I'm trying to figure out where to go off-roading for a short day trip out of Portland.  I've gone over to Washougal a lot, and I like it over there.  But I've never seen a lot of the spots where some of you went a few months back (there's an album posted here that shows a river crossing and some other fun looking stuff).

Also, isn't there a powerline road going out of Estacada or Sandy area that goes up to Bull Run or Mt. Hood?  I've heard about it, known several people who have been on it, and lots of people I meet are surprised I've never been on it -- where is it?

Thanks!

Ben, when I go up to Estacada this is where I go play.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=45.15874,-122.26161&num=1&sll=45.289565,-122.333696&sspn=0.015701,0.032015&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=45.161585,-122.249765&spn=0.028565,0.054846&z=14

Pretty fun up there. Nothing to challenging. You can easily go by yourself if need be. Very beautiful views of Mt Hood. If your lucky you can follw those roads to High Rock. The best views of Mt Hood I have found so far! If my Rover was up and running I would go with you! This sucks! I now know Craigs pain:(

Those are really cool pictures Ben! Just cant get enough of the old Series Rovers!

This was fun:

Ben,

There is some pretty good wheelin up in Brown's Camp. This is up at the summit of HWY 6 (might be 8, can't remember) right at the Tillamook-Washington County line. Lee's camp is up in that area as well. They are both designated OHV areas. You cannot miss them, there is an ODOT staging area right where you turn off to the entrance. There is plenty of signage to show you the way as well.

Up out of Carlton in the Tillamook Burn area is some really good roads/trails. I do not know that area well, but have ridden it a couple of times on quads/bikes.

Up out of Estacada towards the hot springs is a pretty popular place, but this time of year you will have issues with snow.

Ton of area around Mt. Hood, but again this time of year you will deal with massive snow.

Dustin.

I'll second the Brown's Camp area. Right now it's not bad. There are some easy power line roads as well as some more technical areas. Need an OHV sticker to off road in that area. I've also been up to Barlow Road which is South of Mt. Hood near the Hwy 26 and Hwy 35 area, but suspect it's too snowed in this time of year.

Although Barlow Rd/ Trail is absolutely stunning, its has almost no technicallity to it. I was able to do that in my wifes Honda Element pretty easily. Beautiful area but not very difficult in terms of ability. And yes it is snowed in right now.

Most trails in the Estacada area have been closed due to peoples home trash, shot up cars and what not. I will try again this year to organize a trail clean-up for that area. Hopefully this year I will be able to pull it off. But I will need all of your help

Hey, this makes it sound like the perfect place for a wilderness first aid class. Can you tell us more? The trash nearby sounds like a bummer but if there's a place to camp it could be promising.

Andy

Ben,

Smack dab in the middle of the Mt. Hood National Forest. You can locate it right here....

Dustin

It's true that Barlow Road is very easy, but there are a few unmarked side trails that you can stumble upon that can be a little fun that will exercise your suspension and traction. Might be a little more challenging when covered with snow? If you approach it from the North, coming down South from Hwy 35, it's a little more fun than approaching from the South, coming up North from either Hwy 26 or 216. There are a network of small dirt roads in this area, lots of camping also. There is a small river that runs through part of this area as well.

A few pics from a Summer trip to Barlow Road...

Josh,

You are correct. Not sure why I grabbed those coordinates from GE, I will have to go back and look what I did.. I have only actually been on the West end of this several years ago, never over to the East. Thanks for the correction.

Dustin