Places to offroad in Oregon?

[smckenzie]

So I've only been in Portland Oregon since Jan (moved from Florida driving the 11' OB across in 4 days). Been mountain biking a lot but would like to find some places to take the Sube. I've been up to Rogers camp where the atv's go, but not sure if its suitable for the Sube.

Any other places I could go?

[TEXN]

Find BLM or USFS trails...they're alot of fun, especially if you head to eastern Oregon.

[Euchre]

Be careful NOT to venture onto a bunch of logging roads on privately held timber lands. In the recent past there have been changes that make it unwelcome and much more likely to lead to nasty repercussions, even if you are just 'trail walking' your rig for the scenery. Apparently liability issues led to a lot of crackdown.

[ssweet9c1]

Not to mention the outbreak of meth labs in OR and WA. My inlaws live near Gaston OR. and have heard some scary stories..
Jonathan

[Citylights]

Photographing Oregon A guide to the natural landmarks of Oregon. ISBN 978-0-91198-18-1. Drive!

[John E Davies]

Go here: ... US Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Region ... order maps for your closest forests, and then go driving. Or go downtown to Powell's or a map store and buy them there.

Seriously, just go up in the National Forests and seek out the secondary, lightly traveled through routes and the dead end "tertiary routes" on Federal land. Normally these routes are the ones that do NOT follow the valley floors. They are often poorly or completely unmaintained, and you will see few vehicles. The NFS maps are truly excellent for exploring, but they do NOT show elevation, so you need either topo maps or something like Google Earth to study so that you can figure out stuff like, "will I encounter snow, and at what elevation?" We had massive snowfalls last winter and some of it remains way up high.....

Here is a great resource for current conditions in the mountains - it is a motorcycle forum but these guys take their big BMW Adventure bikes everywhere, and they are always chatting about routes, closures, and conditions: ... Pacific Northwet - Where it's green. And wet. - ADVrider

I do NOT recommend any ORV areas - the trail conditions will be way too rough for your car and the parks are full of morons...

You might be interested in the Back Country Discovery Route - some sections of the "roads" may be a little too rugged, but you will see some truly marvelous scenery. Maybe travel with another vehicle like a Wrangler for mutual security: ... Back Country Maps.

You Tube

You Tube

I encourage you to carry a gps, a SPOT with the optional tracking subscription, a minimum of survival gear (enough for an unexpected night in the woods), bear spray or a large caliber firearm, and recovery/ emergency gear for your Outback. Always file a trip plan with a friend or relation. It is really easy to get into serious trouble once you get away from the populated lowlands.

Or you could go to the coast and do some beach driving - there are many miles of sand that are open to the public. Wash your car and chassis completely ASAP after driving on the beaches!!!

Be aware that vast areas of Central and Eastern Oregon are privately owned range land, and with few exceptions the access points are gated and prominently posted. It's _very_ frustrating to be driving through miles of gorgeous scenery with inviting dirt roads branching off right and left, and be locked onto the highway corridor by a constant string of locked gates. You really need to focus on the National Forests for easy access.

You are really close to Primitive Enterprises in Portland (on the west side of the Williamette River), which specializes in Subaru off-pavement stuff like skid plates : ... http://www.get-primitive.com/ ... Order a set of plates and rally mud flaps, and you can pick them up in person and save the shipping charges.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

[Euchre]

Indeed, preparation is wise. Bad things can and do happen, even when one is a little prepared.

[John E Davies]

Bump to the top....

Does anyone else here get more than a little peeved when someone asks for advice, you write a long reply that uses up maybe 20 minutes out of your life, and then the original poster never returns to the thread? I would kinda like an acknowledgement or even a "Thank you".

It's enough to make me want to stop typing .... well, maybe not. But it still bothers me. I like good manners.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

[Scooby]

Ok ..First of all I've been wheelin' my '03 outback all over the state and have had no issues .

These meth labs stories in the woods are a bunch of stories...I have yet to hear about them and I'm on several 4 wheelin forums...

Tillamook st. forest is a great place to explore in your outback..I've run even some of the most difficult trails...

Go in the off season like fall/winter/spring.. avoid the crowds
Get an OHV permit it's liek $10.50 avail. at almost an atv shop or grocery/gas station near TSF. IT's a big fine if you don't..!

MT. Hood has some new changes this year ..go to any Mt. hood ranger station and get the current MVUM maps..alot of roads are closed even if it's not gated or signed...Another big fine...!

Go Prepared ..bring everything ..Full size spare is a must!!
air compressor
skid plates(primitive) a must...
come along (hand winch)
tow strap
a jack

common sense..

above all have fun..

I'd be happy to lead ya around...I'm a native and have been around the state for almost half a century..

a few teasers..

[Scooby]

Originally Posted by John E Davies

Bump to the top....

Does anyone else here get more than a little peeved when someone asks for advice, you write a long reply that uses up maybe 20 minutes out of your life, and then the original poster never returns to the thread? I would kinda like an acknowledgement or even a "Thank you".

It's enough to make me want to stop typing .... well, maybe not. But it still bothers me. I like good manners.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA

Remember it's the internet ..don't take things so seriously...Life is about living not texting/facebooking/tweeting...etc..
I've spent thousands of hours on here...wait til your moderating..

I prefer a brew and conversation over the internet anyday..relax.