Ready, Set, Gooooo!

After not camping much last season, we are really itching to get out a lot this spring, summer, and fall. We have a long list of places we want to camp and explore and most of them are within two hours of our new home! Fantastic! This past week we spent some time cleaning the camper van, making lists of small repairs/modifications, and cleaning out the clutter. Then we took her out for her first road trip: The 2012 Outdoor Show at the Deschutes County Expo Center. Afterward we took a spin out on BLM to kick up some dirt.

Last Summer

Due to the move from Portland to Central Oregon in April of 2011 we did not camp as much as normal. Instead we spent most of our summer and fall enjoying living in the country. We took several day trips to fish and explore. We went camping just twice. We took a trip to the Crooked River and a weekend trip to Jack Creek in the Metolius area just outside of Sisters, OR.

Sisters Oregon Guide -

Jack Creek:
Jack Creek is nowhere near as famous as the nearby Metolius River, but in its quiet way it is every bit as fascinating a wonder of nature.

The headwaters burble up right from the ground, fed by underground springs. Sunlight filters through tall trees, casting lovely (and sometimes eerie) light on the forest floor.

A profusion of fallen logs, some lying over and in the creek are habitat for gorgeous wildflowers.
The area, which was miraculously spared in the 2003 B&B Complex Fire is flat and easy terrain that encourages simply poking about and enjoying the beauty of the area.

To get there, take Highway 20 west to Forest Road 12 (about 15 miles). Turn north (right) on FS 12 for 1.5 miles, then left on FS 1232. Drive a mile to the trailhead. The trail loops through the headwaters springs.

Hike to the head of Jack Creek

Katie & Mike's Camper Van
















Our set up in this very spacious campsite

East Lake - Cinder Hill Campground

August 2010 -

We had the most amazing trip to East Lake in mid-August of 2010. The weather was perfect. Highs during the day were in the low 80s and at night the temperatures were cool reaching down into the upper 30s/ low 40s.

The Newberry National Volcanic Monument includes over 50,000 acres of crystal clear lakes, lava flows, and spectacular views. The Cinder Hill Campground is the largest campground on East Lake and in the Newberry Caldera. The campsites are small built before the birth of the monster sized RVs. The campground is spread out well and most of the spots are set just within the tree line surrounding the lake. The roads within the campgrounds are paved which really helps to cut down on dust. The soil in this campground is dry, dusty, and there is probably about an inch or so of loose soil. Make sure you bring a door mat. wet wipes (especially if you have kiddo), and extra socks! This is dry camping in every sense of the word. They do have amenities such as running water and vault toiliets within the campground. The only drawback to camping here was the sound of generators purring at night. Most campers were very respectful using the generators during dinner time and just before bed. It is something to keep in mind if you are tent camping you may want to camp close to other tents.

Several times during this trip we found ourselves awstruck at the natural beauty of this area. The air is so crisp and clean, the color of the water and sky is the most brilliant blue you have ever seen, and the stars at night feel close enough to touch. We were lucky enough to witness a half dozen or so shooting stars.

Just outside of the campground is a little general store, cabins, boat rentals, and a private campground called East lake Resort. We brought our bikes and enjoyed afternoon bike rides up to the store for ice cream. Outside the store are some of the best sunset views of the lake, shade trees, and grassy areas for picnics. We rented a pontoon boat and went out lake fishing. It was a blast. Our group caught about 6 brown trout.

We are planning on spending a week here this coming summer.

Fort Stevens - September 2010

Fort Stevens campground located just outside of Astoria, OR is one of our favorite places to visit on the Oregon Coast. It is one of the closest beach towns to Portland, OR and the campground is set back from the ocean protected by large pine trees. The campsites are fairly close together but most offer private space for our campfire ring and picnic table. The paved spots are essential in such a rainy place. It has rained every time we have been to Fort Stevens State Park! The park is within about 10 to 15 minutes from the town of Astoria where you can explore shopping and some great little eateries. I would recommend the campsite loops C-J and the best spots are the ones on the backside of each loop. They back up to lush rain forest type vegetation and are more private.

The park is home to the Peter Iredale historical ship wreckage, Coffenbury Lake, a military museum, and an underground gun battery that served as a WWII command center.

Camp Kitchen taking advantage of a plug-in site.

Dry place to hang out

Great Playground


Path to the Beach and Coffenbury lake

Our First Adventure

August 2010 -

After 4 seasons using the pop up trailer we have streamlined our camping and decided upon a camper van. This van has everything we need... 3 way fridge, furnace, porti potti, sleeps 3 + one small dog, awning, ... we are in love and ready for many more adventures!