Kah-Nee-Tah Oregon + Smith Rock

[Supersporttramp]

Hope you all are enjoying the summer and the lovely camping weather.
We did this trip during February (mid-winter break) and now just getting around to posting it.

We decided to chase the sunny weather to Warm Springs, OR (Kah-Nee-Tah Indian Reservations and hot springs). We found a good RV park within the "resort" within walking distance to the olympic sized warm hot springs pool. The pool is very nice, big and clean. 2 good sized water slides too. Hot tubs were lacking, but the pool felt amazing! Your skin feels so soft from the mineral water.

Campground was half closed but a handful of RVs parked. We got a good spot and camped 2 nights. Warm, clean bathrooms too. Really enjoyed the pool. No fire ring, so finally got to try out the Biolite stove. Loved it! After that we drove over to Smith Rock. Wow, what a view! Amazing hiking trails too. We were there late afternoon so our hiking time was limited. I would definitely go back there to hike all day. If anyone knows a good boon docking spot, please let me know. Smith Rock camping area does not allow van camping.

I wanted to head down to (1 hr drive) Bend, OR, but husband wanted to high-tail it home. Bad idea, super dark scary driving through the Sisters Mountains to I-5. Super scary at night and not recommended. Really wanted to boon dock somewhere but too dark to see any spots.

We enjoyed the fairly sunny (no rain) and 60 degree weather in February which is a treat for the rainy NW.

Next up, ABBOTSFORD AIR SHOW up in B.C. If anyone is camping there, let us know.

Cheers!

[daveb]

Thanks for the trip report. Far too few of those being posted lately. Gotta love that canyon shot.

[WAMTB]

I would try going a little further east of the park, and then north. The trail system extends beyond the park and can be accessed from that area, which is much less developed and I believe outside the actual park. I think it's BLM land, but not positive on that.

Hwy 20/22 can seem awfully dark on a rainy winter night. I would argue busy summer weekends are scarier due to the higher volume of idiots in a hurry.

[Annie O]

Smith Rocks is a magical place! Good inspiration-
Beautiful van, and that pool sure looks good right about now

[CaptainVo]

I love climbing in Smith Rock. It holds a special place for me and the wife since it was the first road trip we ever wen't on.

[larrie]

Two other roads that are straighter. One is to go directly north on 97 to I84 and then to Portland or 97 to 26 in Madras and the over Mt. Hood to Portland. Both are better roads than 20/22. Should be similar time wise.

[ctb]

Beautiful pics! Thanks for the trip report!!!!...and DITTO to Daveb's post...NOT ENOUGH OF WHY WE BOUGHT THESE THINGS IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!! The tech stuff is great, cause I will probably need it eventually, but the TRIP REPORTS!!!! When I am mad I haven't taken Sporty out for a trip lately, work is busy, or I am just planning on where to take Sporty next, I can live vicariously through those lovely TRIP REPORTS!!!!! Yea, yea, yea this is broken, that is vibrating, where should I put this, what kind of tires should I get, what kind of trailer hitch cover should I buy , I find more pleasure in skipping those...but AGAIN!!! THOSE TRIP REPORTS!!! Can we see a SURGE in reports? I can't be the only one who hasn't gotten my SMB out on the road lately and need to see others using theirs for motivation and ideas?!?

[Scalf77]

Not really a trip report, but I did drive the SMB. I Had to drop my daughter off at a water polo tourney in Redmond. I popped up to Smith Rock and did the misery loop.