21
Feb
2014
jloomis

Lots of Deep Powder in Bonney Meadows

I had the day off Friday because I was planning on driving to Reno to visit family and go snowmobiling in the Sierras. Unfortunately there is still very little snow in that part of the country, so I booked a plane ticket to Reno on the same flight as my wife and our mini adventurer. That freed up Friday morning so I could take advantage of the fresh snow that had been falling on Mt Hood throughout the week. I met up with another snowmobiler at Frog Lake SnoPark with plans to ride out to Bonney Meadows which is on the Southeast side of Mt. Hood about 1.5 miles NW of Boulder Lake.

We got an early start from Frog Lake Sno-Park and were the only ones there. It was snowing lightly and around 30°F when we arrived. Our route would take us on forest service road (FSR) 2610 from Frog Lake Sno-Park to FSR 43 to FSR 4890 to FSR 4891 and finally on spur road 120 to Bonney Meadows campground. The trip is about 17.5 miles one-way.

Snowmobiling from Frog Lake SnoPark     Untouched snow in Bonney Meadows

The trails had been recently groomed for the first time this season. We easily made it to Bonney Meadows where we finally got off trail and had some fun in 2-3 feet of fresh snow. It was fun to finally be able to really ride my new sled and enjoy the snow.

Finally a snow covered snowmobile     Playing around in Bonney Meadows

I had a little harder time leaving Bonney Meadows as I got stuck on the way out. After digging my sled out a few times, I finally got her going again.

I got my snowmobile stuck on the way out from Bonney Meadows     Lots of mad gnar pow to ride in

Before heading back, we rode farther up road 48 (un-groomed past Bonney Meadows turnoff) to 4860. I manged to get stuck again, but it was easier to get free this time.

It was a great day and we had most of the trails all to ourselves. We didn't see other riders until we got back closer to Frog Lake. I can't wait to get out and do some snow camping.

Gear List

2013 Polaris 800 Switchback Assault Snowmobile
HMK Summit V16 Pack
GMAX GM76X Helmet
Smith Phenom Turbo Fan Goggles
Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Max Electric Boots
Columbia Men's Echochrome Ski Pants
Columbia Titanium Hightail II Softshell Jacket
Columbia Triple Trail Shell Jacket
Columbia Powerfly Down Puff Jacket
Head Digital Sport Liner Gloves
Outdoor Research Ambit Gloves
Columbia Men's Fast Trek Fleece Hat
Balaclava
Petzl TIKKA XP 2 Headlamp
Olympus Tough TG-1 Camera
Sony Action Cam HDR-AS30V
Lifeline Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel
First Aid Kit
iPhone w/NeoTreksGPS
Suunto A-10 Compass

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