We were going to the Eastern Sierra for fall color -- but there is lots of smoke from the Rim Fire. I'm not asking for specific boondocking sites, but is there a general area in the Cascades of Oregon that might have some fall color? We want to get away from campgrounds, and we'd like to do some hiking in the mountains, and I am hoping for clear, dark night skies. (Remember, I'm from southern Calif -- no color, no stars, no solitude, no silence.)I have searched in the Bend and Sisters areas -- plenty of camping and hiking, but not that much fall color, as far as I can tell. Mostly pine forest. Nice, but not colorful.Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated -- thanks in advance!

Clear skies from Tahoe north. Go for it.

When hiking in the northwest Be prepared for weather changes. (If you do not like the weather, wait ten minutes). Extra clothing, snacks and good maps recommended and always let someone know where you are hiking and eta back. We average a lost hiker in Oregon every week, especially neat the Columbia Gorge. Come and enjoy some beautiful country.

Off the beaten track, not too remote, 1 mile of hard road, off route 20 between Okanogan Wa and Twisp Wa. It's called Loup Loup camp ground. It is a National Forest camp. with no hook ups. It's on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades. Route from So-Cal north on I-5 to Weed, then 97 north, to Route 20 and east to Loup loup pass.

There is quite a bit of fall color along Aufderheide Rd (NF 19)which runs along the west side of the Cascades between Westfir near Oakridge (hwy 58) to Cougar reservoir (hwy 126). Best boondocking sites along the river are around 10 miles north of Westfir.

hugemoth wrote:There is quite a bit of fall color along Aufderheide Rd (NF 19)which runs along the west side of the Cascades between Westfir near Oakridge (hwy 58) to Cougar reservoir (hwy 126). Best boondocking sites along the river are around 10 miles north of Westfir. If anybody knows good Oregon boondocking sites it's Hugemoth, take his advise.

Boondocking in Cascades instead of Eastern Sierra?

Bend
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
To get "color", you'll need to be on the western (wet) side of the Cascades where the trees have real leaves. 8>)

Anywhere east of Eugene and north should do it. However, you will competing with archery hunters for space.
pnichols
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2013
You might want to research the Steens Mountain and Hart Mountain areas of Southeastern Oregon ... nice and remote with pure skies and large vistas. You just have to find where fall colors might be in the vicinity.
SteveAE
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
Dan,

You are correct on your assessment on there not being much fall color in the Central Oregon area. There are some beautiful patches, but not widespread. The skies are usually dark and clear though.
More color on the western side of the Cascades, but then you will have clouds.

I would think just south of the Tahoe area might offer some good opportunities.

Western weather patterns are about to change so the smoke situation might improve for you soon.

If you do drift as far as Central Oregon, let us know.

Steve
J_herb
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
hugemoth wrote:
There is quite a bit of fall color along Aufderheide Rd (NF 19)which runs along the west side of the Cascades between Westfir near Oakridge (hwy 58) to Cougar reservoir (hwy 126). Best boondocking sites along the river are around 10 miles north of Westfir.

Dan
We will be in this area starting Oct.1 for a week or so than to the coast. If you are in the area and see a blue Tundra with a Casita stop and say HI. Jay
tuna_fisher
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
hugemoth wrote:
There is quite a bit of fall color along Aufderheide Rd (NF 19)which runs along the west side of the Cascades between Westfir near Oakridge (hwy 58) to Cougar reservoir (hwy 126). Best boondocking sites along the river are around 10 miles north of Westfir.
If anybody knows good Oregon boondocking sites it's Hugemoth, take his advise.
hugemoth
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
There is quite a bit of fall color along Aufderheide Rd (NF 19)which runs along the west side of the Cascades between Westfir near Oakridge (hwy 58) to Cougar reservoir (hwy 126). Best boondocking sites along the river are around 10 miles north of Westfir.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
Off the beaten track, not too remote, 1 mile of hard road, off route 20 between Okanogan Wa and Twisp Wa. It's called Loup Loup camp ground. It is a National Forest camp. with no hook ups. It's on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades. Route from So-Cal north on I-5 to Weed, then 97 north, to Route 20 and east to Loup loup pass.
nikoregon
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
When hiking in the northwest Be prepared for weather changes. (If you do not like the weather, wait ten minutes). Extra clothing, snacks and good maps recommended and always let someone know where you are hiking and eta back. We average a lost hiker in Oregon every week, especially neat the Columbia Gorge. Come and enjoy some beautiful country.
korbe
Explorer
Sep 14, 2013
Clear skies from Tahoe north. Go for it.

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