PDX-adjacent campout!
posted January 26, 2018 8:16 PM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Thu June 21 at 4:00 PM, Lost Lake Campground and Resort
Lakeshore Express Trail #658, Cascade Locks, OR, USA (Map & Directions)
UPDATE - Please add any meals you want to make or contribute to, along with any special equipment you're bringing or need someone to bring, to the food and equipment planning spreadsheet!

This will happen Thursday afternoon - Sunday morning, June 21-24 at Lost Lake Campground and Resort. I've booked a site near the top end of the D loop. Reservations can be made at ReserveAmerica.com.
We've done a few MeFi campouts in far-flung places - Washington, eastern Oregon, and California - and they've been great and I'm totally up for more of them (Olympic peninsula, anyone?). But this time I wanted to propose one closer to home so that maybe more local folks could make it.

Oh, it will be ever so jolly!
posted by Greg_Ace to Meetup (95 comments total)

I should also mention that we never lack for awesome food at these things.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:19 PM on January 26, 2018 [2 favorites]


Silver Falls has 2 group spots and it's about an hour and a half away. L.L Stub Stewart is near Vernonia while Milo MacIver is just outside Estacada. All 3 are state campgrounds so they tend to have better facilities like yurts or showers.
posted by fiercekitten at 12:30 AM on January 27, 2018 [1 favorite]


I am always in favor of reserving a group site rather than fussing about multiple site reservations so far in advance.
posted by janell at 3:53 PM on January 27, 2018


That sounds great! I'm definitely not a fan of heat (see what I did there!? 👀), and would love to go someplace where there's swimming but it's not a dealbreaker.

Count me in!
posted by bendy at 6:20 PM on January 27, 2018


I've been curious about Lost Lake Resort and Campground - it has some great scenery. And a lake.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:08 PM on January 27, 2018


I approve of this plan in a major way! I too have been curious about Lost Lake- has anyone been there?
posted by Secretariat at 8:19 PM on January 27, 2018


I saw an episode of No Reservations that staged a segment there - does that count?
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:30 PM on January 27, 2018


I would love to go camping. I did flake on the last campout because the date ended up not working. And I was bummed about that! ( mostly for being a flake.) Hopefully this year will work out!
posted by vespabelle at 9:57 AM on January 28, 2018


I'd be interested, I had a great time with several of you a few years ago. I'm also interested in Lost Lake
posted by Kwine at 10:59 AM on January 28, 2018


Lost Lake looks lovely! It has several "organization" camping areas -- Area 2 is $85 with space for 15 people/5 cars (compare to $27/tent site).
posted by janell at 2:15 PM on January 29, 2018


I think getting a group site is an excellent idea.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:47 PM on January 29, 2018


I love camping and am potentially interested. I dig Trillium Lake, very pretty and good for canoeing/kayaking, but I'm also open to other ideas.
posted by cnidaria at 11:42 PM on January 30, 2018


Ooh, Lost Lake looks pretty too.
posted by cnidaria at 11:43 AM on January 31, 2018


So maybe we should talk about dates.
posted by janell at 1:41 PM on January 31, 2018


Yes... According to this, it looks like June is the magic time between rainy and too hot for comfortable camping. That being the case, what weekends in June can anyone NOT do?
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:05 PM on January 31, 2018


June sounds good to me! I probably can't do the weekend of June 30th (but only because my calendar says I promised to be available to cat sit for janell, which I suspect means that's a no-go for her!) All other June weekends currently work for me.

If we were to stretch it to July (we are considering places with lakes, after all, so I'm willing to risk some warmer days as long as nights cool down) I'm not available the weekend of the 7th (got some concert tickets) but all other July weekends work.
posted by Secretariat at 11:09 AM on February 1, 2018


Taking a look at a different site with 30 years' worth of historical weather data, July might not be so bad at 3200'. Personally I'd still prefer the cooler June weather, but I'd be willing to risk hot weather up through, say, the first couple weekends in July.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:33 PM on February 1, 2018


There are plenty of individual sites available for June weekends (none in July), but the group sites are completely booked for June and July weekends. So unless people want to talk about mid-week dates (which I'm not opposed to), next Saturday I'm going to go ahead and reserve an individual site for the weekend of June 22-24.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:16 AM on February 4, 2018


I've booked site D4 for Thurs-Sat June 21-23 (leaving Sunday morning); apparently there's a 3-night minimum stay on weekends. There are 3 or 4 other surrounding campsites that are currently available for those dates, but don't expect them to stick around.

