The Fellowship of PNW Tacomas | PDX Area Wheeling

My truck is stock and I take it out all the time. Nothing crazy but I still spin up some mud, dirt. or snow.

 

Is it best to camp on the west side or east of the Playa?
Also, is there a more 4x4 road to play around on or is it just the access areas at the Hot Spring and Frog Spring? I might be confusing Alvord with another area. But thought there was a more difficult route you could take to get onto the Playa.

looking to go for Fathers Day weekend.

 

We usually go more towards the west side but that's just so we can get some solitude away from other groups. The only entrances I know about are the Hot Spring and Frog Spring. I haven't done this, but nearby are the Steen's and there could be some good roads to check out.

 

I haven’t been but if you wait till July you can also drive the highest road in Oregon on the Steens mountain backcountry byway. Still just a gravel road Subarus can handle but supposed to be pretty with some good camping along the way.

I’ve been meaning to do a steens/alvord trip for years.

 

Shoot. I was hoping to do the Steens loop. But your right, I am sure snow is still going to have the road closed mid June.
This trip is not ideal, but kind of feels like if I don’t do it now, it may never happen or not for 10 more years.

 

A co-worker of mine did it a few years ago and was telling me they typically don't open the gates till 4th of July weekend. Steens is just shy of 10,000 feet tall so the snow sticks around for awhile.

 

Has anyone been up to Timothy Lake or Olallie lake yet? Do you think it’s clear for the most part to get up there?
I’m thinking of talking the kayak up there Mother’s Day weeeknd.

 

no. Not passible yet.

 

Bummer!

 

From what I have been reading on fishing pages there’s still a big snow berm blocking the road. But with it being 80’s this week who knows what it will be like by the weekend

 

Not as cool; but blue lake or Fairview lake could work….

 

Can’t take personal watercraft into blue lake after April 1st unless you live in the lake

 

Probably just go over to Timber Park. I want to try and hit a lake every weekend this summer. I’d like to visit some obscure lake like Black Lake and Rainy Lake.

 

I had no clue. Thanks.

 

Metro made an agreement with the homeowners on blue lake that they could have it from April 1 to October so you can still fish it. You just can’t fish it from a personal watercraft. That includes kayaks and pontoon boats.

 

Yo what’s the plan this weekend??

 

I have sick kids so nothing for me

 

Nothing too exciting. Painting and caulking.
Might get over to rock creek reservoir Monday.

 

Made it over to Rock Creek Reservoir and explored the area near there. The eastern portion of Barlow Road is open and a fun drive, especially Bug Road. FYI- The flag for PNW Capture the Flag is in need of cleaning.

 

Got out to LaDee Flats this morning. First time wheeling without the sway bar. Felt a noticeable difference. Some big potholes on the forest roads throughout the area. Tried cleaning some brush on some of the higher up FS roads.