The Fellowship of PNW Tacomas | PDX Area Wheeling

Lots of snow this last week/this coming week down to around 4-5k feet, so most likely snow/deep snow in any of the higher sections.

 

Lmao I just googled Sqaw Mt Ranch… I’ve seen the sign a bunch of times going to explore up there but I always thought it was you know an actual ranch.

 

This FB group is pretty good at trail updates if you want first hand information And to be honest, 99% of the route is well maintained service roads. Snow is the only thing that makes it challenging

 

thanks @Astr0Aar0n and @Buttskevin21 for the info.

I don't have FB so I can't join. None of hte buddies i'm going with have it either. We'll be heading up this Friday and do section 1,2,3. I'll report back on the conditions of this weekend (not that they'll get better with winter).

 

Just found this thread. Really looking forward to the next planned meet up.

 

Did a halloween hike up on Silver Star Mountain in WA. Winds were a bit crazy, probably 30-40mph all day but the views were amazing. Could see from Mt Jeff to Rainer and beyond.

The last 2.7mi on FS 4109 to the trailhead has been greatly "improved" by lots of volunteer efforts. In past years the road pretty much turned into a rough 4x4 trail from erosion with 30" deep ruts. I've seen rav4 bumpers and air dams littering the way up but now it's pretty easy for a taco. Resist the urge to shortcut the road switchbacks going up, continued erosion will undercut the roadbed

 

As promised…..

I can’t upload videos from my phone and I’m too lazy to go upstairs to grab my laptop and try to figure it out. I’ll edit this post if I do.

The weather played nice but super cold the second night. Think it dropped to 20°. Conditions were extremely doable and the only thing was going during hunting season. Section 2 bethel ridge was still closed due to wild fire. Ignored the signs and We still went up in hopes they opened it, they didn’t.

We ended up taking the more difficult route on section 2 which added idk how many hours to our trip. Lots of rocks and inclines and declines. Got dark on up quick and Ended up in Ellensburg at 9pm, found camp in section 3 at 10pm. From there I went home in the morning. My brother and sis in law in 4Runner, and buddy in jeep continued on until end of section 3 (I believe). Late spring early summer of next year I’ll start at section 3 and try to finish. Beautiful views and great weekend trip. Super doable right now. Muddy and deep ruts but nothing the trucks can’t handle without a lift it may be a bit more challenging though.









After I left, brother sent these pics.

 

Thinking of getting out somewhere Saturday morning. Anyone interested?

 

Yeah would be good for sat morning. Maybe somewhere up on Larch mountain near Camas/Washougal?

 

well shit... if you're that close to my neighborhood, I have no choice but to make it out... lmk if you go to Larch, I'll tag along

 

I'd be down. I haven't been up that way before. What pass do you need up there?

 

Washington Discover Pass in that area.

Took my Jeep TJ on Skyline and Mountian View trails recently. They are a little more overgrown lately so expect pinstripes. Most of the named trails (Hagen creek system) are tight and windy. Long bed will be more of a chore to get thru. I recommend sliders and 33s. Expect medium/large rocks as gatekeepers on some trails. Hope that helps.

 

I don't mind pinstripes, but the tight and windy might deter me a bit... It's close enough I'm still keen to check it out... I don't have sliders (yet) but I have 35's, bigger tires=smaller rocks

I'm still keen at the very least to get outside and suck down some fresh air; even if I don't hit the trail

 

There are some forest roads out there to explore. Just be aware of the people who head out there for shooting/target practice. You'll find them scattered around on the weekends shooting in various areas. Keep your eyes and ears open because it can be a popular place. Some have better shooting practices than others. I hate to say it, but it's one of the more trashed places that I've regularly visited over the past couple of years. I try to pick up a few pieces of trash/cans/etc when I'm out there. Avoid driving over anything that resembles a burned out campfire because people often burn construction materials with lots of nails and screws. I brought home a nail in my tire once, despite my best efforts. Lol.

 

I'll be going camping out near Smith Rock/Culver area Fri-Sun if anyone is interested in tagging along. It's a pretty sweet spot, up ontop a hill with amazing views and fun roads/trails in the area. Dispersed camping. 4x4 access only. Even has cell reception. No rain on the forecast out there this weekend, but will get cold during the night, like 30° cold.

Pics from last time I went

 

I have a long bed too if that helps with peace of mind lol

 

I also have a longbed… no sliders and only 31’s. I’d be down for early sat. As stated yes it’s the discovery pass you need. I have only really been on most of the fire roads and some of the easier offshoot trails. I am not familiar with the trail system enough up there to lead but would enjoy tagging along. Im good for like 8-9am sat meeting in Washougal somewhere and heading up for a few hours

 

okay, so who all is coming tomorrow? is there a meet-up point/time?

 

I’m good to meet at 8 in Washougal for a few hours on larch mountain. We could meet at the Safeway in Washougal?

 

sounds good, I'll be there at 8am; I'll probably hit the Jack in the morning for breakfast!