I'm going regardless, but I really hope some of you will join me!
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:40 AM on February 10, 2018


Irony! This would be the perfect timing for us to make it to last year's location. We'll hopefully be halfway back to Portland from Sac on a recumbent tandem.

Someday we'll make it. Have fun y'all! LOVE the closer to Portland locale, generally speaking.
posted by aniola at 2:08 PM on February 10, 2018


Ok! I have booked the next door site, D6!
posted by Secretariat at 10:26 AM on February 11, 2018


I don't think I can do this the weekend right before a bigger adventure, but I'll maybe swing by for an afternoon/dinner since it is close in).
posted by janell at 3:20 PM on February 12, 2018


Dumb question; for a single tent / single car will I need to be reserving my own site, or do we have some number of folks already covered between D4/D6? Obviously happy to chip in if I'm sharing a site.
posted by churl at 4:26 PM on February 13, 2018


Looking at the pictures of each campsite, I think we could probably double up 2 tents to a site, plus the extra-vehicle fee (I think it said $8/night?).
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:44 PM on February 13, 2018


Yeah, my site said it had 2 tent pads in the description, doubling up should work.
posted by Secretariat at 10:27 PM on February 13, 2018


Can I and my non-mefite partner share a campsite with you, Greg_Ace or Sectretariat? We won't be able to make it until Friday evening but happy to share costs for the full term.
posted by Kwine at 9:53 AM on February 14, 2018


Sure!

With you and churl, that pretty much locks up those two sites (unless they're a lot bigger than I think they are).

If anyone else is still interested, nearby sites D1, D2, D7, and D16 are available at the moment.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:54 PM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm guessing 2 tents per is probably the max, from the way sites were described (and yeah, I'm fine sharing with either Kwine or Churl!)
posted by Secretariat at 2:45 PM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]


uhhh..... maybe?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:45 PM on February 19, 2018


We'd love for you to join us! Be aware that you'll need to decide and reserve a campsite before they're all booked.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:42 AM on February 20, 2018


timing means I may just be down for a day (early in, leave at dusk)
posted by the man of twists and turns at 3:14 PM on February 20, 2018


Oh, ok, that's cool too.
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:35 PM on February 20, 2018


I've reserved D7! If anyone wants to pitch a tent near me (heh!) that would be great.
posted by bendy at 7:44 PM on March 1, 2018


Let's do this!
posted by bendy at 7:46 PM on March 1, 2018


I'd love to, but I don't think I could fit my upright in the car with all my camping stuff. :(
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:25 PM on March 1, 2018


Here's your answer.
posted by bendy at 10:11 PM on March 1, 2018


We'll see if we can fit some instruments in our car. I'm sure there'll at least be a guitar.
posted by Secretariat at 8:07 AM on March 2, 2018


I should be able to fit my acoustic bass guitar in, just not an upright.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:16 AM on March 2, 2018


Surely cortex will bring his banjo??!!
posted by bendy at 7:44 PM on March 2, 2018


Maybe if you stop calling him Shirley...
I'll be here all week
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:00 PM on March 2, 2018


(Just throwing it out there... consider Diamond Lake, OR for the early fall!)
posted by elsietheeel at 2:21 PM on March 25, 2018


Looks lovely. I've got other plans this fall and wouldn't be able to do it, but that shouldn't stop anyone else from organizing something!
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:39 PM on March 25, 2018


Also, Crater Lake is definitely on my short list of camping destinations.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:19 PM on March 26, 2018


Crater Lake is even closer to where I am, so I'd be fine with that too! It's also close enough for a day trip from Diamond Lake (which has more water-adjacent camping and recreation).

