. Though I now believe Binns Hill is actually not blocked.

https://goo.gl/maps/nXqJGhXadwkHpG9y7

We have two paths that should both work if needed. I think we are good to go.

 

Looks like we should be good to go!

 

I'd advise to be cautious then if you plan to come. With most everyone being completely new to these trails we don't know what to expect. In case others don't know, trails aren't rated equally, each area has their own ratings, an easy in one location means it's only the easiest of the trails only in that particular area. I've done some damage on "easy" trails that when compared to Brown's would have been rated moderate to difficult.

 

For what it's worth I am all stock on the factory stock off road tires. Everyone says the stock tires suck, but I found them to be perfectly acceptable at browns camp last time. In fact far better than the tires I was running on my TJ.

Off roading is not without risk, for sure. Being careful and not "sending it" goes a long way to making sure you don't hurt your rig.

 

LOL.

Yeah I'mma SEND IT in my new, stock 2020!

OKAY!

 

Yeah, I'm still stock when it comes to clearance. No lift on my truck, just different wheels and tires that make some differences. My sliders are probably still weeks away

 

3 of my friends all with Taco's are locked in as well Sunday. I didn't even pick the time, but looks like we'll be arriving around 11am.

 

For anyone that is worried, let me tell you this. If at any time, for any reason you are uncomfortable with anything. Stop. We will have at least some radios, and people who can spot you. There is no shame in asking for help or taking things slow. This is a newbie friendly group! Last thing I want to see is anyone damage their truck. We aren't leaving anyone behind.

I was mostly joking about sending it. Though I have seen new off roaders who don't know any better. As long as you are cautious and ask for help if you need, you will be fine. Also airing down does wonders for traction and reduces your chance of a flat.

 

This brings our total to 13.

Giggity! I'm excited.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2126FlMzT4

 

THIS! What he said can't be said enough. Absolutely nothing wrong with taking your time and/or asking for help. Do not be peer pressured because someone was able to rally drive their way through something unscathed, you might not be so lucky. I personally like taking my time as I love being in wilderness and I'm getting too lazy to hike anymore lol

I'm out here for fun, learning, and helping.

 

And because I feel this got missed earlier..

To manipulate the words of the great Tolkien's LotR - "It's a dangerous business, all, going out your door. You drive offroad, and if you don't keep your wheels, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to!"