Camping spot ideas near Mt. Hood?

[IFBwax]

Hey thinking about getting away with the fam this weekend. Any ideas where I'm not totally alone in the wilderness, but don't need a reservation either? Somewhere not too far from Portland. Prefer mts to the beach.

[Bookwus]

Hiya Wayne,

I believe this is Bob's area of expertise.

Ya' out there Hambone?

[hambone]

Heh heh heh.
There are a lot of Barlow-Creek style campgrounds around the Mt. Hood area, just fire rings, tables and a vault terlet. Is that what you're looking for, or something more like the state parks? There are a lot of developed campgrounds along the Clackamas too, run by the Forest Service. They are more like mini state parks but without showers etc.
Any place close to Portland on a summer weekend will be crowded, especially if it has facilities.
Let me know, I'll give ya some suggestions.

[IFBwax]

Vault toilet would be fine.. just not too far off the road. My wife (ok, I) get scared. Few mosq. would be nice too.

[Ritter]

Whatch skeerd of, boy? I just use this axe fer cuttin wood. Dead wood. Now I said squeal!

[hambone]

Here is the Mt. Hood Ntl Forest listing of their campgrounds.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/recreati ... ndex.shtml
You really need a district map before you head out there though, unless you pick one right on the highway.
The Clackamas District has many nice camps right along the river on 224 and deeper in. That would be convenient anyway.
Have you ever been to Olallie Lakes? Very beautiful and lots of campgrounds. That would be my first pick for you guys. Some dirt road driving, but it's a popular place so you wouldn't be alone in the woods.
Let me know if you need more info on anything.

[Gypsie]

Harriet lake is nice. May be skeeters.

What about that one we did recently near the ripplebrook ranger station?

Just past the Harriet lake cutoff are some roadside spots near northfork of the clacky.

I say drive up the clackamas toward ripplebrook RS and check out the sites along the way. there's usually a spot or two and then you can scout for future ref.



There's always Hambone.....Bwaaaaahaaaaaahaaaaaa.....

[hambone]

I think they're looking for basic facilities though. Plus he's scare't.
The big drawback with Harriet is a very dusty road runs right thru camp, and it's a relatively main route. I don't think I'd camp there, but I'm sure the fishing is decent.
One of the minimally developed FS campgrounds would probably be nice for you guys. You get a fire ring, a table, and a terlet and there's usually some fun exploring nearby.
If it were ME I'd say the hell with it and go to someplace more remote. But I understand keeping peace in the family.

[IFBwax]

Thanks youse guys!!!! Great suggestions. Weather should be nice.

[deschutestrout]

White River Station is one of our favorites. Go just past the turnout to Barlow Creek and take the 1st road to the right. Vault toilet okay???? As I recall last year we stayed at a site with a vault and you and the fam dug a hole and did yer duty on one of those stansport toilet seat thingy's.... Have fun. Bring bug dope.

[IFBwax]

White River Station is one of our favorites. Go just past the turnout to Barlow Creek and take the 1st road to the right. Vault toilet okay???? As I recall last year we stayed at a site with a vault and you and the fam dug a hole and did yer duty on one of those stansport toilet seat thingy's.... Have fun. Bring bug dope.

Hey Hey hey.. little TMI there buddy. :)

[deschutestrout]

Hey Hey hey.. little TMI there buddy. :)

That trench WAS for 'lil Tippy, wasn't it?

Seriously, White River Station is way cool. GREAT road to ride bikes. Or, Barlow. This will likely be a bizzy weekend on the hill, so get an early start. Have FUN!!!

[deschutestrout]

Wayne, where'd you end up?

[hambone]

Didn't you see the ironic newscast?

[deschutestrout]

Didn't you see the ironic newscast?

No, fill me in. Oh the irony.