And now I'll leave y'all to your actual camping trip plans. But someday I hope to join you!
posted by elsietheeel at 1:04 PM on March 26, 2018 [1 favorite]


I haven't been playing much guitar lately, but I'll bring it along. I should be capable of campfire rhythm guitar, and the missus and I like to play and sing together but it's been quite a long time since I've played with anyone else. Sounds like fun.
posted by Kwine at 1:25 PM on March 27, 2018


Just a quick bump to keep this on my "Recent" page.... Around the beginning of June I'll post a link to a Google Docs spreadsheet we can use to plan meals, equipment, refreshments, etc.
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:37 PM on April 9, 2018


Oh, and the music playing is pretty relaxed, so I'm sure you'll be fine, Kwine!
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:38 PM on April 9, 2018


Six weeks to go! Man, I am so ready to get outdoors....
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:01 AM on May 10, 2018


Me too, looking forward to it!
posted by Secretariat at 5:22 PM on May 11, 2018


Okay, I've set up a Google Docs spreadsheet for planning meals and equipment needs.

First of all, if there are any vegans or vegetarians in the group please speak up so that we can all plan appropriate options.

There will be 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, and two or possibly 3 lunches (depending on how late we dawdle on Sunday). If my reckoning is right - and assuming churl will be attending - if each single person or couple picks two meals we should be able to cover all of them. If churl ends up not attending, well, historically we've all always brought enough extra food that we'll be able to bridge the gap.

I usually bring a big batch of smoked meat, such as pulled pork; if that suits everybody I'll do the same this time.

A couple of times before we've done a "Bring Your Own Meat" night and grilled up steaks and fixings. Do we want to do that this time?
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:54 AM on May 26, 2018


I love a big batch of smoked meat! Once we did that + taco fixings, that could be good again.
posted by Secretariat at 9:22 PM on May 27, 2018


Also, I eat meat and or vegetables, but no cashews or pistachos (you can bring them, eat them, wave them at me, store them adjacent to things I'll eat, just please don't hide them in my food). I am comfortable cooking or eating vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, paleo, whatever, if anyone prefers that.
posted by Secretariat at 9:38 PM on May 27, 2018


Seconding Secretariat in terms of willingness to work within whatever bounds are necessary food-wise ... but at the same time I'm imagining myself waving a jaunty cashew at some departing traveler, calling "Have fun storming the castle" or some such.
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:34 PM on June 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I thought I'd be able to join you one of the days, but that's not going to work out. Enjoy the tacos!
posted by janell at 1:29 PM on June 4, 2018


That's too bad. Maybe next time!
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:45 PM on June 4, 2018


Who plans to bring a camp stove? I've got a 2-burner Coleman stove that's a bit on the small side, and we'll probably need another one at least to have enough burners for crowd cooking.

By the way, I just received my new humongous 12-qt cast iron Dutch oven with legs and a rim around the flat lid to keep coals on. I'm looking forward to breaking it in!
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:48 PM on June 8, 2018


I can bring another camp stove!
posted by Secretariat at 5:45 PM on June 9, 2018 [1 favorite]


Excellent, thanks!
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:39 PM on June 9, 2018


Hi sorry to be so late in replying here! I'm still planning on coming and would be happy to cover 2 meals. I'll take a gander at the sheet this weekend
posted by churl at 9:07 AM on June 15, 2018


you hear that, he's gonna cook goose!
posted by cortex at 9:19 AM on June 15, 2018


We're gonna need a bigger oven...
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:03 AM on June 15, 2018


"My goose is well and truly cooked," I will be able to say, in honesty, after I literally cook a dead goose
posted by churl at 5:31 PM on June 15, 2018 [1 favorite]


Those are, fortunately, much easier to cook than the live kind.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:06 PM on June 15, 2018 [1 favorite]


In a burst of upgrading my equipment to make camping easier and more pleasurable, and pondering the substantial hygienic forethought Janell has singlehandedly made in past campouts, besides getting a lovely new Dutch oven I bought a couple of wash tubs and a bunch of cheap dishtowels. I'm also bringing a decent small shovel so we don't have to struggle so much with found sticks to move logs and coals around, which will be especially handy in terms of skillet- and Dutch oven-based cooking. I was about to buy another camp stove as well, but Secretariat saved me that expense...for now...

