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Old 05-19-2017, 04:11 PM   #31
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Steens map and Alvord video

These should help you if you decide to go the Steens Mountains.

Link to a PDF geo referenced BLM map of the Steens Mountains.

Here is a video of one persons trip to the Alvord Desert. It is about four minutes an dgives an overview of the area.

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Old 05-20-2017, 12:29 PM   #32
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Any idea how much the Discovery pass is?
$30. Definitely a useful item in Washington State.

Discover Pass, WA - Official Website | Official Website

My schedule is jam-packed these days, but if you let me know when you are headed this direction, I'll see if I can sneak out to join y'all somewhere during a weekend. Keep me posted!
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Old 05-20-2017, 01:27 PM   #33
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Thanks Bianca. I've been meaning to call you. I'll be in touch soon. I've been busy too.


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Old 05-23-2017, 05:03 PM   #34
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Vote!!!

We've covered a lot of the Oregon coast driving up from SF to Coos Bay a couple summers ago. We're primarily waterfall and lush, green PNW forest hunting on this trip, so here's what I can't decide. After we leave Portland headed for Seattle and Olympic NP eventually, should we go through Gifford Pinchot or over to the coast? The only thing I would really like to see is Cannon Beach but I've seen a million pics of it.

I'm thinking since we want to explore a good bit in the Gorge we might take option A, Gifford Pinchot. Thoughts?

I see no reason to drive up I-5 when these two more scenic options are available.

Thanks
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Old 05-23-2017, 06:03 PM   #35
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CTB, you're too kind. Mostly I just talk too much. I learned all I know and ramble on about from those who came before me. There's a LOT more than meets the eye on this forum for those who care to dig deep into the archives.

Michael, I'm in if there's lots of good liquid bread too. I've been meaning to do a little more brewery research about Bend and other places I plan to explore. High on my list are Deschutes and Ninkasi in Eugene. Maybe Josh (Rockbender) will chime in here?

There used to be a really great beer thread on here. Maybe it needs reviving.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...-beer-863.html

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...eers-8617.html

So I found two. Go figure. The second one above is the one I remember most.

Roll through Astoria on your way to WA and stop at Fort George Brewery... My current favorite place to imbibe on the OR coast. Great family friendly restaurants (pizza upstairs, variety menu downstairs)

Home- Fort George Brewery
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Old 05-23-2017, 06:26 PM   #36
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Columbia River area

I enjoy exploring the Columbia River area and the dry country to the east. Some 2WD-access ideas include:
  • Ancient Lakes area (47.149810°, -119.944995°). Good day hikes. Access via (47.159970°, -119.917968°) (camping OK) or (47.160004°, -119.980706°) (just a trailhead). Graded gravel road.
  • Frenchman Coulee. Informal camping and watch the climbers do their rock climbing at (47.025559°, -119.965453°), or hike out to sand dunes at (47.013236°, -119.983841°) from (47.022776°, -119.991811°). Access Frenchman Coulee area via (47.028557°, -119.941153°). Paved road.
  • Dry Falls. Crazy landscape carved by ancient floods. Little visitor center and viewpoint at (47.606685°, -119.364490°). Paved road.
  • Steamboat Rock. (47.863049°, -119.128981°) Hiking opportunities and official campgrounds. Paved road.
Here are some low-key camping areas. They aren't necessarily worth a special trip (I find Oregon is better for boondocking), but if you are in the area and looking for somewhere to camp:
  • Slack Canyon / Douglas Creek. (47.491081°, -119.903136°) Lots of good riverside boondocking camping here just off the main graded dirt road. To access, drive down from the north at (47.538504°, -119.919220°). There is a 4x4-only access from the south, but you don't want that. There is hiking -- trailhead at (47.498588°, -119.912475°)
  • Lakes southeast of Moses Lake dam. There are a bunch of lakes here, with low key camping. Road access is graded gravel. I liked Susan Lake at (46.957865°, -119.200237°) because you can drive right down to the lake. Access this area from (46.984608°, -119.194716°)
  • Moses Lake. There are some low-key water-side camping spots, such as at (47.050574°, -119.387090°). Roads are graded gravel. Access via (47.102660°, -119.395484°).
  • Trail Lake - (47.564073°, -119.303633°) This is a another boondocking site I like. Take the dirt road north from (47.533051°, -119.289205°). Dirt road with potholes.
-- Geoff
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Old 05-23-2017, 08:35 PM   #37
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Awesome stuff Geoff! Thanks very much for chiming in.

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Old 05-25-2017, 05:44 PM   #38
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Originally Posted by 86Scotty View Post
We've covered a lot of the Oregon coast driving up from SF to Coos Bay a couple summers ago. We're primarily waterfall and lush, green PNW forest hunting on this trip, so here's what I can't decide. After we leave Portland headed for Seattle and Olympic NP eventually, should we go through Gifford Pinchot or over to the coast? The only thing I would really like to see is Cannon Beach but I've seen a million pics of it.

I'm thinking since we want to explore a good bit in the Gorge we might take option A, Gifford Pinchot. Thoughts?

I see no reason to drive up I-5 when these two more scenic options are available.

Thanks
The big bus is shoving off tomorrow. I haven't gotten hardly any feedback on this question so I'm asking again. ^^^^^

Also, Shenrie put me on a good spot just west of Boise and I think we're going to skip Steens Mtn. this trip. There's so much we want to see further NW that she's going to vote me down anyway I think. We're ready for the lush, PNWet.

Here's todays question: Boise to Bend, 20 across the desert or 26 up above and through the Malheur Nat'l Forest? At just about 30 miles more I'm thinking 26. Looks like lots of NF and camping through there we probably won't need since we'll cover it in a day. Thoughts?

Thanks all
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Old 05-25-2017, 11:24 PM   #39
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Here's todays question: Boise to Bend, 20 across the desert or 26 up above and through the Malheur Nat'l Forest?
If you have the extra time, I'd do the 26 route. Along the way are the John Day Fossil Beds and Painted Hills if you've got time to kill (google painted hills or wait for larrie to post a photo ).
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Old 05-26-2017, 01:44 PM   #40
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I agree with Rockbender. I also suggest hitting Astoria as MG suggested if you've never been there. Cool town and neat area with plenty to see, eat, and drink. Buoy is another great brewer there.
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