Join PMC and TLCA on the McGrew Trail September 27th thru 29th as we host the final McGrew Trail Ride in honor of Jeff Bomke who passed away in November of 2023.
Itinerary calls for running the historic McGrew Trail on Friday, camping at Sourdough along the Smith River on Saturday and exiting Sunday. There is also a forest service access option for stock trucks and non Toyota vehicles. Yes, you can probably get in via your full size truck.
Saturday night we will continue our long tradition of Pot Luck dinner followed by Tony's two ticket raffle. That is correct, you can only purchase 2 tickets.
I will post more information as the week progresses so check back in. If you are sure you can attend, post up.
As you recall, we were set run the trail in July of 2023 but Jeff's condition had deteriorated so rapidly we were forced to postpone the event. Here is the info Jeff posted:
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There will be several options for participants during this year's July 21 - 23 ride. These will be either for those that want to drive the historic wagon trail to the intersection for camp on Friday the 21st only and those that want to drive the alternative USFS gravel route to camp on their own on Friday or Saturday at any time of their choosing (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sourdough-camp).
We have a single day USFS Permit to traverse the historic, traditional wagon trail on July 21 only (HIGHLY RESTRICTED ACCESS due to sensitive habitat). The trail itself is mostly just rough and rocky and requires not too much more than a stock Toyota 4x4. A completely stock rig can do this route with some degree of patience, careful picking of lines, paying close attention to the path at all times, and not being too proud to ask for a spotter in some spots.
All participants for the wagon route must be ready to meet on " New Date " , behind the O’Brien Country Store, located adjacent to US HWY 199, in O’Brien, Oregon (US HWY 199 travels between I-5, in Grants Pass, OR and US HWY 101, in Crescent City, CA. the tiny town of O’Brien is roughly the mid point and distinguished by a single yellow flashing light).
All vehicles must be thoroughly washed, especially the undercarriage, to prevent the spread of Port Orford Cedar Root Disease and Sudden Oak Death (the USFS is very serious about this, even as far as inspecting the inner fender lips)
The trailhead is at a locked yellow gate 4 miles west up Lone Mountain Road from the store. We'll be at the gate until 9:30 for any stragglers. After that, the gate will be locked and you'll have to drive USFS roads to camp.
We traverse the trail all the way to the last intersection to Sourdough (USFS Campground on North Fork Smith River) and should arrive in camp late afternoon..
Sourdough Campground (primitive):
Basically, the idea is for all participants to get to this primitive campground on the North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Smith River some time before dinner, Saturday, the 22nd. Plan on a potluck dinner sometime around 6pm so bring whatever suits you to share. With this year's normal rainfall in this area so far, the swimming holes will be deep and beautiful, we may be allowed campfires, and the mosquitos will be friendly!
****
If you participated in one of our many McGrew Trails Rides, please join us to say thanks to Jeff Bomke.
Itinerary calls for running the historic McGrew Trail on Friday, camping at Sourdough along the Smith River on Saturday and exiting Sunday. There is also a forest service access option for stock trucks and non Toyota vehicles. Yes, you can probably get in via your full size truck.
Saturday night we will continue our long tradition of Pot Luck dinner followed by Tony's two ticket raffle. That is correct, you can only purchase 2 tickets.
I will post more information as the week progresses so check back in. If you are sure you can attend, post up.
As you recall, we were set run the trail in July of 2023 but Jeff's condition had deteriorated so rapidly we were forced to postpone the event. Here is the info Jeff posted:
*****
There will be several options for participants during this year's July 21 - 23 ride. These will be either for those that want to drive the historic wagon trail to the intersection for camp on Friday the 21st only and those that want to drive the alternative USFS gravel route to camp on their own on Friday or Saturday at any time of their choosing (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/sourdough-camp).
We have a single day USFS Permit to traverse the historic, traditional wagon trail on July 21 only (HIGHLY RESTRICTED ACCESS due to sensitive habitat). The trail itself is mostly just rough and rocky and requires not too much more than a stock Toyota 4x4. A completely stock rig can do this route with some degree of patience, careful picking of lines, paying close attention to the path at all times, and not being too proud to ask for a spotter in some spots.
All participants for the wagon route must be ready to meet on " New Date " , behind the O’Brien Country Store, located adjacent to US HWY 199, in O’Brien, Oregon (US HWY 199 travels between I-5, in Grants Pass, OR and US HWY 101, in Crescent City, CA. the tiny town of O’Brien is roughly the mid point and distinguished by a single yellow flashing light).
All vehicles must be thoroughly washed, especially the undercarriage, to prevent the spread of Port Orford Cedar Root Disease and Sudden Oak Death (the USFS is very serious about this, even as far as inspecting the inner fender lips)
The trailhead is at a locked yellow gate 4 miles west up Lone Mountain Road from the store. We'll be at the gate until 9:30 for any stragglers. After that, the gate will be locked and you'll have to drive USFS roads to camp.
We traverse the trail all the way to the last intersection to Sourdough (USFS Campground on North Fork Smith River) and should arrive in camp late afternoon..
Sourdough Campground (primitive):
Basically, the idea is for all participants to get to this primitive campground on the North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Smith River some time before dinner, Saturday, the 22nd. Plan on a potluck dinner sometime around 6pm so bring whatever suits you to share. With this year's normal rainfall in this area so far, the swimming holes will be deep and beautiful, we may be allowed campfires, and the mosquitos will be friendly!
****
If you participated in one of our many McGrew Trails Rides, please join us to say thanks to Jeff Bomke.