I also panicked a bit and did some obsessive over-planning in the spreadsheet and signed up for more meals than I'd originally intended. I mean, heaven forfend we should eat like anything less that utter hedonists whilst in rustic repose, amirite? I'm happy to follow through on those promises if needed; hanging out in the woods with nothing to do but relax and cook and eat is a Lovely Vacation as far as I'm concerned. But it wasn't and isn't my intent to keep anyone else from making whatever meal contributions they've a mind to, so please don't let me cramp anyone's style!
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:23 PM on June 15, 2018


My life has become extremely complicated lately; sorry that I haven't been very involved in planning. My mom is terminally ill, Ms. Kwine and I are trying to plan our wedding next winter and a move across the country to the Twin Cities later this summer, and we are on the job market there, in addition to trying to keep up with our current jobs.

We're still planning on coming-I had a great time last time I came out and we could use a weekend away-but I'm in Ohio with my mom currently and we won't be able to be involved with meal planning etc. until Wednesday or Thursday. We'll fill in anything needed at that time, but it's also possible that we'll have to cancel, so I'm reluctant to commit to a meal etc. at this time. Thanks for understanding, and hopefully we'll see you next weekend!
posted by Kwine at 9:14 AM on June 16, 2018


Oh jeez, Kwine, sorry stuff is so rough! Yeah, don’t sweat it, bring stuff if you feel inspired, don’t if not. Just hanging out with people is the fun part, I’d rather eat cold hotdogs/tofu dogs while camping with mefites than a fancy meal alone.
posted by Secretariat at 9:36 AM on June 16, 2018


Oh, man, don't worry about the meal stuff etc at all, Kwine. That's a lot you're dealing with already; let us handle blah blah camping logistics and just take care of yourself. I hope we get to see you but whatever happens there is totally understandable so do not add any of this to your pile of stuff to manage. Hugs.
posted by cortex at 9:37 AM on June 16, 2018


Absolutely, no apologies needed! "More than enough food" is our standard camping experience anyway; so just show up if you're able, and if not we'll miss you but we totally understand.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:08 AM on June 16, 2018


Oh dang, I just came across a recipe for peach-infused moonshine! Way too late for this campout, maybe we can try it next time...
posted by Greg_Ace at 6:05 PM on June 16, 2018


Bendy and I just splashed out on a literal full grocery cart's worth of food and snacks. We shall eat splendidly and with exuberance.
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:45 PM on June 17, 2018


All courtesy of the last $220 on my SNAP card from last year. Thanks Oregon! ❤️

I found a brand new set of BBQ tools in my basement, borrowed a sproingy chair from a friend and I got the interestingest sleeping bag ever.

I can't remember the last time I went camping but apparently they kick you out of Oregon if you don't go once in awhile. I'm looking forward to it!
posted by bendy at 5:09 PM on June 17, 2018


And again, I want to point out emphatically: please don't let our over-enthusiasm discourage anyone else who wants to contribute meal-wise! Worst case scenario, we can always bring ingredients home again to be consumed later.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:36 PM on June 17, 2018


Is anyone reading the comments down here?
posted by bendy at 2:25 AM on June 19, 2018


I have no idea how these people got their cats wedged into their campsites, or why.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:00 AM on June 19, 2018


Should I assume plates and bowls and silverware are covered, or bring my own?
posted by churl at 5:11 PM on June 20, 2018


I'm bringing plenty of plates and silverware, Bendy is bringing bowls, but you'll need to bring your own cups/mugs.

