Winter camping in the high desert?

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 8:53 pm

I have heard some talk about getting out again.

It probably won't happen until the new year but perhaps some discussion could help with the planning and gauge interest levels.

I missed the last one and am jonesin. (after looking through the photos and watching every second of the video who can blame me)
I have PM'ed Deschutestrout to get some ideas about the Maupin area places. He is checking out some of the local campgrounds.

Dry snow sounds good to me. I have cross country skis (and an extra set with size 9 boots). I have not done much winter desert 'splorin.

Think on it

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 6:13 pm

Forest service campgrounds near Maupin (Mt Hood Nat'l Forest in the Bear Springs area) are all closed for the winter. There are many BLM campgrounds along the Deschutes...not many folks here this time of year...but not really a "wilderness" type adventure. IMHO wilderness adventures, even in the high desert can be somewhat iffy this time of year with snow and all. Keep me posted. Mark

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 10:45 am

I'm crazy, I'll camp anywhere. Just don't want to get stuck somewhere...usually I wait til' March before the first trip, which is usually millitary survival camping. Sure beats sitting at home tho.

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 10:51 am

Well, we can sure put together a campout along the Deschutes River somewhere...snow is possible but unlikely we'll get snowed in...and we'll be along the river...and there are fish in the river...and fire season is lifted so we can burn...and, and, and...we're camping!

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:01 am

Well if it comes together count me in (assuming the passes aren't snowed in, I have inadequate chains). (Maybe I need to get some new chains!)

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 5:48 pm

Remember the Wet Westy February get together in Nehalem at the State Park....loads of fun and a good number of buses...usually Superbowl weekend, tho I haven't seen it posted yet. If you're wanting something on the Deschutes in January...well, post away, suggest a weekend and we'll put 'er together!

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:21 pm

Let's try ta make this come together ya lunatics!

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:27 pm

I probly would not be able to do both Nehalem and a winter camp (ducats are in short supply at my place).

I would prefer high desert (specially with snow) to wet and windy beach.

Kind of at a loss as to where to start looking.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:54 am

Went to Cape Lookout last week and stayed at a cabin...it was wet, cold and windy (what a shock) but it was nice to get the hell out of the house (only to sit in a smaller house). My point is, I can't imagine camping in that crap! But a lot of folks do show up at the Wetwesties event....maybe they all have heaters?

Westy78 · Post by **Westy78** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:01 pm

hambone wrote:Went to Cape Lookout last week and stayed at a cabin...it was wet, cold and windy (what a shock) but it was nice to get the hell out of the house (only to sit in a smaller house). My point is, I can't imagine camping in that crap! But a lot of folks do show up at the Wetwesties event....maybe they all have heaters?

Yes, heaters goooood. At least in that state park environment. I have an electric one that I keep running at those kind of camp outs. We also have the meeting hall for the weekend at Nehalem. I've been couped up in a bus for a whole day in non stop rain. Cabin fever sets in mighty quick.

I've been meaning to get around to doing some research about this snow camp thang but it keeps slipping my mind. I'm still all for it though. If we can find a spot with enough snow I want to try this thing out. Igloo camping anyone? They say it takes about two to three hours to build the first time. It opens up a whole new world for winter backpacking. I found the perfect spot this past weekend snowshoeing into Mirror Lake.

http://www.grandshelters.com/index.html

Emily's Owner · Post by **Emily's Owner** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:31 pm

deschutestrout wrote:Remember the Wet Westy February get together in Nehalem at the State Park....loads of fun and a good number of buses...usually Superbowl weekend, tho I haven't seen it posted yet. If you're wanting something on the Deschutes in January...well, post away, suggest a weekend and we'll put 'er together!

The Unsuperbowl campout is posted in the calendar section on the Wetwesties site (Feb 2,3,4) - my kids love it, so we'll be there.....

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:39 pm

Nehalem...barring any unforeseen circumstances...I've had it on my to-do list since last February. Weather? We laugh at the weather. I'll be sporting an electric heater, a good book, a cooler full of beer, a bunch of good food, warm / dry clothes and my dog...should be set I'd think

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:06 am

That's a cool pic Jasan you look like a cartoon or somethin'. You sure stay busy...

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:23 am

Somethin tells me that a January campout ain't goin on this year!

Emily's Owner · Post by **Emily's Owner** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:32 pm

Sheesh, I had to put CHAINS on my Volvo to get back up Redland Road from work as we closed down early.........I haven't done that since the '80's......

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Winter camping in the high desert?

Winter camping in the high desert?