December 2017 Seattle-Area Meet

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/nw-wa-meet-bs-thread.224544/page-1825#post-16671632

 

@TexMeg89 count me in, for sure.
Are you game for Bald Mountain, though?

 

Damn, I need to check this site more often. I had nothing to do yesterday haha

I've never been. I'm only concerned about trails that will introduce me to off-roading.
My truck is 110% stock from the dealership and I have no experience in the off-road world.

 

You missed out. In fact, you're still missing out. We're about to have breakfast.

 

Uggghhhh .... Meanwhile I'm stuck at work

 

I hear ya, been there. Pretty sure you'll have a great time but it's entirely up to you. I'm probably not game for Tahuya because for me it's too much of an investment just to get over there and no camping. But I think with everyone else who is game for this weekend, you'll be in very good hands. Lots of experience and hefty-enough rigs to get us all up there safe and sound.
That's assuming everyone else is game for Bald Mountain (or wherever else)?

 

Well... my roommate did just give me a bed-tent that I haven't been able to try out yet and I would rather be in the mountains than a potentially overcrowded state park.

I just don't want to get stuck, damage something, or fall off a cliff my first time going off-road lol

 

Update: I just spoke with MULE about Bald Mtn. Effectively, it's good for experienced folks with very large tires, i.e. 35" and above. Also, the Forest Service is expecting that the upcoming snow storms (big one tonight, for example) will dump enough snow for the snowmobiles. If that happens, no 4-wheeled vehicles will be allowed.

I'm ditching work early RIGHT NOW to do a quick recon trip to Beckler (River) Road. Located off US 2. I want to see if it's open, navigable, etc. I'll report back any findings.
Also, PM me if you can and want to join me. I'm leaving Redmond in the next few min to head over there ASAP. No extra lighting installed yet so I want to get in and out before it's too dark. And there's that whole "you're an idiot if you travel alone." bit, too.

 

UPDATE: I thought I'd post while waiting for last tire to air up. Beckler was a success. No closures that I could find. Plenty of awesome camping near river. Sites large enough to host 10 people or more. 5 rigs easy. Even more. Roads easy enough for stock noobs but also interesting technical bits too. I recorded on Gaia, will share. Beautiful. Power line routes are cool too.

What say Ye all?

 

I’ll join on Saturday, wherever this is.

 

I don't get back until the 24th but sounds like an awesome run. If it happens after Christmas I'm going.

 

What is technical at all up Becklar? Its literally all well maintained forest service roads

 

Okay, everyone, here is my track recording from today: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/ec1542cd21ee0ea2a7641f74f4b83370/ Let me know if you can't access.
Getting there is easy enough, just head east on US 2, hang a left at USFS 65. Like you're heading to Beckler River campground (Link) which is on USFS 65 (aka Beckler Road).

The Campsite
You're on USFS 65 for approx 7mi until it junctions with FS 6520 and FS 6530. Take the second right on FS 6530. The FS 6530 road sign is a little hard to read on account of folks using it for target practice.
Stay on FS6530 it a few miles. We'll be staying at the 3rd site (on the Gaia map/link above) called "CS by the river, 10+ ppl" (direct link). There's actually more than one site so there's no shortage of space. All the sites are right on the river
Note there IS snow/slush on the ground so anyone who doesn't have a RTT nor an all-season tent might be wise to bring an extra tarp. It was sleeting a little on my way out.

I was searching for campsites in the dark so I'll concede to the possibility that there might be another one. Doubtful, but possible nonetheless.

The Roads, Area
So like others have mentioned, Beckler is comparatively more maintained than other FS roads but I intentionally chose this area because (a) the OP @TexMeg89 is a self-confessed newbie and I'd feel like a jerk if I bogarted her thread (and invitees) away from her. (b) I'm trying to find the right balance of finding something both new and (c) challenging for a newbie, (d) a cool place to camp, (e) with enough open roads and trails that we won't tire of in a day. I don't know of many roads open in the winter season so if you do, The please share. I "plowed" through 5" of virgin snow in some areas, decided that was enough for a stock truck. @TexMeg89, I think you're good in your stock Pro, just air down and you'll be fine.

If anyone has anything better to suggest while keeping (a)-(e) in mind, I'm all ears.

Time of Departure
My goal is to leave Friday morning, details forthcoming. I realize not everyone will be able to leave on Friday, but you'll know where we're camping.

Who's in?

 

wow, great report @Rocco-Taco ! Thank you!

This sounds like a really fun trip. Never driven in snow or ice before either! yay for new adventures! I hope everyone else is on board with this because I definitely am haha

Edit: For those who want to leave Friday morning, would anyone want to meet up in Woodinville and then go from there? Also, OP has been updated again

 

Re: Friday, apparently I spoke before confirming GF's schedule. She'll confirm EOD today, IIRC. Sorry about the confusion.

I think we need to get a roll call of who is joining, when (Fri or Sat) and for what purpose (Camping and/or Trail run). @TexMeg89 do you want to do that?

 

Yepp, I can keep track of that in the OP with the "attending" list

@Korndog1284
@Lazyaccent
@NorthwestCruiser
@SagWagon ?
@Rocco-Taco
Are y'all still down for the change of plans for the meet this weekend? If so, could you let me know if you'll be leaving Friday and camping or meeting us out there Saturday for just a trail run.

 

Stealing @JimSnell list from last weekend
@Greddy
@FN-2187
@live_discover
@JDAM
@dakotasyota
@Kappes03
@McMash
@GSPRunner
@AWilson013
@wafflroo
@STacoS
@CullenG
@Tayoflor
@Eff3ction

 

Thief.

 

I'll be hitting the rocks this weekend. Have fun

 

Thanks for thinking of me Meg, but I'm going to SoCal for Christmas otherwise I would definitely go. Maybe the January trip will line up with me being at home. Enjoy and happy holidays to you and everyone.