DIRECTIONS to Lost Lake Resort & Campground, Hood River County:

GPS Coordinates: 45.489840 N 121.822578 W

From Portland: Take Highway 84 for approximately 58 miles, exiting at #62. Take Country Club Road to Barrett Drive turning left on Barrett Drive to Tucker Road. Turn right on Tucker Road which eventually intersects with 281 (Dee Highway); take Dee Highway to the Lost Lake Road exit, Lost Lake Road dead-ends at Lost Lake Resort & Campground.

Google Maps route - get to I-84 East from wherever you are then follow that map into the campground and to the D loop. (Note: the alternate route involves a stretch of single-lane gravel road after turning off of US-26 at Mt Hood Village - use at own risk!)
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:35 PM on June 20, 2018


The campground probably has potable water, but just in case I'm bringing a couple gallons with me - that probably won't be enough for everyone for the entire campout, though.
posted by Greg_Ace at 7:37 PM on June 20, 2018


I'm thinking we'll be leaving Portland at about 3:30 or 4pm today. See you there!

I was just reading over the campground info and as I interpret it there should be potable water, but you might want to bring something to put it in (like a waterbottle, a spare jug or something), since it might not be immediately next to our campsites.
posted by Secretariat at 8:11 AM on June 21, 2018


I was planning to leave around noon since check-in time is 2pm, but we'll see whether that actually comes to pass.... See you when we all get there!
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:39 AM on June 21, 2018


Looks like I'll be getting there around 5:30 - 6 as well.
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:26 PM on June 21, 2018


We are on the road! There about 7.
posted by cortex at 5:07 PM on June 21, 2018


We have decided to come! We plan to arrive in late afternoon or early evening today. I'll review the spreadsheet but let me know if there are any last minute necessities or desirables that we can bring.
posted by Kwine at 7:20 AM on June 22, 2018


I don't know if y'all have internet access up there but I'm leaving NW PDX in about half-an-hour. I just have to finish catching up on Metafilter.
posted by bendy at 4:07 PM on June 22, 2018


Not sure if anyone has The Internet out there at the moment but I have to pull out tonight. Still hoping to come out tomorrow (sat) in the morning and stay one night. I’m sorry, personal thing came up.
posted by churl at 6:51 PM on June 22, 2018


Thanks everyone for coming, and making this such an enjoyable outing! I'll have some pics up soon.

...Does anyone remember what they were going to look up once they got back to civilization and cell service?
posted by Greg_Ace at 4:07 PM on June 24, 2018 [1 favorite]


Was it World Cup results?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 4:44 PM on June 24, 2018


Oh no, nothing that grandiose! :)
posted by Greg_Ace at 5:30 PM on June 24, 2018


Pictures added! Yes, I actually added pictures to Flickr, and linked them in IRL. It's been a while. Unfortunately I didn't catch too many pictures of people- I think cortex may have grabbed a few of the group. I had a wonderful time, thanks all!
posted by Secretariat at 10:58 AM on June 25, 2018


Claire and I had a great time. We're sorry that we're moving away soon and probably won't be able to attend a PNW camping meetup again. Thanks for the pleasant company!
posted by Kwine at 12:16 PM on June 25, 2018 [2 favorites]


Glad you could make it. And now you have The Story of the Overdue Chili to tell friends in your new location!

I've added my pictures as well.
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:24 PM on June 25, 2018


Looks like it was a lovely campout, cats. I am sorry I missed it but I look forward to the (inevitable?) Can I Eat This in askMe re: overdue chili.
posted by janell at 7:54 PM on June 25, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh, we ate it...just, at midnight when it was eventually (nearly) ready to eat rather than at the originally planned meal time. Further embarrassing details will only be revealed via massive bribery.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:06 PM on June 25, 2018


My two videos are in. One is of the T. Rex and the other is cortex and Greg_Ace adding musical accompaniment to churl pumping up his air mattress. My contribution to the video is hysterical laughter and Cloverfield-esque filmography because I can't stop doubling over laughing.
posted by bendy at 8:07 PM on June 25, 2018


My link to my flickr was busted. Saul good now.
posted by bendy at 8:21 PM on June 25, 2018


I spoke to soon. The T. Rex video was set to private. It's all good now.
posted by bendy at 8:32 PM on June 25, 2018



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