Winter camping in the high desert?

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:32 pm

"Oops I seem to have dropped my camping post somewhere..."

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:16 am

Badger Creek? East end? Middle of March? (Wish I was out there right now...)

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 3:09 pm

Startin to pile up. There's been talk about a Covelo trip in April, Deschutes in June.

Gas money, extracurriculars, food. Gots to be careful in my planning.

Still would be interested in a 'jaunt' rather than a trek. coupla hundred miles at most between now and April.

Hal and I were considerin' a joint venture(without the joint, dang-it) for the Covelo thing if it happens.

I'm listenin. Though I would prefer to make the next one p'raps in Spiffy's direction.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 3:53 pm

I take lots of "local" trips in the warmer months, usually around Mt. Hood National Forest. It can be done with a tank of gas or less. In the summertime, almost every weekend if I can get out. It's cheap if you limit your food expenses.
I considered the east side due to less snow. At least last year I was able to get around there. Think this would be more of a campout as apposed to a Campout.
Hell if not sooner then later. Figured I'd throw somethin out there though.
http://terraserver-usa.com/usgsentry.as ... Y=1567&W=3

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 4:12 pm

Also: bus-pooling to a camp spot is entirely possible! No sense wasting gas. Someone would have to tent it though.

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 8:35 pm

C'mon I'm a great spooner. I'll even go against my norm and wear underwear.

spiffy · Post by **spiffy** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 8:40 pm

heh, ya' made me smile!

Hambone's got the nose for great spots.....I have camped up in the greenwater area around rainier, might be a little snowy now tho'

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:57 pm

'sides I drive a split level and have an upstairs studio. No tent needed if you can handle riding in a vanagon.

This may be throwing us way out there but I have been here before and loved it.
http://www.nwhotsprings.net/olympic.htm

http://www.nps.gov/archive/olym/wic/dolyhot.htm

257 miles from Portland to Spiffy's to the Elwha river (about $30-$35 gas one way)

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:14 am

I was with ya until I read this:
Safety: Bathe at your own risk. Springs are not monitored or maintained. May contain high levels of fecal coliform bacteria.
Good times!
But if you've been there then I'm sure it's ok. It does seem kind of a long haul though. I do know of a couple places on St. Helens but probably not accessible until summer. Also a couple pocket wildernesses outside of Tacoma.
http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fus ... map=wawest
http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fus ... Clearwater
http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fus ... rse%20Peak

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:48 am

I had not read the 'fecal' stuff. Does not sound very inviting.

I was there over 10 years ago. I wonder if there is some sort of 'quick test' product.

Sometimes those disclaimers can be very frustrating. 'may contain....'

Sounds like Washington parks has had probs and is CYA-ing.

It is far though.

I like the closer ideas. Mt. Rainier area looks to be a good bet.

Spiffy must have some stompin grounds around there someplace.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:10 pm

I tried to pry some info from him but I don't think he gets out much...

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:29 pm

He's so shy and retiring. Little wallflower, that Spiff. Perhaps Copilot has some insight.

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:42 pm

"C'mon I'm a great spooner. I'll even go against my norm and wear underwear."
Ya know I've actually slept with a few differnt' people in my bus. (no, not SLEPT) It's really not too bad, but is much more comfortable when I'm alone or with my mistress of the night.
GAH! Gah I say. I hope you won't be too offended if we keep the spooning at a minimum. Especially considering your enthusiam for the subject!

Yer right, I think we should make Spiff find something. Deschutesland is mighty invitin' too. I would like to head out there before summer.

CoPilot · Post by **CoPilot** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:45 pm

It's true, we're a bunch of lame-o's. We don't get out that much, and it doesn't help that Tacoma isn't all that...great...

hambone · Post by **hambone** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:50 pm

BUT - the area surrounding Tacoma is still God's Country (in places). Hopefully we'll be able to inspire ya to get out more. It does take a bit of work to find the diamonds in the rough, but it's a lot of fun. Potential adventure, what could be finer?
I don't know much about Washington, I've spent more time in NW Oregon. Those Delorme maps are a good place to start. Ya find a place that strikes your fancy, then hit th' internet for more info. I like to go to the underutilitized areas on wilderness boundaries, you usually have the place to yourself.

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Winter camping in the high desert?