SPRING CAMPOUT – 2023

WHAT

This will be our third trip to Southern Oregon.  Each time we do something a little different than before.  The two trips we’ve done in the past were epic and we’re going to do it again.

WHEN

This year there are going to be 2 versions of this trip, depending on how long you want to be gone.  Your choice.

Version 1 starts on Wednesday, May 3rd and Version 2 starts on Thursday, May 4th.

The difference between the 2 versions is that those of us who are headed out on Wednesday are going to the Owyhee Canyonlands area (SE of Ontario, OR) to do a little scouting for trips in 2024.  Then on Thursday we’ll meet everyone else near the Alvord Desert Playa.

Please let me know if you’re planning on leaving Wednesday or Thursday.

WHERE

From Gresham to southeast Oregon including the Owyhee Canyonlands, the Alvord Playa, the Shirk Ghost Ranch and Summer Lake Hot Springs.

THE PLAN

Wednesday – 8AM – Meet at Gresham Honda in the back lot.  I’d like to be on the road by 9AM.  We’ll head out towards Ontario and then south the Owyhee.  We’ll explore the canyonlands area and find dispersed camping out there that night. I’ve never been out to the Owyhee, so this is more of a scouting trip for 2024 than anything else.  On Thursday, we’ll head to Fields Station (burgers, great shakes and the only gas for miles and miles) and meet up with the Thursday group.  From there we’ll head to the Alvord Playa.

Thursday – 8AM – Meet at Gresham Honda in the back lot.  You should be on the road by 9AM.  I’ll be sure to have someone who knows the route lead the Thursday group out to Fields Station.  It will be a 6-to-7-hour caravan from Gresham.  

Once we are all together on Thursday afternoon, we’ll head out to the Alvord Playa.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and we can camp on the Playa.  If the sky is clear there will be an opportunity for some amazing star gazing.  However, if the Playa is wet or there is a good chance of rain, we will have to camp adjacent to the Playa at the Alvord Hot Springs.  Camping on the Playa is free but if we stay at the Hot Springs there is a $25 per person fee.  That includes the campground, hot springs, and hot showers.

Friday will be more relaxing with less driving.  The downside is that we’ll have almost an hour of washboards.  We are going out onto BLM land and boondocking at the David Shirk Ranch.  This ranch was founded in 1883 but abandoned in the 1940s.  It is still largely intact, especially the main house, and should make for some good exploring and camping.

As with Friday, Saturday we will have more time to explore the local area.  Plenty to do and see depending on what interests the group at the time.  More details later.  

Saturday night we will be at the Summer Lake Hot Springs for a final night of camping.  Hot springs and hot showers.  $25 per person.  A good place to clean up before the long ride home on Sunday.

Sunday we’ll take our time making our way back home.  

IMPORTANT DETAILS – PLEASE READ

I can’t stress this enough - be prepared.  Where we are going is among some of the most remote land in the lower 48.  You should be comfortable with, and equipped for, camping in a self-sufficient manner.  Be prepared for rustic and remote conditions.  Don’t plan on much (if any) in the way of restaurants, services, or cell signal for most of the trip between the Alvord Playa and Summer Lake.  There is gas at Fields Station, which is at the southern end of the Alvord Playa.  Probably the only gas around within at least an hour.  They have great burgers and shakes as well.  But expect astronomical gas prices.  They’re the only gas station out there so I guess they can charge what they want.  Remember that being prepared makes things much easier and more enjoyable.   

The Weather … Expect everything nature can muster.  I have seen it all out there.  Hot, cold, wind, rain, snow … everything.  Dress in layers and bring clothes for a variety of weather conditions.  I chose the early part of May to hopefully be out there in decent weather, but you never know for sure…

The Camping … Again, I can’t stress enough how important it is to be prepared.  We are going to be remote, very remote.  Plan accordingly.  Be sure to have enough food, water, and camping gear to be completely self-reliant.  Also have a plan for your “bathroom needs” out in the middle of nowhere.  There are showers and bathrooms at the Alvord Hot Springs (if we end up staying there) and at Summer Lake Hot Springs but there is absolutely nothing out at the Shirk Ranch. If you haven’t done much camping, that’s okay.  But please let me know if you need any advice in preparing for this trip.  Also, you don’t need a fancy camping setup in the back of your Element.  Bring a tent. Sleep in the back of your “E”.  Whatever works for you.  I have a cot set up in the back of my Element - simple.

The Element … We all love our Elements and I keep that in mind when planning these trips.  We’re not going to be doing any crazy off roading.  Dirty, dusty roads, gravel roads and some washboards will be the extent of the “off roading” that we will be doing.  All terrain tires are recommended but not required.  Lift kits are not necessary.  Trailers are not recommended.

I have done variations of this trip a couple times now and I always go home with memorable experiences.  Much of this trip travels through incredibly scenic places.  Also remember that very few of the plans here are set in stone.  I try to keep it loose and flexible to be able to adapt to local conditions and the interests of the group.  These trips are meant to be relaxing and low key.

Well, this is the gist of the trip.  More details will follow towards the end of April.  If you have any questions about the trip or getting prepared or anything else, please feel free to contact me any time.

RSVP IS REQUIRED (see below)

Right now, we have about 12 Elements going.  I do need to know if you’re planning on joining the Wednesday group or the Thursday group.

Questions? EMAIL