On September 20, 2015, Gregg, Jason and I set forth in driving to this beautiful region in the Deschutes National Forest in Oregon State.
Just 20 miles west of Bend, Oregon; the three of us aired down to 22psi for a detour off Hwy 22 on the Old Santiam Wagon Road (Big Lake Rd. NF500) to set up camp just outside Sisters at “Army Man Camp”.
In summer and early fall, the Broken Top Trail is accessible closest to the mountain crater via a Todd lake and up Road 370.
The seasonally open Road 370, which forms part of the wilderness area’s eastern border, is one of the most rugged in the state, but not for our Subarus and Jason’s Kia Sport. Not to mention my friend Matt’s stock 90’ Subaru Legacy wagon even made it to the trail head of Broken top! In only a few hours we were at the trail head to Lost Lake. By coincidence we crossed paths with Matt who has been a friend I haven’t seen for years!
When hiking to the peak near Lost Lake, presents an awe-inspiring panorama that encompasses seemingly all of Central Oregon, including the Three Sisters, Mount Adams to the North, and the peaks that circle Waldo Lake to the South. Breathtaking!
BIG FOOT: There have been over 143 reports since 1994 in just Clackamas County, Oregon and 49 records since 1942 in Deschutes National Park. Until one sees one; then they will believe in it. Yet none of us on this trip had any encounters.
Sources:
http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/county_results.php…
http://www.oregonbigfoot.com/county_results.php…
It was a delight trailing with Gregg who has been exploring the areas since the 80s with a large amount of knowledge in trekking. I look forward to more exploring if time and funding permit.
I am planning to make it to the Colorado Rockies Spring of 2016 during the Overland Rally Expo WEST held in Flagstaff, Arizona May 20-22, 2016.
Colorado is one of the most picturesque and highest mountains in the Continental United States and during May 2016 should be a great time during the cherry blossoms blooming and snow caps melting.
With its higher altitudes and similar characteristics to the Swiss Alps will give the EJ22 powered Subaru a test for its higher altitude abilities. The trip will be a challenge amongst traveling light in testing endurance, cold weather, and atmospheric denser air and allowing more incredible footage of different sceneries.
Thank you in advance for all your support,
Bryan & Gregg
