Forums Splitboard Talk Forum Local advice for a family camping spot near Mt Hood? (non snowboard trip) Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total) Author Posts March 16, 2015 at 3:15 pm #781225 rughty 620 Posts I am headed up to Kennewick WA to pick up my daughter in a few weeks with my wife, 8 month old, and a couple of big dogs. I am trying to find a dirtbag car camping spot that would be out of the general population with views of Mt Hood, lakes rivers, streams, etc… to stay the night (or 2) for the return trip back to NV. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If it’s a secret stash I promise not to give up the goods. March 18, 2015 at 6:38 am #781286 nwboarder82 166 Posts You can try White River Sno Park off of Highway 35. However, a lot people frequent this park on the weekends when it dumps. March 18, 2015 at 10:33 am #781295 rughty 620 Posts I was checking out Google Earth this am and saw a couple of spots that might be worth checking out. I was thinking something a little more desolate. Any prospects up on Cloud Cap Road or NF-3511? Or would I get hassled by the man or disturbed from too much traffic? Is it even open? Looks like the end of NF-3511 would be ideal as long as the road is in decent condition… March 18, 2015 at 3:29 pm #781315 nwboarder82 166 Posts Yeah, you can car camp at the Tilly Jane trail head (off of Cloud Cap road) near the Cooper Spur Resort. I have seen it done several time. I don’t think anyone will hassle you there. You may have to compete for a parking spot depending on which day you arrive. People still hike the trail whether there’s snow or not. The road continuing pass the sno park is closed off until summer. You may also want to look at some spots off of Laurance Lake Road near Parkdale. There’s a campground near the lake, but it’s closed during the winter. I’m not sure if the rangers patrol that area during the winter. I don’t think many people go out there during the winter. So, you may find yourself alone. I’m not familar with NF3511. That may be an active logging road. March 19, 2015 at 1:04 pm #781333 rughty 620 Posts NF-3511 is just down the road from Cloud Cap Road on Cooper Spur. It runs from Cooper Spur up to just beneath where the first switchback into the burned out area is on Cloud Cap. I saw it on Google Earth. Not sure if it’s a fire road or logging road or if it’s gated. March 19, 2015 at 4:34 pm #781337 nwboarder82 166 Posts I think that might be a logging road and possibly gated. I have to recon that road next time I’m in that area. March 19, 2015 at 4:55 pm #781338 rughty 620 Posts If you or anyone else does in the next few weeks be sure to post back. I have until the second week of April to come up with a plan. Default plan is the kick ass spot we found a few years back up on Adams. Adds a couple hours and doesn’t have a great view being right in the thick of the trees. Hopefully Hood pans out! March 19, 2015 at 5:42 pm #781339 Jefe009 675 Posts Hey Rughty, I highly recommend the Paradise Park campground. It’s about 5 minutes from Government Camp, west towards Portland right off the 26. It’s a decommissioned campsite, so no rangers will show up, and I’m usually the only one there. It’s got fire rings and picnic tables, and no one is ever there. =) You won’t find the campsite listed on the NFS website (as it’s decommissioned) but just head for the Paradise Park trailhead — the campsite is where you park for the trail. LMK if you have a hard time looking it up and I’ll just give you verbal directions. –Jefe www.splitlife.net March 31, 2015 at 12:52 pm #781449 nwboarder82 166 Posts I got some bad news about NF3511. The road is gated and appears to have a transformer box next to the road. I’m not sure if someone is planning to develop back there or the road serves as a logging road. A lot of roads in that particular area are gated. I recon’ed the road to Laurance Lake and it’s open. I only saw one camper parked there, but he look like he was leaving. The one Jefe009 mentioned might not be decommisioned. I found a link that listed that particular site as an active summer campground. You may have better luck with some of the roads off of highways 26 enroute to Madras if you want to stay in the Mt Hood National Forest. Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total) You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
