Bend and Eastern Gorge trips

[dirtfinder]

I’m doing the annual pilgrimage to see the folks in Bend and Hood River. Last year I took the sports car and did some back road exploring and high speed driving. This year I'm taking the truck and looking for some suggestions on off-road destinations.

Anyone have suggestions on alpine lakes or other areas of interest only accessible with 4wd or high clearance vehicles near Bend? We did some boating on a couple of the cascade lakes last year but would like to get to something more remote.

Any 4wd required destinations east of the Gorge for an overnighter?

For the most part travel will be in one vehicle, with limited recovery gear, and the fam damily.

Thanks

 

[dirtfinder]

nobody?

How about east of 97 between Hwy 20 and 31...looks to be lots of open space with unpaved roads and areas of interest?

 

[sprocket3]

I just went here last weekend. I didn't see a single car Fri/Sat, so would argue with the heavy traffic statement. If you are much of a hiker look into the distance from Breitenbush Lake to Jefferson Park. I would guess 5 miles. That is one of the must see places in Oregon. Jefferson Park is hike in only, but worth it. Be sure to take a camera and try to spend one night there. Lots of bitting bugs though.

You can drive into this area from Detriot Lake on Hwy 22 then come out on the next highway north 26 which takes you into hood river pretty quick, after checking out all the lakes in that area. They can get busy at times, but there are enough lakes that people spread out. Ollalie is a one to avoid though.

Google it a bit! PM if you want more details about this area. There might be better places, but this will be fun. A stock 4x4 can make it, just slow and rough.

http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGW258-007

 

[dirtfinder]

Thanks for the great suggestions I'm on my way.