Barlow Creek, Oregon Camping Trip

This was our first beautiful weekend of the year with temperatures forecasted in the low 80s F in Portland. Katie, our dog Bella, and I spent the weekend car camping with my friend John along Barlow Creek off the Barlow Road (FS road 3530). It's a beautiful area with silty soil and a mixed conifer forest (pine, fir, cedar, hemlock, etc.). There are several primitive camping spots along the creek between Barlow Crossing and Barlow Creek Forest Service campgrounds.

We started down the Barlow Road around 9 AM in John's truck heading Northwest from FS road 43. This part of the road (dirt and sand) follows Barlow Creek upstream. We passed several other groups camped at various spots along the creek before we settled on a spot just downriver from the Barlow Creek campground.

   

Our chosen spot had an old split-log table and a rock fire ring and was situated on the bank of Barlow Creek. There were several suitable tent sites, so Katie and I got to work setting up. John planned to sleep in the back of his truck, so he relaxed as we worked. Soon after arriving, we were greeted by lots of very large (read: hungry) mosquitos. The wet, boggy surroundings coupled with warmer temperatures seem to have brought them out in force. We quickly donned long sleeves and bug spray to prevent being eaten to bits. After setting up camp, we packed our daypacks and set off on a day hike to Catalpa Lake. We had a great time and Bella enjoyed a swim in the cold lake.

   

Once back at camp, John and I went to work cutting and splitting firewood. As odd as it sounds, it is one of our favorite pastimes. We are always rewarded with the smells of freshly chopped wood and a warm, roaring campfire.

   

Our dog Bella loves camping, especially when there is water close by. She spent much of her time running in and out of Barlow Creek, content to catch a passing stick or simply wander around in the cold water. We learned long ago that this lab is drawn to water and there is no keeping her away from it.

Our evening was topped off with a wonderful meal of BBQ chicken and fire-roasted corn and potatoes. I was so stuffed I could hardly move after dinner and ended up falling asleep in my chair next to the fire. The sound of Barlow Creek rushing by was very soothing. The temperature cooled down a little Saturday night, but for the first time this year, I didn't need a coat. Summer is finally arriving.