Newbie looking for off-road driving tips ....Portland Oregon

[risban]

Hi. I recently acquired a 2014 LX, which is my first 4wd. I have been watching YouTube videos to gain some understanding of how the different systems and button/switches function.

I was wondering if a local 200 owner is willing to meet at an off-road park or trail to guide me. I will be happy to pick up lunch/dinner in return.

Rishi in Portland OR

 

[tbisaacs]

Welcome to the forum. I’m not in Portland or else I’d be happy to meet up.

Overland Bound and Northwest Overland both have active “chapters” in Oregon. I would try those groups too.

 

[Chrisleduc1]

PDX Overlanders on FB has a good mix of really helpful people and jerks.

 

[Travis 76]

Great idea looking for somebody to go with. Also start easy, find a dirt lot or road and try out the functions.

 

[1world1love]

Congrats on the LX! It’s a great vehicle and incredibly capable.

I agree that checking out some of the local clubs is a great way to start. Especially for finding trails near you.

Honestly, taking a day and going to the nearest OHV park is going to be pretty useful. As you can imagine, if you startup conversation and are inquisitive, people tend to be pretty willing to engage. Regardless, the trails tend to be pretty well marked and you are unlikely to get into a bad situation alone.

I have found that some folks can be dismissive of LXs. Don’t worry about that though. It is more a lack of familiarity than anything else.

One thing I would add is that nobody knows your goals and comfort level better than you, and also that luck favors the prepared.

 

[bloc]

I admire the humility in realizing you should seek help.. lots of people just go straight to the first muddy field they can find and get the thing stuck. Probably less LX570 owners, but the point stands.

I'm nowhere near you but would help if I could.

Once you get some off-roading under your belt consider organized training in vehicle recovery. SUPER useful and can help prevent serious injury.

 

[Dan Higgins]

I will simply echo what everyone else has said. You are doing the best thing by looking for some help. Even if you are a natural at doing these sorts of things, it definitely helps the learning curve to get some expert training or at least advice early on. My first 4WD vehicle was a Land Rover LR4 in 2014 and the first thing I did was drive for 5 hours from Denver to Grand Junction and pay Bill Burke for a full day private training session. I had never done any sort of off roading and it blew my mind what these vehicles can do. From how to read terrain to how and why to use 4LO to terrain modes to recovery. I am still a novice but I am much better off having taken that training. I still had to learn some things the hard way. Like why NOT to drive into a snow field without first checking how deep it is and never driving in snow if you don't have a shovel and possible traction devices. I also had to learn how to get out of the sand (on the beach at Pacific City) and I tore a rear bumper loose trying to drive a more difficult trail in Arches without a spotter. You may be far wiser than me. Or you may also learn some lessons the hard way. Either way, you are doing the right thing.

I am in Bend, Oregon now (in the process of moving) and would be willing to go for a drive with you but, again, I am not an expert. Yesterday I drove Forest Service Road 370 south of Sisters (Three Creeks Lake to Todd Lake). It was in good condition and not a bad trail to drive early on. But I have done very little off road exploring in Oregon yet so that is all I have to offer.

 

[afgman786]

If there are any offroad parks around you, you might get lucky with them offering 101 courses and such....
I know out here on the east coast there's a bit of that at big off road parks.

 

[risban]

Thank you all for the replies. I will check out the mentioned resources and will send @Dan Higgins a PM.

 

[pdxlc200]

Fellow PDX member here. There are a ton, and I mean a ton of overlanding clubs in Portland. Start here: PDX Overlanders

Also, reach out to Michael Fung on Facebook. He heads up many of the events, and recently organized the Toyo Tire event in Hood River two weekends ago.