New Blue Taco in Portland... Any suggestions for a good mtn road day trip?

I have a brand new as of Saturday Tacoma that is telling me it really wants to be taken off road someplace. Nothing serious, maybe just some mountain roads that I could not do in a typical car. I have never owned a 4WD before, have basically zero experience off road, and I have a pretty truck that I plan to own for a long time, so not looking for anything extreme, just some fun.

Can anyone suggest a good trip day trip in the area? I am new to the area so not super familiar with the area.

Would be great to do a meet up/road trip also, the only caveat is my work schedule makes early morning departures... Unpleasant. I would not be opposed to a overnight camping trip also.

 

Welcome from Corvallis,OR and your truck will be taken off road on some easy trails dude I would recommend googling off road areas around Portland I know around eastern Oregon there are a ton of trails

 

Hey Max, welcome! I haven't been out either, and I'm getting the bug. I guess there was a big meet just last month out at Tillamook State Forest. Tons of roads to drive I guess, but pretty sure you need a permit.

I'd be up for for something like that. Nothing crazy, just some hills and roads and stuff. I don't know specifically where either. One day though!

 

lol, reminds me of my first posts:

aaaand that turned into the pics below.
The trick of the matter is finding where your comfort zone is, and having excellent teachers with you on your trips.

To go alone with no conceivable problems, I would try the forest service roads. Grab a DeLorme and find any road that says "NF"!
There are plenty west of Banks.
I personally grew up driving the backroads of Gates and Detroit, and they have some wonderful areas.

If you want to do something more and actually flip the 4x4 switch, get a group together.
Barlow Toll Road is a very easy one.

After that, you need an experienced group that is willing to take time with you. Your best locations are Brown's Camp in Tillamook State Forest, or Tahuya. TSF will definitely provide a challenge, but shouldn't be more than what you are capable of - even if you don't believe it!
Tahuya is great for beginners with just enough challenge to make it 'real offroading'


Where did my innocent dreams go of keeping things stock and waxed once a month?

 

I might be up for a hill like that... But not on my first trip!

I don't really see myself getting too seriously into this, but I definitely could see it being a lot of fun. I'm not really a car guy, though, so don't see myself spending a lot of time and money on mods... Gotta admit I like your bumper though

Anyway, either Barlow Road or Brown's Camp sounds like a good choice, anyone up for a trip? Tahuya sounds promising, but a bit far away for a casual day trip.

Brown's Camp in particular looks interesting since it's only about 40 miles from my house. If I just decided to pack up and go some day without a group, are the trails marked in such a way that I will know which ones are safe and easy?

 

Keep an eye on the Oregon & Washington BS thread to see if anyone is planning stuff. Look here for big trip planning

Look here for TSF information.
There is a confusing map. Most trails are well marked, but there are very few easy truck trails. Out of the blue trails, I can only safely recommend Hoodraiser and Hog's Back. Firefox and Roger's Road are also doable, but worthless. Roger's is just one long stretch of scraping brush, and Firefox is so simple you could do it in a car.
The rest of the blues can present enough challenge to a beginner that there is a danger.


Look here for other locations to go as well.

 

I'm with you on not getting too serious. I have been up to Browns Camp a few times and somewhat know my way around. If you are available on a week day let me know and we can meet up. I prefer the week days as there is a lot less traffic and you basically have it all to yourself but I understand that some people work around here.

 

My schedule is quite flexible... It seems I work pretty much non-stop, but I can get days off when I want them so I could do pretty much any day, just need a couple days notice.

 

Well if you want dude I am looking at getting serious about off reading but not for an while I am looking at do some forest roads around quartzville and detroit

 

Thanks, loads of good information on those two links. I couldn't find any information at all on the state website, so I appreciate the links.

Are the green trails basically just forest roads?

 

they are a slight step worse than that, but nothing really crazy. A subaru with skills could probably make it.

 

Ok, that sounds like a good place to start. The truck in the first pic in this thread is basically identical to mine, so I if it can do it, I should be able to also.

 

keep in mind he has a lift, mud terrains, and sliders.... but for what you are doing, only the tires really matter. you should be fine.

 

No, I mean the blue DCLB you linked to in the first post, that looks stock to me. And that first trail looks more like what I want than the later ones, at least to start with.

 

I'd be down for some light off-roading as well! I am free Sunday - Tuesday and alternating Wednesdays. Let me know!

 

Ya I'm down for light stuff. Green and some moderates you should be fine. I did most moderates in my truck when it was completely stock with no issues. I damaged my truck last time I went out and I'm still sad face over it so I'll be taking it easy for a while lol. I'm available any time pretty much during the week days.

Edit: Chickenmunga is full of helpful and valuable info. Great forum member.

 

You mean BensonX's truck? He's magnetic grey. I guess I didn't think of it, but the first pic is dated before he added sliders, but it does have the lift and the Goodyear MT/Rs on in that pic. The second pic here is the same truck.






The trail you are looking at is called Cedar Tree. It's rated as a blue and is probably about the most medium-est trail in the place in terms of difficulty. Some places can use spotting, others it's pretty easygoing.

Here's a video of that same spot. Sorry, I'm having a tough time tonight finding all my stuff on other portions of that trail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=feHWlpSKwGw

 

Sounds like a Monday or Tuesday trip is in order. How does this coming Monday the 5th sound?

 

Ah, ok, it looks blue in that pic, but probably just the sky reflected on it.

Spent the evening watching youtube vids after you link to that video... That does look fun, but if I ever wanted to do some of those more crazy runs I think I will buy something like http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/3967850485.html and keep the taco as my commuter

 

Monday 5th? I'll be busy that day. Daughters last day of ballet class. By all means do not let that stop you guys from going on the 5th if that works out better for others.