Trails/camping on Oregon/Washington/ North California

[Brian3676]

Trails/camping in Oregon/Washington/ North California

I'm newer to the offroad/trail game and don't know many people in it. I go play around at Browns camp a lot and a few other small trails I have come across.

I always see people posting pictures of these great trails leading off to complete isolation and camping the night. Along lakes, rivers, or just in the desert/forest.

My 4 runner is pretty set up for trails/beginner/intermediate off road. I have done some more complex stuff, but always with a buddy incase something happened.

I have my 6 year old daughter 3 days a week and it being summer would love to find some trails or areas to explore in the NW. Anyone got some suggestions on where to explore/camp kinda off the grid?

If anyone else has kids and would wanna join in on some trip that could be fun as well.

Thanks!

 

[BobsTrail]

Our camping days are behind us but we do take scenic drives and look for picnic spots in the forest. Last week we followed hwy 224 along the Clackamas river then it becomes forest road 46 at Ripplebrook. We took it all the way from Estacada to Detroit lake. There we a number of campgrounds along the way.

A while ago we took North Fork Road off of Hwy 22 (at the 23 mile marker) past Elkhorn and it was streams and waterfalls all the way. Not sure about campgrounds, there is one called Shady Cove with 4 spots right on a large stream with an old bridge. Picture follows. I would not bother to continue over the pass and down to Detroit lake. It becomes just another rocky, rough road over the pass.

If you are interested in a day trip to sand dunes, there is Sand Lake near Tillamook. Brown's camp is about half way. I'm looking to go with another 4x sometime, preferably on a week day.

 

[Mac_5]

We're also newer and looking for places to explore. Haven't been to Browns yet, but it's on our list. How much is doable with a 4runner vs more suitable for a quad?

Yesterday we took French Creek Rd near Detroit: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?p=2427408

We took a side road initially because it looked like it would lead to a cool view. It certainly did, but pictures don't do justice for steepness of the last section and the 100 foot drop off along the side.

After that we went back to the main road. It wasn't anything technical, just a gravel road. Still was a pretty drive though: