Where Have You Off-Roaded Today? 3rd Gen

Ok. I have been in Sooke a few times on stopover when heading up the coast to start a commercial fishing season. Beautiful area.

 

Was on a trip in the Eastern Sierras recently, way too many photos, but this is a start.

 

Drove the Tacoma to the trailhead to this place....does that count?

 

Sure does, that is beautiful!

Too many just drive around in their 4x4's and don't necessarily get into the outdoor experience. So much emphasis on the trucks. I have a 2016 Taco, my 4th 4x4 now in last 35 years, but it is just a tool to get me out into wilderness. I am up to something like 500 trips or so, the majority remote wilderness.

Lock it up and get out and hike and camp too! Nothing like a mountain hike-in lake just for camping, or for fishing, or just a day out getting some peace and quiet. Try turning the stereo and other electronic devices off too, there is a real life above that shiny screen.

After 35 years of driving a 4x4, I am still majorly excited when planning my weekly outings. Now, where's that damn map gone...

 

Drove down Tassajara rd in Carmel valley. Cool spot that goes way up in the mountains with cool views. Trails pretty easy no major obstacles just steep in some parts.

 

Just got back from a 5 day trip to CO.

• Black Bear
• Imogene
• Engineer Pass
• Bonanza Highlights
• Tin Cup
• Red Cone
• Radical Hill (RIP Bumper)
• Deer Creek

 

Also, visited Stonyford OHV up In Mendacino National forest last weekend. Very cool spot, can get lost for weeks if you wanted to. Hit the trails for roughly 4 hrs the ended at the lake and let the furry kids swim. On the drive back they closed access to Hwy 5 due to the Sites fire. What was a two hour trip to get back turned into a 6 hr trip as I had to drive all the was west on 162 through Mendacino to hit the 101. I didnt mind as 162 turns into a well graded mountain road for miles. Great views and littered camping spots.

 

Been a good month! More exploring between fishing spots - mountain lakes and rivers in Oregon.

 

Where in OR were you? My sister lives in Grants pass.

 

How was Bowman lake trail in a stock taco? I have a 3in lift and 265 MT's. I've watched videos of the trail and I've heard people recommend going with somebody else just in case.

 

FUN! that is the best word I can use to describe it. The stock taco is way more capable than most of your run of the mill vehicles out there. It is a more than doable trail in stock form. Some seriously rocky trails but no boulders or anything and just some very tight switchbacks and cliff side roads. Takes about an hour to go 6 miles but it is a total blast. My fiancee and I did it alone and at no point felt as if we were in any serious danger of being stuck or stranded or anything.

Take proper precaution, I always have a small shovel, snatch strap, and recovery boards in the truck and the road is pretty well trafficked so you won’t be stranded for long if anything goes seriously south!

 

10-4. Looks like I'll be going to Bowman soon then.

 

Spent the day and early evening yesterday in Garlic Meadow....

 

Mt. Hood Nat’l Forest. Grants Pass is pretty cool too.

 

Awesome, thats the way to do it. I am out fishing again on Tuesday. My road in to a very remote spot is very bad which ensures no one else will be there. Rainbow trout that average 2 pounds where I'm heading.

Nice looking rainbows in that creek!

 

I bet that was fun either way---- And look on the bright-side; You can get that new bumper you have always wanted!!

Love your truck! The trip looks like it was a blast!

 

I am on my 4th 4x4 in the last 35 years. About 500 remote solo trips in that time. All trucks stock other than upgraded shocks, and tires. Nothing else done to suspensions on any of them and I am always on very bad roads. My body feels worse than my truck right now from too much hammering on 20 off-road trips in the last 4 months.

As commented, be sure to have your safety gear. My toolbox is permanently loaded with safety gear that does not come out unless I need it.

Shovels, axes, hand saws, hammers, large spike nails, tow rope, winch, fire extinguisher, flares, tarps, fire starting equipment, satellite phone in case of 911, etc.

I carry all this as I am solo remote at least 30 times per year and I never seen any other trucks or humans. I have needed the tow rope, winch, shovels, axe only twice in 35 years to get myself out of a jam. More foolish during those younger years and taking more risks back then.

If you are solo remote, be sure to tread carefully. No matter how prepared you are, sometimes stuff happens and you can never have enough safety gear with you and gives some peace of mind.

 

GREAT ADVICE! I am planning several short trips but need to make sure I have all this gear!! Any recommendations for a good place to source it and or certain products you recommend?

 

No specific product recommendations. I look at it like this:

- satellite phone - for 911 use. I won't use it for a truck breakdown, only for personal health related emergency. Good for keeping others up to date on your GPS location throughout the day. Regular check ins.

- getting unstuck. I have used come alongs (cable puller) for years on construction and used same to pull out my 96 F250. I use a 5 ton puller. If you are into upgrading your truck you can look at replacing the bumper and installing a winch. In my case being solo remote, I no longer put myself in spots where a winch is a daily necessity. Also heavy duty axe, shovel, buck saw, hatchet, and hack saw.

- spending the night. If you have a breakdown and can't get out the same day, then you need some spare clothing, food, tarp, blankets, FIRST AID, flares, fire starters, etc.

- if you can't get your truck going and have to hike out. So a large backpack that can fit all your food, clothing, raingear, waterproof boots, gloves, toque, sunhat, water purification device, FIRST AID, flares, hatchet, knives, fire starter, plastic for rain cover, bear repellent, bug repellent, etc. I have had to hike out once and very glad I had this gear.

That kind of covers it, but I am always adding to my kit when I see something that might save my butt. As I mentioned, this is locked in my toolbox and never comes out other than the daily stuff for camping needs.

 

Added just a bit of clearance plus full skid from RCI